Materials for lasting infrastructure

Mined materials that build lasting infrastructure

Supply and demand may vary, but on-demand products and consistent quality control remain constant at PPC’s Gauteng aggregate operations. IMIESA speaks to Arthur Ndindani, GM: Aggregates, about the strategic value of PPC’s Laezonia Quarry.

Arthur Ndindani, GM: Aggregates, PPC

What makes Laezonia Quarry’s geology unique?

AN A distinctive characteristic of Laezonia’s complex geology is that it provides an optimum range of rock materials that can be mined from a single source for readymix, building materials and infrastructure projects. One of the most distinctive is the amphibolite deposit, which is a metamorphic rock. This is highly prized by roads authorities, design engineers and civil engineering contractors due to its hardness, longer-term durability (crushing strength), and suitability for high-volume roads like freeways and national routes.

Unlike quartz, quartzites and sandstone sourced aggregates, which tend to be hydrophilic in nature, amphibolite is the most resistant to water ingress, given the correct layer works design, compaction methodology and sealing.

Other key products comprise granite and migmatite – a composite of granite and amphibolite – which is also employed in road construction, particularly for base and subbase layer works. Laezonia also has a highly decomposed granite material – a key resource for crusher sands. Major markets in terms of the latter include asphalt manufacturers and builders.

Are there synergies that add value within PPC’s Materials Business Unit?

Definitely, and this is key to our holistic customer interface. Within our Materials Business Unit, we currently operate 27 readymix plants, two ash plants, and four aggregate quarries, two in Gauteng, South Africa – namely Mooiplaas (a dolomitic deposit) and Laezonia – and a further two in Botswana.

Strategically, what is PPC’s forward plan for Laezonia?

We’ve positioned Laezonia to ensure that we are accessible and price competitive for all industry players in construction. This equally applies whether the customer is a 9 CIDB contractor, a specialist subcontractor, or an SMME in civils or building.

In the past, particularly because of its amphibolite deposit, Laezonia focused more on sector-specific, Sanral-type projects – the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project being a prime example. While that strategy hasn’t changed, PPC has now broadened its customer interface to ensure that all commercial built environment activities are covered.

This commercial focus has been supported by new mining processes to ensure that selected products can be mined at the lowest cost.

What are some common mistakes contractors make when it comes to aggregate selection?

Where aggregate products are selected based more on price than performance, the result could be a failed road, factoring in the design specification and construction methodologies employed. At PPC Aggregates, our technical specialists are there to provide expert advice. This can include preconstruction trial section analysis to ensure grading specification compliance, either via our PPC Jupiter laboratory and/or in conjunction with external road labs.

How is Laezonia supporting the asphalt sector?

We cater for all market requirements – examples include 6.7 mm and 9.5 mm stone, and washed crusher sand.

How significant is quality control?

This is the foundation of our business, since we know it’s essential for the longerterm integrity of any structure. Eliminating contamination is the starting point. Examples include the complete removal of clayey materials. All our products are washed according to the strictest standards to ensure that they are within specification.

Do you see an upturn for aggregate demand in Gauteng?

All our operations are geared towards the anticipated resurgence in public- and private-sector-led infrastructure projects. In the interim, we are experiencing a steady demand for base and sub-base material for roads projects, as well as readymix orders for building and structures. Overall, the PPC Materials Business Unit remains highly optimistic about future opportunities. We have been an integral part of Gauteng’s evolving landscape from inception and believe the next construction boom is just around the corner.

And in closing?

The hard lockdowns necessitated by Covid-19 have forced businesses to revisit their operational models, especially when it comes to modernising and streamlining efficiencies. In this respect, PPC is no exception, and all our operations are now repositioned to deliver the best value for South African construction.

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