A business partnership has delivered major benefits for SNK Group’s fleet of equipment. 18
ESS REDUCES DUST
ESS Engineering’s dust suppression systems are reducing dust on sites. 34
The power of Kobelco’s XD series excavators has proven to be indispensable. 44
Boasting class-leading performance and cutting-edge technology, Komatsu’s HD605-10 dump truck is a powerhouse in heavy-duty quarry operations, with a whopping 64 tonne payload and fuel-efficient engine.
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20 Greater sustainability
Viva Energy Australia has launched a new range of biodegradable lubricants.
22 New dump truck down under Komatsu has officially unveiled its new HD605-10 rigid dump truck.
26 Anaconda amazes
Oz Pebbles talks to Quarry about its experience with Anaconda equipment.
28 New distributorship delivers Quarry looks at the new agreement for Conductix-Wampfler Australia.
32 The full Hawg experience Surface miners are transforming New Zealand’s quarrying sector.
34 Playing a HiAce
SSAB has armed quarry operators with a HiAce to target two headaches.
Power and precision
The Volvo EC950E excavator is not just about raw power.
Deere delivers John Deere’s new wheel loader
Slip and slide
Kinder Australia’s range of K-Slide keeps the flow going.
Introducing the MC 120 Z PRO
Kleemann has introduced a new mobile crushing plant to its range.
46 Women in Industry winners
Find out who won at the recent awards.
50 Calls for government support CCAA has called on state governments to provide greater protection.
Australia’s resources industry is currently facing one of the worst labour shortages in recent memory.
In 2023, Jobs and Skills Australia found that 36 per cent of occupations were in national shortage in its Skills Priority List.
In addition, it found that occupations that have a strong gender imbalance were more likely be in shortage.
According to Federal Skills and Training Minister, Brendan O’Connor, the data points to a systemic problem for workers, business, and the economy.
“Acknowledging the gender imbalance in workplaces, behavioural barriers and improving workforce diversity in certain occupations will reduce the likelihood of skills shortages and open up the potential for improved wages and working conditions,” he said.
“We need women to start seeing other women regularly in construction jobs and men seeing other men working in aged care facilities to encourage more people to follow that path. Because if you can’t see it, it’s hard to imagine being it.”
Although the proportion of women in trade apprenticeships is slowly increasing, women are under-represented in almost all
traditional trade occupations, representing 12.2 per cent of all trade apprentices.
The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) understands that diversity is key for the industry to continue growing, and to ensure the sector has the talent pool it needs to succeed.
A decade ago, the institute saw the need to enhance women’s’ involvement and contribution to the resources sector, setting up the first Women in Quarrying event. Since then, the Women in Quarrying Network has grown in strength and number, with conferences held in across the country.
The network provides a platform to further enhance women’s involvement and contributions to the industry and creates an opportunity to network with each other.
The Women in Industry Awards have also helped shine a spotlight on the outstanding women from across a range of traditionally male-dominated sectors, including quarry.
There is still a lot more that can be done to support and encourage a more diverse industry, and everyone in the industry has a part to play.
William Arnott Editor
“ACKNOWLEDGING THE GENDER IMBALANCE IN WORKPLACES, BEHAVIOURAL BARRIERS
AND IMPROVING WORKFORCE DIVERSITY IN CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS WILL REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF SKILLS SHORTAGES AND OPEN UP THE POTENTIAL FOR IMPROVED WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS.”
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The past month has been incredibly active for the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) in both networking and education.
We began with Queensland’s Safety and Health Conference, the largest event on the Queensland calendar, focusing on mental health as a workplace safety issue and the well-being of our young workers and women in this sector.
Networking continued along the Eastern seaboard, starting with the Northern New South Wales team in Port Macquarie, and moving down to Victoria for the largest ever Women in Quarrying (WIQ) event hosted by Boral.
Tasmania also hosted its first event for 2024 with a site visit to its largest ever infrastructure program.
Our team is always seeking new and exciting opportunities in the essential construction space, and many more events like these are planned for the remainder of 2024.
Ensuring our educational and practical tours meet the needs of our members is crucial.
A member survey will be sent out soon, and I encourage all of you to participate so we can continue delivering qualityprograms.
Our membership has also grown. We will finish the financial year with 285 new members, which is a phenomenal 14 per cent increase from the past financial year.
I am proud to see our membership base growing, reflecting the value we provide to our members.
If you haven’t attended any events this year, I encourage you to join in a local branch event.
With the Annual General Meetings coming up in the next few weeks, it’s a great opportunity to join a committee, meet new people, and connect with IQA.
All the best.
Duncan Harris President Institute of Quarrying Australia
“OUR TEAM IS ALWAYS SEEKING NEW AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ESSENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SPACE.”
and
www.quarry.com.au
The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities:
Thriving communities supported by a sustainable industry
Operational Priorities:
• Deepen industry participation
• Sustainable revenue streams
• Highly capable team
• Technological innovation
• Effective engagement
• Great governance
Strategic Priorities:
• Support industry participants with compliance and regulation
• Build a diverse and skilled industry workforce
• Foster strong industry connectivity
IQA Contacts:
Phone: 02 9484 0577
Email: admin@quarry.com.au
Chief Executive Officer
Jane Schmitt
Deputy President
Michael Close
Company Secretary
David Cowie
For all education, member and branch enquires please email: admin@quarry.com.au.
According to the company, the new branch will increase its national presence and help strengthen its support and relationship with its South Australian customers.
The new warehouse will stock a range of OEM and locally sourced spare parts. It is in Wingfield and has convenient access to the state’s major highways and industrial sectors.
“Throughout our history, we’ve made it a priority to expand our reach across all major Australian cities, always with a sharp focus on delivering exactly what our customers need, precisely when they need it the most,” Lincom Group chief executive officer Stephen Watterson said.
“Our Adelaide branch embodies this philosophy perfectly. Our success is built on a foundation of exceptional customer service and the simple yet powerful idea that being closer to our customers is paramount.”
The new branch follows Lincom Group opening a new technical institute for its customers and staff in recent months.
The branch is located at Unit 2, 402 Hanson Road, Wingfield, SA, 5013. •
Development Success of the Year award and in the running for Woman of the Year 2024
The Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding women from across a range of industrials sectors, including quarrying, mining, transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, rail, construction, and infrastructure
She said to be named a finalist with was an incredible experience.
“I was proud to be a finalist in a room full of incredible women in industry ranging from
so motivating. Closing the gender gap is something that can be achieved in this lifetime. The awards highlighted this. It’s happening. Our daughters should know no gender bias in their chosen field of work. This is important work to break down barriers and create new possibilities for the next generation.”
Brooklyn Quarry is a family owned and operated quarry – not owned or staffed by large corporations.
Knott said she is proud to showcase Brooklyn Quarry and the entire New England region.
Holcim will use artificial intelligence to include more than 100 plants worldwide over the next four years under a new plan announced recently.
The announcement is an expansion of the company’s current use of artificial intelligence, which has already been deployed in 45 plants. The technology is used to predict and prevent failures as part of the company’s approach to preventive maintenance. The inclusion of AI technology is part of Holcim’s Plants of Tomorrow program, which involves over 140 integrated plants and grinding stations across more than 40 countries.
The new plan will see Holcim roll out its AI preventative maintenance solution and pilot a generative AI program.
The solution was developed in collaboration with C3 AI, which is a well-known AI software provider.
“AI is a transformative technology that will revolutionise our industry,” Holcim chief executive officer Miljan Gutovic said.
The company will continue to upskill its maintenance teams to use the AI technology to carry out asset management and optimisation in real time.
Overall, Holcim has AI initiatives in several other areas including product quality and process optimisation to autonomous vehicles and computer vision. These initiatives also include the use of unmanned drones for enhanced inspection and safety practices, and smart control systems for efficient energy consumption.
“Already widely embedded across Holcim, AI catalyses operational efficiency and enhances customer service. We will ultimately scale up our use of AI to hundreds of sites worldwide,” Gutovic said.•
CRAWLER DOZER
You don’t settle for second-best on the job site. So why settle for second-hand?
Buying a new John Deere J Series-II Crawler Dozer could be as affordable as buying a used competitor machine and will give you more of what you need and less of what you don’t. More dirt shifted, more powerfully. Less risk of costly repairs and downtime, backed by a rock-solid warranty and dealer support. Don’t let used equipment hold your operation back. Invest in new, today.
points and a design focused on reducing downtime. This allows you to prioritise productivity over upkeep.
To submit new product and equipment releases, email: les.ilyefalvy@primecreative.com.au
Tricon Equipment offers comprehensive support and expert advice, ensuring that the M515 seamlessly integrates into your quarry operations, delivering unmatched performance and reliability.
The M515 is renowned for its reliability and performance. Tricon remains a trusted partner for industries in search of innovative solutions. The Terex MDS M515 exemplifies the company’s commitment to advancing material processing technology.
For more information, call 1300 859 885 or visit triconequipment.com.au
The Hazemag roller screen can help mining operations handle sticky and difficult materials in different weather conditions.
The Hazemag roller screen has a separation surface area featuring disc-fitted, polygonal-shaped rollers. These rollers help transport, circulate and loosen material for the downstream equipment.
Fines pass the gaps between the rollers while coarse material is conveyed from the screen to the screen overflow. Compared to a vibrating screen, the Hazemag roller screen is non-vibrating, which is helpful in specific operations with wet and sticky materials. The Hazemag roller screen with gap setting can be adjusted for product size 70–120mm and secondary 20–70mm. This enables operators to adapt to changing requirements and easily suit material specifications. The roller screen’s ability to handle difficult material means less wear and reduced energy consumption for operators and a longer, more efficient crusher life.
For more information, visit hazemag.com
How investment and sustainability are driving Delta Rent’s fleet to new heights in the construction materials sector.
There are few more important words in the construction materials sector than sustainability.
The very concept of sustainability is revolutionising the quarrying industry. It is reshaping operational strategies, influencing the demand for specific machinery, driving innovation in product lines, and redirecting business investments towards operational improvements.
Quarry sat down with Anthony Grant, Delta Rent’s business development manager, to discuss how the concept was shaping Delta Rent’s business.
“Those factors like low carbon footprint, low emissions, low fuel burn, and all of those things are key drivers to what we’re trying to achieve,” he said.
“This shift is being driven by our customers and those major projects, so we need to be in that space, and we’d like to think we’re at the forefront of that.”
Delta Rent is an instrumental part of the Delta Group, which attests to being one of the largest diversified contractors of its type in the world. Since its establishment in 2005, Delta Rent has provided low-hour, nextgeneration machinery from its fleet, which is one of the largest in Australia.
Operating heavy equipment comes with a degree of risk and capital input, but with Delta Rent, companies can mitigate the risk by hiring the latest machines and receiving around-the-clock support.
Delta Rent has invested heavily in its fleet to ensure its continued success as an established and trusted partner in the quarrying industry as well as other sectors. During the past 18 months, the company has added more than 40 pieces of gear, including a range of dump trucks, articulated dump trucks, dozers, wheel loaders, excavators, and more.
“We’ve come a long way and that has taken us into product platforms that we haven’t been into before,” Grant said. “We’ve got a 100-tonne and bigger into 200-tonne diggers, and into 100-tonne size rigid trucks; we never thought we’d get that big, and we have.
“We’re certainly open to looking at the right project and putting the right gear into that project, and if that means buying it new, we’ll buy the gear.
“We’ve seen ourselves going from one particular segment in the construction materials industries, and that was our core business. Now we’re into light construction, heavy civil works, the construction materials industries and the resources sector; we’re crossing over into all of those segments.
“A decade ago, I never thought we’d be there, but we’ve grown with the market and seen those opportunities with our customers; we’ve certainly grown with our customers.
“An important part of that has been being able to supply them with the right asset from our low hours and latest technology fleet, which has been important for our growth.”
Over that time, Delta Rent has matched industry trends to ensure customers can access the machines they need. From National Heavy Vehicle Regulator-compliant machines to machines that utilise bio and synthetic diesel or lead-free and
sustainable equipment comes from the construction materials industry itself. Many of the major companies are committed to decarbonising their operations as part of a broader push towards net zero targets.
Grant said Delta’s customers had been voicing similar desires for sustainable equipment.
“It’s not government-driven; it is marketdriven, and we need to be at that cutting edge and have that within our fleet, and that’s the way we will be going,” he said.
“As we peel off those older machines and dispose of those, we will then be going into that new technology. That includes low emission, low carbon footprint, and low fuel consumption technology.
“The market will dictate that you need to have that product. And over the longer term, that is where we believe the market is heading; sustainable equipment is where it is at for us and where we’re going.”
Some of Delta Rent’s latest investments can operate with synthetic or biodiesel or, in some cases, lead-free and biodegradable hydraulic oil. These machines can maintain a high level of performance while reducing the amount of harmful pollutants released into the environment.
Other machines in Delta Rent’s fleet feature fully recyclable components, which help reduce their impact on the environment.
certified structures with ergonomic cabins and controls equipped with multi-lingual LCD and LED cabin displays.
Operators and quarry managers can take advantage of original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) GPS tracking and telematics systems to access insighful data.
As heavy industries, including quarrying, mining and construction, move towards a more sustainable future, it can be tough for operators to tell their diesel from their biodiesels. Quarries may want to start on the journey towards creating a sustainable operation but may not be sure where to start.
For companies tackling major infrastructure projects, meeting these sustainability criteria is essential.
“A lot of these projects now require that sustainability box to be ticked. Some of these criteria need to be met before you even get a machine on the site for some of these projects,” Grant said.
“We’re seeing it everywhere, and it’s only becoming more prevalent.
“That has been a good selling point into the market for us that our fleet does tick all those boxes when we are going to those heavy infrastructure, government projects that we can offer that.”
Delta Rent’s investment in its fleet and extensively trained staff allows the company
to assist quarry operations on this journey.
Delta Rent uses data, including site production outputs and safety specifications, to match the business with the best fit-forpurpose machine from an OEM brand.
Delta has its team trained in the maintenance of new-generation machines and can provide 24-7 fixed and mobile maintenance for quarries across Australia.
This is supported by Delta Rent’s strong relationship with the major OEMs who also provide customer support when required.
“There’s a certain amount of training you need to do but you also need to bring in talented people that understand that equipment,” Grant said.
“We pride ourselves on finding those people that fit with our business and are going to offer what we need. It is important to bring fresh eyes and fresh perspectives, especially with maintaining this stuff.
“A lot of the work is remote, which creates another challenge with logistics. That’s why we stick with these OEMs because they can support us and help us where we need it.
“I think we provide a service that is second to none, and we are truly 24-7 Australia-wide.”
Through its continued investment, Delta Rent is supporting the future of the quarrying industry.•
For more information, visit deltarent.com.au.
Management of mobile equipment idle time is a simple but effective way to reduce CO2 emissions and costs on site. Eltirus’ Steve Franklin explains.
Did you know that for every litre of diesel burned, 2.68kg of CO2 is produced?
As you might imagine, this can really add up over the course of a year, let alone the life of the machine. But other than replace your diesel equipment with machines powered by alternative fuel sources, what can you do to reduce the amount of diesel consumed on your site, reduce CO2 emissions?
Idle time is any period where the engine is running, but the machine is not working. Common causes of idle time:
• Loading tool operators under trucked who are waiting on trucks
• Machines left running on the go line at start (or end) of shift
• Machines running through breaks
In a 2014 article called “How much is idle time costing you?” Caterpillar estimated that it was not unusual for 40-50 per cent of total running time to consist of idle time. This is a jaw-dropping number.
In the ten years since that article, this percentage will likely have dropped in line with the broader roll-out of auto-shutdown systems, but I suspect that it is still a large number and one that you probably want to do something about.
Excessive idle time not only unnecessarily burns diesel and produces CO2 emissions, it also reduces component life, results in unnecessary servicing and oil changes, burns through warranty hours and reduces resale value. Would you pay the same for the second-hand machine with 10,000 hours on the clock or the one with 14,000 hours through excessive idling?
So, what to do about reducing idle time? First, you must have a system to monitor it. Most modern machines will have some form of telematics system that will help you do this – Caterpillar Vision Link, Komatsu Smart Quarry, Volvo CareTrack, are all good examples.
Secondly, you need to decide what target you are going to set and determine the value of the likely improvement. Thirdly, you need to put in place a program to drive down idle
time – some of the ways that this can be done include:
• increase operator awareness of the issue.
• reduce idle time at shutdown. Most modern machines can be shutoff instantly and don’t need to idle for long periods to ‘wind down’.
• shutdown trucks waiting more than five minutes at the loading or tipping point.
• minimise warm-up on the go-line – five minutes should be plenty.
• use auto-shutdown systems wherever possible.
• fit electrically powered air-conditioning/ heating systems in machines so that the cab temperature can be maintained during breaks without the engine running.
Key to the effectiveness of any problem like this is continual feedback to the crew on how they are doing against the targets and the importance of them.
When we think about engine life, we tend to think in terms of hours run. However, the real measure is litres of fuel consumed by the engine during its life.
You could in a way liken it to a bank account that starts with say $100,000 as an initial balance and for every litre of fuel consumed, the balance is debited until it hit zero and the engine needs rebuilding.
Consume a large number of litres per hour and the engine life is shortened –
consume it more slowly and the engine life is lengthened.
Manufacturers characterise this in terms of duty cycle and produce tables showing estimated fuel consumption in line with low, medium and heavy duty. These tables are very instructive, because not only do they help us predict fuel consumption, they also help us understand how hard the machines are being worked and how well matched they are to the job.
I recently saw a post from a company switching out an older loader for a new one and noting with some pride that it had achieved close to 30,000 hours on the initial engine.
While this was clearly a credit to the team looking after it and the manufacturer, in reality it also indicates that the duty cycle was low, because if it had been in the medium duty to high range, the engine life would have been more like 16,000–22,000 hours.
Another issue we see is that the machines being purchased are often too big for the role they are being deployed in. This is often the case with face loaders – due to a larger truck size being used, a larger wheel loader is needed to load that truck and so the loader often ends up underutilised.
And finally, you need to consider machine size growth over time. Replacing the machine that you already have with the latest version of it may seem logical but may not be the best choice. If we take the Caterpillar 980 as an example, it has grown from an initial 175kW to the current machine rated at 307 kW – this is a big jump, particularly when you also factor in just how much more productive the machine is generally through better technology.
Some years ago, I worked with a site to help them replace their face loading tools. We determined that they could get the work done with a size class smaller (than they were used to) and ten years on are doing just fine with the smaller machines and have saved themselves a fortune in the process.
In the absence of accurate idle time data, knowledge of duty cycle can help you gain an accurate picture of what is occurring in the operation.
Many years ago, I was asked to review the number of sales loaders on a large operation. The quarry had six large sales loaders and was hearing continual complaints from the
operators that this was not enough. Luckily, they had good fuel consumption records and hour meter readings for each machine
On analysis, the most remarkable thing came to light. The fuel consumption on most of those loaders was so low that the only answer was that they were spending most of the time idling. Only a couple were where you would expect, and further investigation found that the truth of the matter was that the ‘old hands’ would settle themselves out of sight near the slow-moving stockpiles while two young operators did most of the work on the fast-moving stocks. Needless to say, they didn’t get any more loaders.
When I operated machines, the cardinal sin (and a sackable offence) was to be caught by the boss doing nothing.
I learned early on that I was far better off to create “busy work” and keep the machine moving, no matter what, as to be caught stopped was going to get me into a lot of trouble. And so, roads that didn’t need to be graded were, roads watered that didn’t really need to be watered were wet, material was moved unnecessarily from place to place and so it went on, all to ensure that we were not caught “doing nothing”. It took me a while to realise this was a foolish viewpoint. It is much cheaper to park a machine up if there is no productive work for it and sit the operator in the crib room (or send them home) than operate a machine for the sake of it.
Some of you will no doubt think this is nonsense, after all, the “cost” is just the diesel consumed, you have to pay the operator and the lease anyway, but in reality, this is not the complete picture, you also have to “pay” the operating cost of the machine too – this is just not a cost that you immediately see. Operating any major machine is expensive and forcing an operator into busy work is poor for morale.
I mentioned earlier that manufacturers create duty cycle tables for you to get a sense of fuel consumption. One way to use them is to help justify machine replacement. By way of example, I came across a site with many Cat 773B haultrucks. Given their age, I commented on them to the manager. His response was that they were the lowest cost machines they had and there was no plan to replace them. Out of curiosity I sat down and did a quick fuel burn comparison between the existing trucks and current models. The newer machines had a 41 per cent higher rated payload and a 32 per cent lower fuel consumption. These are big numbers. At a time when companies are all the more cost and emissions focussed, replacement of older generation equipment just might be good for the bottom line and the environment too (not to mention your operators’ health). •
Hardox® 500 Tuf is a new wear-resistant steel from SSAB. It combines the hardness of Hardox® 500 with the toughness of Hardox® 450. The high wear resistance of Hardox® 500 Tuf makes it possible to increase the load capacity by using a thinner plate and still have the same outstanding service life. Or stay with the same thickness and increase service life by 30% or more, depending on the abrasive material.
Hardox® 500 Tuf is also tough enough to perform as a structural steel, allowing for a stronger and lighter mining body with less supporting structures. Hardox® 500 Tuf takes the load instead.
Get the full story of Hardox® 500 Tuf at www.hardox.com
Contact SSAB Brisbane. Melbourne. Perth G1, 28 Balacalva Street Woolloongabba, QLD 4102
Email: australia@ssab.com www.hardox.com
A business partnership built on reliability has delivered major benefits for SNK Group’s fleet of new and used equipment.
SNK Group has built a flexible fleet of new and used equipment as a result of its relationship with Komatsu, which is built on trust and reliability.
SNK Group is a second-generation family business based in Eraring, between the Central Coast and Newcastle in NSW. The family focus remains in place today, with Lee Kenworthy working as the managing director since he took over from his dad, Stuart, six years ago.
SNK Group focuses on projects in many industrial sectors, including bulk and detailed earthworks, mining, site rehabilitation, as well as municipal and contract crushing throughout the Hunter region.
Lee Kenworthy, managing director for SNK Group, said the company’s wide range of projects requires a machinery fleet that is versatile enough to be used across projects and flexible enough to meet the changing needs of these sectors.
By working with Komatsu, the company was able to purchase a mix of new, used, and hire
equipment, which hit the sweet spot.
“As our projects can include anything from open cut mines to crushing and screening on quarry sites, and mining and power station dam and road construction, we need a fleet of machines that can really tackle any job and is available for work when we need it,” he told Quarry.
“We currently have around 30 pieces of Komatsu equipment in our fleet, both new and used, which includes excavators, dozers and dump trucks.
“During Covid, we all saw a lack of availability in new equipment because of the supply chain impacts, so we turned to adding more used pieces to our fleet, as there were more available and at a competitive price.
“The Komatsu team worked with me on what equipment we needed, or what gaps we needed to fill, and helped source those used pieces. They were reliable, flexible, and priced well for us. I can’t fault their customer service.”
Lee said that the strong partnership has led to them working with Komatsu on trials for their suite of technology solutions for excavators and dozers.
“We’ve been lucky enough to work with the team on different trials of the Komatsu intelligent machine control (iMC) technology, so they can stress test it in real environments before rolling it out to customers,” he said.
“It’s been good for us, too, as we’ve now got mostly iMC machines and have also been able to pilot their other products in the Smart Construction and Smart Quarry Site range, which has seen our productivity go through the roof.
“The Komatsu machines are great allrounders. They’re productive and reliable and the back-up and support from the team is second to none. The partnership we’ve built with them to not only grow our fleet but grow our business has been invaluable.”•
For more information, visit komatsu.com.au
Viva Energy Australia, the Shell Lubricant Macro Distributor, has launched Shell PANOLIN biodegradable lubricants.
Lubricants play a vital role in keeping the world moving and machinery operating efficiently. As the world’s need for mobility, construction and industrial production grows, the demand for lubricants will also increase. However, there is a shared responsibility to meet this rising demand while reducing the environmental impact of lubricants.
Construction businesses can expect to see more high quality and environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) being introduced to the market, like the Shell PANOLIN range of biodegradable lubricants.
The bio-lubricant market has been projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.5 per cent from 2021 through 2025, well above the average growth expected for finished lubricants. [1]
Biodegradable lubricants are not new to the construction industry. There has long been a need for EALs for certain job-site environments, such as projects near water sources and environmentally sensitive areas.
“Years ago, EALs were made with just vegetable oils, and they had lower oxidation resistance and were really just a necessity for select jobs,” Viva Energy Australia product support engineer Silvana Farrugia told Quarry.
However, advancements in the performance of biodegradable lubricants have been accelerating in recent years, largely due to industry demand.
“This is largely being done through the reformulation of more balanced lubricants with higher tier Synthetic Ester base stocks and the development of better additives,” Farrugia said.
“The Shell PANOLIN portfolio, is technically well-balanced with high biodegradability and is designed for long life, with high performance and protection contributing to equipment longevity.”
The Shell PANOLIN biodegradable lubricants offer this sustainability without sacrificing performance. The portfolio includes a broad choice of readily biodegradable and low ecotoxcity lubricants for hydraulics, gears,
biodegradable engine oils (HDEO) and greases for machine lubrication, including leading OEM-approved products.
“Shell PANOLIN S4 HLP Synth 32, 46 and 68 for example, was the first Bosch Rexroth-approved biodegradable hydraulic oil, designed for uninterrupted equipment operation,” said Farrugia.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring the Shell PANOLIN range of products to the Australian market, and we have already seen strong interest amongst our partners and customers as they look to take tangible steps towards sustainability and biodegradable lubricants,” Viva Energy Australia lubricant sales and marketing manager Renee Reilly said.
Biodegradability is a measure of the breakdown of a chemical or a chemical mixture by microorganisms, and this property gives an indication of the potential of a chemical to break down into simpler, more harmless substances. This is particularly important when events such as accidental spills or leaks of fluid or waste disposal occur. [2]
Ecotoxicity is a measure of the toxicity of a chemical substance to an organism in a given environment. To be classified as non-toxic, a finished fluid and, in some cases, its major components must undergo acute toxicity studies at different levels in the food chain. Shell PANOLIN lubricants are all defined as having low ecotoxicity. [2]
“Biodegradability and low-ecotoxicity of a chemical or lubricant need to be considered in order to estimate the risks of detrimental effects on the environment, which could impact the people or businesses that use the ecosystems,” Reilly said.
“This is also important in ensuring businesses comply with environmental legislation.”
Shell PANOLIN has developed a wide range of high-performance biodegradable lubricants, to ensure that while quarries can reduce their environmental impact, it does not compromise on productivity or protection.•
For more information, visit vivaenergy.com.au/ shoplubricants
[1] Shell Innovations in Lubrication Whitepaper 2024
[2] Our finished lubricants biodegraded by over 60% after 28 days in the OECD 301 B carbon dioxide evolution test and are tested in accordance with OECD 202 to determine toxic potential. Biodegradability and ecotoxicity terminology is defined by ASTM D 6384-99, “Standard Terminology Relating to Biodegradability and Ecotoxicity of Lubricants” and as defined by EU Ecolabel.
Meet the XD Series of heavy excavators – designed to tackle the toughest challenges. From Australia’s best-selling heavy excavator brand, the SK380XD and SK500XD represent the pinnacle of Kobelco’s legendary reliability, fuel efficiency and productivity.
Featuring a rugged machine body, and reinforced boom, arm and undercarriage to conquer the most punishing of worksites around the world, these machines deliver the lowest total cost of ownership in class.
XD Series. Built for power. Built for reliability. Built to last.
Komatsu has officially unveiled its new HD605-10 rigid dump truck for the Australian market.
Komatsu is ready to make its mark down under with its latest offering to the Australian quarrying sector: the HD605-10 rigid dump truck.
The new rigid dump truck is focused on maximising productivity and minimising operational costs for quarry sites.
Nick Vrontas, Komatsu’s national business manager for quarries, said the development team had a clear focus while designing the HD605-10.
“Our development teams have prioritised customer needs to deliver a machine that not only builds on the reliability of its predecessor but also introduces significant performance enhancements,” he told Quarry.
“Operator comfort was also not overlooked by our developers, with hill start assist, cruise control and other new features, which make driving this truck a pleasure for any operator.”
The HD605-10 takes the previous HD605-8 platform and optimises it for performance and productivity. The new Komatsu machine boasts enhanced engine power and torque compared to its predecessor with a new 610kW
engine. The Stage V engine comes with three selectable modes, including economy, economy light and power, for operators to select from while on the site.
Komatsu has equipped the HD605-10 with a new high-efficiency cooling system and lightweight body option, which ensures the machine uses fuel efficiently, ultimately reducing operating costs.
The HD605-10 also has one of the smallest turning radiuses in its class, allowing sites to have narrower benches and switchbacks.
According to the company, the upgrades
increase power by more than five per cent, improve cooling performance, expand load capacity up to 64 tonnes with a 43m3 body, improve frame durability, allow for a 10/10/20 overload policy, and improve fuel efficiency.
The technology set-up is equipped to work with operator guidance systems, like Komatsu’s Smart Quarry Site, which is specially designed to improve productivity on quarry sites.
“Smart Quarry Site is an innovative fleet management solution specifically tailored for quarry sites, and focuses on improving site management, optimising production, machine health monitoring, proactive maintenance and enhancing safety on quarry and large civil construction projects,” Vrontas said.
“It gives real-time overviews of machine movements and material handling, helping operators and quarry site managers make informed decisions swiftly and accurately.
“The launch of the HD60510 underscores Komatsu’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and safety in the quarry sector, offering customers a reliable and sustainable solution for their heavy-duty operations.” •
For more information, visit komatsu.com.au
Shell PANOLIN offers a wide range of high-performance biodegradable* lubricants, delivering unrivalled protection** for your equipment and the environment you’re working in. Helping you meet your construction goals with less impact.
ESS Engineering’s range of dust suppression sprays, sealing and belt support systems, and chute designs provide a customised solution for reducing dust on industrial sites.
Dust is common in many industrial sectors as dust is generated wherever there is bulk material movement or construction materials are generated.
Dust from industrial operations such as quarrying, sands operations, and processing plants can significantly impact equipment.
Dust settles on and then abrades moving machinery components causing increased wear, replacement frequency and associated labour costs. Dust can decrease overall visibility and create slip, trip and fall hazards. Some materials can produce dust that has a heightened explosive risk near sparks.
Dust can also create other concerns; in some cases, it can damage ecosystem diversity, forests and farm crops and change the nutrient balance in soil and water.
“When employees see dust, they may not be able to identify the source of the problem because they see it every day and are used to it, but we deal with dust and are able to diagnose the cause of the dust,” ESS Engineering’s accounts development manager for Western Australia Tom Stahura said.
While each site has different challenges and expectations of dust management, ESS diagnoses and tailors solutions to solve each site’s dust issues. “By partnering with our clients and going to the quarry site, seeing what they are trying to describe allows us to take the experience gained to find the right mix for that client,” Stahura said.
ESS Engineering has a history of successfully designing, manufacturing, and installing tailored dust control solutions for industrial operations. To determine the best dust control method, ESS will examine the type of material, the source of fugitive dust, the design of the existing structures, and the environmental conditions.
Stahura explained there are three primary ways to control dust: minimising air velocity and exposure to the material, increasing the cohesiveness of the material and making the dust heavier by increasing the particle size so that it will drop from the air.
Solutions like sealing conveyor load zones, transfer points, impact zones and settling zones from ESS Engineering can help mitigate dust issues. The
point and install sealing and support systems to achieve better airflow and air control before considering water sprays or chute modifications.
“As a conveyor discharges its load, that material draws air in from above, so ESS aims to minimise the amount of free air getting sucked into the conveyor transfer chute in the first place,” Stahura said. In some cases, spray systems are used at transfer points to increase the material’s cohesiveness, reducing potential dust particles.
ESS’s dust suppression strategy reduces the amount of dust that leaves the skirted zone by controlling the air velocity. Reducing the air velocity that the product is exposed to also reduces the production of airborne dust.
“When there is dust moving with the top of the conveyor and in the same direction, it is important to slow that air down,” Stahura said.
“When we control the airflow at a transfer point, we reduce the production of airborne dust and thereby minimise the need for costly collection or suppression systems.”
Sites that experience crosswinds during certain times of the year may need to apply dust hoods or sealing systems along the conveyor to reduce escaped dust.
In areas where the material is exposed and cannot be sealed effectively, ESS uses dust suppression systems.
directly onto the material, the belt, or the dust directly at transitional points at a mine site including trucks, conveyors and rail cars, with most spray systems operating on a sensor.
Some systems may involve the use of liquid or foams. Spraying the material directly, increases its cohesiveness and can help it act as a sealant to prevent dust from escaping the system.
In applications where water resources are limited, or the material cannot become overly moist, ESS spray systems can use foam or other chemicals to act as a surfactant, cutting down on water usage while still having sufficient surface area to remain effective.
“Foam uses far less moisture than water drops by itself, with additives making the foam expand its surface area 100 times more than one water droplet,” Stahura said.
“As mentioned earlier, dust sprays are often used at load zones and discharge points to help prevent dust production,” Stahura said. “Wetting the belt’s surface can help the material to clump together to prevent particles from becoming airborne.
“Introducing moisture into the air attracts dust particles so that the particles gather enough mass that they will settle rather than be blown away to contaminate another area,” Stahura said.•
For more information, visit esseng.com.au
Quarry recently spoke with Oz Pebbles about its experience with Anaconda equipment.
For more than 30 years, Oz Pebbles has been a premium landscaping supplier, wholesaler, and distributor of bulk decorative pebbles, sand, soil, and mulch. Located in Southeast Queensland, its Gatton yard boasts approximately 25 acres of diverse landscaping pebbles available for collection or delivery.
The company serves customers across the Gympie – Wide Bay – Burnett region of Queensland, from its Kilkivan yard for bulk building stone and rock for retaining walls, cobblestone paving, landscaping, and pool sides.
In early 2023, Oz Pebbles became a part of Brisbane-based Sunstate Sands Group, a 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated company. Quarry spoke to Matt Holloway, operations manager for Oz Pebbles, about the company’s Kilkivan site, which holds a large stockpile of material from an old gold mine. Oz Pebbles’ materials range from 20mm gravel to 400mm rock. With a small team working onsite, the company needed reliable machines.
Oz Pebbles currently have two Anaconda machines, a DF410 and SR514 from Onetrak.
The DF410 is designed for optimal screening and stockpiling of materials with one of the longest screen boxes in the compact screening market. Meanwhile, the SR514 is both robust and economical, able to screen and stockpile up to three products, up to 350TPH. It features a 14 x 5 screen box with an optional triple or double deck, a 14ft feed hopper, main conveyor, and either three or four hydraulically folding stockpiling conveyors. Setting up the screen is easy and can be done in just 20 minutes, thanks to hydraulic controls that aid in the configuration of all conveyors, screen-box, and landing legs.
Holloway shared his thoughts on their decision to purchase Anaconda machinery. Previously, Oz Pebbles had no Anaconda machines in its fleet, but the company’s general manager had a relationship with Onetrak’s Jason MacDonald and had previously worked with Anaconda. This was a significant factor in Oz Pebbles’ decision-
making process. Additionally, Anaconda’s excellent reputation and the support of Onetrak’s national dealership, which offers service and technical expertise, just two hours from the site, were key factors.
Holloway said there were several standout features of Anaconda machines. Some of these include excellent fuel economy, easy mobility on tracks using a remote control, and the ability to screen three separate stockpile products from a single feed. Additionally, these machines boast a durable and solid construction along with good engine power.
Oz Pebbles regularly hears from operators who find the machines very user-friendly. Holloway said the units can easily fold up to be transported and are compatibile with both front-end loaders and excavators for feeding the hopper.
“These machines have good ground clearance, which makes clean-up easy. Further, the screen can handle different feed sizes with ease, even after warning operators about putting oversized rocks in the hopper. “Adjusting the tail belt height to increase or decrease stockpile height depending on site conditions is also helpful,” he told Quarry.
“I must say, our experience with Onetrak’s service manager Chris Gardham at Caboolture has been nothing short of excellent.
“Whenever we have any issues or need services, Chris is always there to provide timely and fantastic support. When we had to
Fine particles of dust pose a serious health risk, especially when fine particles are inhaled. Other safety risks include the increased risk of slips, trips, and falls in areas with poor visibility caused by dust.
Dust is a significant operating, environmental and occupational hazard unacceptable to the modern bulk materials handling industry.
The Quickfit nozzle is part of the ESS Dust Suppression System, which is designed to dramatically reduce dust emissions generated during materials handling processes.
ESS Dust Suppression systems are suitable for most applications where the process will allow for small amounts of added moisture.
ESS Dust Suppression System utilising Quickfit Nozzles are
• Easy to Install and maintain – with service occurring outside the structure
• Low Maintenance – by using filters to reduce blockages
• Low Water Consumption Units – using 2 litres of water a minute over a range of pressures. Making it suitable for drier environments
• Designed in Kit Forms – available in kits of 2, 4 or 6
• Tailored to suit your sites needs
Quarry looks at the new agreement for ConductixWampfler Australia and what it means for the quarrying sector.
There are plenty of ways ferrous metals could find their way into a crusher. Dropped tools, broken equipment, or foreign materials can find their way into the material stream and ruin one of the site’s largest investments.
If a crusher is down, productivity is ground to a halt for the quarry and its customers.
Research from the US Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and Virginia State University showed a “noticeable cost reduction” when fewer pieces of equipment are repaired with the right maintenance approach.
The Metcorr 117C tramp metal detector is one way for quarries and mines, especially operations focused on basalt, limestone, coal, gold ore, bauxite and nickel, to avoid lengthy crusher downtime.
“The Metcorr 117C tramp metal detector is a rugged detection system built for harsh conditions with minimal maintenance and servicing,” Conductix-Wampfler Australia’s state sales manager for Queensland and the Northern Territory, Chris Hobl, told Quarry.
The Metcorr 117C tramp metal detector features two identical coil sets that create a magnetic field. These are responsible for exciting the eddy currents in the targeted metal objects which the machine detects once the signal breaches the Metcorr 117C’s detection limit.
The unit is equipped with an upper swing bar which enables protection if the coil becomes redundant within the unit. There is also an optional fibreglass coil mounting set, which can ensure the coil is optimally mounted for operation.
Conductix-Wampfler has developed a reputation for its power and data transmission systems across the Australian resources, quarry, and bulkhandling sectors.The company’s Australian branch has signed on to be the exclusive
distributor for the Metcorr 117C tramp metal detector.
The new agreement will enable quarry operators to upgrade their operations with an industrial metal detector. According to its new distributor, it can improve product quality, protect machines and increase productivity.
“Depending on your specific conveyed material and what you are looking to detect, the supplied electronics cabinet can control all settings and sensitivities to ensure your desired level of detection is achieved every time,” Hobl said.
Conductix-Wampfler Australia, the exclusive distributor for the Metcorr 117C tramp metal detector, can help customers set up the unit to best suit their quarrying operation.
The versatile nature of the metal detector means it can be tailored to detect specific materials depending on what the quarry is conveying and the ferrous and non-ferrous material within it.
The company has offices in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland, and experienced staff is on hand to assist all clients and their operations. The staff has years of experience across Australia’s
resources, quarry, and bulk handling sectors and can use this knowledge to find the solution to a customer’s requirements. It also has dealers across New Zealand, New South Wales and South Australia to assist customers in those markets.
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“If you would like further details on The Metcorr 117c tramp metal detector, please contact us at your local Conductix-Wampfler sales office,” Hobl said. •
For more information, see conductix.com.au
The allair® air jig has been developed for the dry sorting of coal. This combines the benefits of sorting via pulsing with the benefits of dry processing – meaning that there is no need to treat the washing water or to dewater the products, for example.
• High efficiency and low maintenance
• Sorting using only air
• No need to treat wastewater or slurry
• Broad range of grainsizes and high throughput
• Reliable and user-friendly
• Stable product quality even with variations in feed material
Lippmann 300c and 400c. These mobile cone crusher plants were specifically designed to take on the most abrasive and toughest materials in aggregates and mining — all with mobile capabilities. Heavy duty cone crushers with an innovative material flow that maximizes capacity and throughput while delivering a consistently high quality product.
• MC400 High Speed Cone Crusher
• CAT C18 Engine
• Direct Drive
• 250mm Feed Opening
T: 1300 859 885 E: sales@triconequipment.com.au www.triconequipment.com.au
Effective and efficient.
The MDS M515 Heavy Duty Trommel excels at crafting rip rap and reclaiming rocks entangled with clay and other adhesive materials. Comes complete with fold out stockpiling conveyors and has four hydraulic jacking legs to raise the machine to increase stockpile capacities and lower for transportation. See triconequipment.com.au or call 1300 859 885
Superior’s Telestacker® Conveyor is a material handler’s most effective weapon against costly stockpile segregation. Its variable height, length, and axle positions allow for layered stockpile construction, which is key to achieving partially and fully desegregated piles. The design has been carefully fine-tuned for hard work and dependability in numerous applications.
Call Tricon on 1300 859 885 or see triconequipment.com.au
Surface miners are transforming the quarrying sector, where sustainability is the name of the game.
When Palmer Resources invested in a Tesmec 975 EVO Rock Hawg, it was taking a chance.
The company was one of the first in New Zealand to invest in a surface mining machine, which it planned to use at its three Canterbury quarries.
There are many common methods for quarrying, ranging from drill and blast to hydraulic mining to rip and load and continuous surface mining. Palmer Resources was one of the many operations that relied on ripping and loading with excavators or blasting for excavation to get its desired material.
That was until the company noticed the benefits surface mining was delivering for overseas quarrying operations.
“Blasting is fast, but there’s a lot of processing to be done afterwards. With surface mining, we’ve seen a 30 to 40 per cent cost reduction per bank cubic meter of limestone taken out of the ground,” Palmer Resources group general manager Shaun Cleverly said.
It was far from a simple transition. The company initially invested in a modified cold milling machine, traditionally used in the road sector, which presented some challenges. It could not access the corner section of the quarry as the machine’s tracks were wide while the cutting drum was narrow.
The company believed in the benefits of surface mining but decided to invest in a purpose-made surface miner that could deliver the operational benefits it desired with a better build quality suited to its limestone application.
The Tesmec 975 EVO Rock Hawg was Palmer Resource’s solution for its headaches.
The 975 EVO is Tesmec’s smallest Rock Hawg
surface miner, with a 2.9-metre-wide cutting drum mounted onto the 40-tonne machine.
These two fundamental features unlocked the full benefits of surface mining for the New Zealand operation. The drum –wider than its tracks – enabled operators to quarry against the square rock face and access the previously inaccessible square corners. The light frame – tipping the scales at just over 40 tonnes with optional extras added – means it can be transported between the three Canterbury quarries via a heavy transport truck.
The 975 EVO can operate in either an up-cutting or down-cutting mode. In upcutting mode, the Rock Hawg can discharge excavated material onto a conveyor belt and into the truck. In contrast, the down-cutting mode enables the machine to leave the crushed material behind to be loaded later. This operational flexibility allows companies to cut in a way that best suits their operations.
Cleverly told Quarry the machine’s productivity means fewer staff are required on-site at any given time, leading to savings on operational costs. The 975 EVO uses around 37 litres per hour of diesel, significantly less than the 80 litres per hour used by the previous cold-milling machine Palmer Resources trialled.
“If a modern surface miner can save you 40 litres per hour with today’s diesel prices, that’s very significant when it comes to your operating costs,” Cleverly said.
To make the transition to the 975 EVO Rock Hawg easier, Tesmec spent a week with Palmer Resources to upskill operators on the new machine. Tesmec set up 3D models of the Canterbury quarries which enabled the machine to precisely follow digitally
mapped routes on the sites and reduced the burden on operators.
“With GPS guidance enabled, it is practically driving itself,” Cleverly said. “Even in manual – it’s a lot like an excavator with a big drum on the back, so our staff who have operated diggers find it easy to learn.”
Tesmec believes surface mining, while relatively new in some regions, will continue to grow as quarries increasingly contend with extracting materials while managing sustainability targets.
Quarrying operations in Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France and Mexico are just some of the ones investing in surface mining technology.
According to Adrien Merceron, general manager of Tesmec New Zealand, sustainability is a key factor driving this investment.
“Sustainability is the word on everyone’s lips and quarries close to urban environments need to be more aware than ever of the environment, vibration, sound and dust,” he told Quarry
“As cities grow, the spaces around some existing quarries are becoming more densely populated. This is forcing operators to be even more conscious of noise, dust, and vibration caused by extraction methods used on their sites. Blasting, in particular, has become more tightly regulated.
“While blasting using explosives is still the go-to for some quarry operators, several alternatives, like surface mining, are emerging to help operators tackle these challenges.”
Due to its expansive range, Tesmec is one of the manufacturers at the forefront
of the surface mining trend. Its Rock Hawg product line includes the 45-tonne, 55-tonne, 100-tonne, and 140-tonne models, which can be customised to suit different quarrying applications. Surface miners like the 975 EVO Rock Hawg can be customised to use various digging attachments, including a rock saw or chainsaw, if needed.
While the product has been mainly sold into limestone and gypsum applications, Tesmec’s ability to customise the milling drum’s picks to suit the rock type means there is scope for other rock operations to use surface miners.
Tesmec has installed GPS guidance and automated digging systems as standard across its range of surface miners. The systems mitigate the risks of manual operation while ensuring increased productivity by allowing the surface miners to cover every inch of the quarry. Tesmec can also equip dust hoods, safety solutions
like anti-collision technology, onboard performance analytics, and fault reporting to suit the quarry’s requirements.
Customers can access remote support for its machines through Tesmec’s ‘global’ service structure. Tesmec’s experts from its Italian or New Zealand offices can provide remote guidance when operators need it.
Hamil Pala, Tesmec New Zealand’s business development and sales manager, said the technology made the Rock Hawg’s userfriendly for operators of all levels.
“Thanks to the built-in technology, the wheels, tracks and rollers endorsement or equivalent standard plus a couple of days training on the machine are all you need to operate a Tesmec surface miner,” he said.
“Surface opportunities provide an opportunity to work smarter, not harder. The technology will transform the quarrying market like no other.”
While surface miners have mainly proved
popular for medium-to-large-sized flat quarries, their sustainability benefits and customisation options make them a strong alternative for other types of quarries.
Limestone and cement quarries have been among the early adopters, but Merceron said many other types of quarries could also see the benefits.
“As technology continues to improve, surface miners will become even more versatile, enabling them to operate on a greater variety of sites and to quarry an increasingly wide array of rock types and minerals,” he said.
“In an industry like quarrying, where margins are often tight and competition can sometimes be fierce, embracing new technologies can be the difference between success and failure.
“With so many benefits, the number of surface miners operating within quarries is almost certain to rise in the years ahead.” •
SSAB has armed quarry operators with a HiAce to target two of their main headaches: abrasive wear and corrosion.
helping them withstand wear and corrosion.
In Western Australia, regarded as one of the world’s harshest mining environments, it is being used to strengthen mining trailers that transport iron ore, giving the trailers up to 50 per cent longer service lives.
A combination of low pH levels, chemicals, temperature and minimal maintenance can be the perfect storm for causing specific damage called pitting corrosion.
Pitting happens when the corrosion on the metal surface is localised to a small, rounded pit. A single pit can stop a machine in its tracks as it damages the metal’s deep structures, even though it does not cause much loss of surface material.
Pitting corrosion has been detected for years in processing equipment across several heavy industries from mining to the quarrying and construction materials sectors.
Although hard to detect and predict, pitting can be alleviated by the use of Hardox HiAce.
“In some applications, it can be hard to understand if and how much corrosion is influencing the problem,” McClelland said.
“Testing Hardox HiAce is a very low risk, due to the hardness being the same as Hardox 450.
“The worst-case scenario is that Hardox HiAce will perform exactly the same as Hardox 450. When there is no corrosion and the only problem is wear, the Hardox HiAce is a flexible and low-risk material for quarrying.”•
Selected to increase your efficiency and reduce downtimeIf it’s above, around or below the belt, we have the answer.
The Volvo EC950E excavator is not just about raw power – it blends strength and cutting-edge technology to easily tackle the most demanding projects.
Efficiency and safety of heavy machinery are paramount in the fast-paced world of Australian quarry operations.
One of the biggest challenges in construction is maintaining high productivity while minimising downtime. The Volvo EC950E is engineered to excel in both areas. Its robust design ensures it can handle the toughest environments, significantly boosting project efficiency. This leads to fewer delays and more consistent progress, directly translating to cost savings.
The Volvo EC950E is built to withstand the rigours of demanding applications. It features a heavy-duty boom and arm and a strong frame structure with additional protection provided by a built-in, heavy-duty plate shielding the machine’s underside. Volvo Construction Equipment offers a heavy-duty bucket with wear-resistant steel plates for quarrying and mining, ensuring longevity and sustained uptime.
A wide range of wear parts, including teeth, adapters, segments, side cutters, and shrouds, are available to protect the complete bucket and further enhance its durability.
Equipped with a 450kW Volvo engine, the excavator delivers unparalleled digging force, making it exceptionally effective against hard and heavy materials. Its wide track gauge, long track length, retractable undercarriage, and optimised counterweight, ensure it maintains its balance even in the most challenging environments.
As Volvo’s largest crawler excavator, the EC950E boasts a high bucket capacity that significantly enhances on-site production. This allows for more tonnes per hour and increases overall profitability and productivity.
The excavator also offers flexibility and versatility through its range of attachments and work modes that are tailored to meet the demands of various jobs. The attachment
pre-set hydraulic flow and pressure from the comfort of the cab.
In addition, the integrated work mode feature permits operators to select the best mode for the task at hand, ranging from idle to power max, which enhances the machine’s efficiency and adaptability to different working conditions.
This combination of customisable settings and powerful performance tools ensures that the EC950E can easily tackle the toughest demands.
The demand for sustainable machinery is higher than ever. The EC950E addresses this need with its fuel efficiency and ecofriendly features. Reducing fuel consumption lowers operational costs and minimises the environmental impact, aligning with the growing emphasis on green construction practices.
The Volvo EC950E Excavator achieves its high level of fuel efficiency by integrating
hydraulic system. ECO Mode is specifically designed to optimise the hydraulic system by minimising the loss of flow and pressure, which significantly reduces fuel consumption.
The excavator also uses intelligent technology to control on-demand flow, reducing internal losses in the hydraulic circuit. This ensures that the excavator operates efficiently without compromising on performance.
Working hours can take a toll on operators, affecting their performance and well-being.
The EC950E prioritises operator comfort and safety with an ergonomic design and advanced safety features. This focus ensures that operators can work longer hours without fatigue, maintaining high productivity levels while staying safe.
The Volvo EC950E features a cab designed for comfort, spaciousness, and a low-noise environment. The cab’s ergonomic design includes large windows for greater visibility and large entrance doors, complemented by
well-placed handrails ensuring safe three-point contact. Additionally, the cab is supported on hydraulic dampening mounts to reduce shock and vibration levels, coupled with soundabsorbing lining to keep noise levels low, enhancing the overall operator experience.
The excavator also includes several features to improve visibility and reduce risks for enhanced operational safety. Rear vision and optional side vision cameras minimise the risk of damaging the machine during manoeuvres on the job site. The upper house also boasts punched steel tread plates that provide reliable footing when inspecting the engine from above.
All machine interfaces, including the joysticks, keypad, and LCD monitor, are ergonomically positioned for optimum control and efficiency.
The operator’s seat offers 12 different adjustments and can be moved independently along with the joystick console to accommodate the operator. This design ensures that operators can work efficiently and comfortably, even during long hours of operation
The Volvo EC950E includes sophisticated machine monitoring systems that provide real-time data and insights, allowing for smarter decision-making and proactive maintenance. This technological edge ensures that the EC950E can adapt to evolving project demands, making it a versatile and intelligent choice for any site.
Volvo’s CareTrack system is a telematics
solution designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the Volvo EC950E Excavator. This advanced system allows operators to monitor various machine parameters, including location, fuel levels, and total machine hours, providing crucial data to optimise operation.
CareTrack integrates with old and new machines, ensuring operators can achieve maximum efficiency regardless of the fleet’s age or composition. It also offers different subscription levels: CareTrack Start, which is included with new machines, and CareTrack Advance, available via subscription, which
includes support for optimising production, performance, and fuel consumption.
The GPS monitoring program within the CareTrack system works in conjunction with the machine’s diagnostic system, enabling remote tracking of usage, productivity, fuel consumption, and more. This maximises uptime and enhances the management of service and maintenance schedules. Realtime tracking ensures operators are fully aware of the machine’s operational status and and helps prevent unauthorised use. •
John Deere has introduced a new wheel loader into the market, providing customers with a versatile machine.
The new 444 G-Tier Wheel Loader has been released by John Deere in a move that expands its offering to customers in the construction materials sectors.
The company’s new wheel-loader is part of its performance tiering strategy, which offers customers a model that provides reliability without the extras that they would find in a P-Tier.
The 444 G-Tier builds on the previously introduced 544 and 644 G-Tier machines but at a lower operating weight and smaller size while maintaining the rugged build. The American original equipment manufacturer’s latest addition to the wheel loader lineup aims to cater to the segment of the construction market that values simplicity and reliability. According to the company, the 444 G-Tier Wheel Loader serves as a response to the demand for more economically priced wheel loader options that do not compromise on quality and durability.
Drew Miller, John Deere’s global product manager for wheel loaders, said the 444 G-Tier was a valuable addition to the market.
“Our customers are always seeking the perfect solutions to meet their needs, and the
introduction of the 444 G-Tier was a direct response to the demand for reliable and more economical options within our lineup of wheel loaders,” he said.
“This model not only comes in at an attractive price point, but it was also designed to perform and deliver the same durability and power customers expect from a John Deere machine.”
While offering a competitive price point, the 444 G-Tier still offers similar productivity as other models in its size class, including John Deere’s 444 P-Tier Wheel Loader and other industry leaders in its category. Among its standout features, the 444 G-Tier can be equipped with an optional high-lift which expands the reach of the machine.
The optional debris package, which includes a centrifugal air pre-cleaner and an auto-reversing fan, helps reduce downtime by enabling the operator to stay up and running on the job without pausing to remove job site debris. This model also has a protective transmission and bottom guards specifically designed to fend off the debris and ensure the machine’s longevity.
The stacked cooling package, with the hinged door for clean-out, can be set to automatically reverse at regular intervals, making for simplified maintenance.
Additionally, operators will benefit from the ground-level access on the machine’s left side which makes refills of major fluids, fuels and diesel exhaust fluids (DEF) straightforward and simple. John Deere has designed the transmission and hydraulic sight gauges to provide clear visibility for the operators which will enhance access to important components when needed. As part of its user-friendly design, there is dedicated right-side access to the machine engine’s after-treatment systems and the cooling system.
“With the operator’s ease of use and machine versatility at the forefront of its design, the 444 G-Tier is packed with familiar creature comforts,” Miller said.
“The cab, strategically crafted with ergonomic considerations, comes with adjustable controls, added floor storage space and a joystick with integrated forward, neutral, reverse controls, helping to ensure maximum comfort and ease during operation.
“For those seeking an added touch of comfort, the optional air-ride suspension seat and ride control features help elevate the operator experience on the job. On the versatility front, the machine doesn’t fall short either. The 444 G-Tier can be equipped with a range of attachment options ensuring adaptability across different tasks and applications.”
John Deere and its network of dealers fully support the new 444 G-Tier Wheel Loader and the full lineup of John Deere construction equipment. The 444 G-Tier features JDLink in the base model, which enables access to service advisor remote and expert alerts, support from trained technicians, and replacement parts when needed. •
For more information, visit deere.com
Kinder Australia’s range of K-Slide ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is helping Australian quarries keep the flow going.
When material blocks up a chute, production slows to a crawl, often requiring manual intervention to get material flowing again.
Not only does this reduce site efficiency but can increase wear and tear. Material that bridges or clings to chute walls can create uneven pressure and friction, requiring more frequent and higher cost maintenance or replacements.
It could even lead to spillage or damage to other equipment, resulting in wasted product, safety concerns, and hefty maintenance bills.
David Zhungu, design engineer at Kinder Australia, told Quarry that when sites need to combat flow issues and reduce wear, they turn to K-Slide low friction liners.
“When chutes and hoppers feed material onto a belt, you want a material that has a low coefficient of friction to allow it to flow freely down the chute wall.
“The K-Slide uses ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material. It’s a slippery, non-stick surface that allows wet product to slide right off it.”
“It’s abrasion and corrosion resistant, lightweight and easy to work with.”
K-Slide is available in a range of grades, thicknesses, and sheet sizes to cover many different applications. Antistatic and ultraviolet stabilised options are also available.
Kinder can supply the material in stock sheet sizes or cut them to precise measurements with counterbored or countersunk holes if required.
Zhungu said that bolting K-Slide to a chute means the customer can easily swap out a sheet of liner when it needs to be replaced.
“To reduce labour costs and the complexity of installation, the K-Slide sheets can be CNC precision cut to suit the customer’s application – you don’t want material getting stuck in any cracks. That’s why we work with customers to ensure the installation specifications are correct.
“We also provide instructions and advise clients to ensure all of our liners are installed correctly. Kinder makes sure everything is labelled to make installation as easy as possible.”
Kinder’s application engineers will survey the chute on site and assess the material it handles to determine the right tool for the job. The company has a range of liners it can deploy if the situation calls for something else.
The company takes particle size, moisture content, impact strength, abrasion, and chute shape into consideration to find the right liner.
For example, if a higher level of wear protection is required, Kinder can supply its proprietary K-Superline urethane wear liner, engineered to meet the demands of specific materials. Kinder’s K-Superline polyurethane lining system can solve issues related to abrasion, impact damage, sticking material, excess corrosion and noise from constant material impact.
For lower throughput and applications without fasteners, the company’s K-Slip low
friction liner can be bonded to chute surfaces. It uses UHMWPE for fine, non-abrasive particles. Often, these materials may need to navigate through complicated shaped chutes where there can be curved surfaces. With conventional low friction materials, these complicated transitions and confined points can make installation difficult.
Zhungu said multiple sites have responded with resounding positive feedback.
“A concrete manufacturing facility experienced a loss of 20% in production due to material hang-up. This issue was rectified with the installation of K-Slide into their two corrugated, square bins. “
“After installation, the bins were smooth and even, with the manufactured sand moving freely with no hang-up occurrence. Build-up of manufactured sand on the walls and corners was no longer observed and the manufactured sand exhibited increased mass flow.
“Productivity is at an all-time high with a minimal amount of product lost to ratholing and caking. K-Slide provides thorough wear protection to the bins, so they can withstand any abrasion from the material.” •
For more information, visit kinder.com.au
The new mobile crushing plant Kleemann has introduced to its range was developed for the challenging demands of the quarrying and mining sectors.
Crushing equipment needs to be capable of handling some harsh conditions, especially in the resources sector.
Quarry sites rely on these machines, as they sit at the core of many operations.
That’s why Kleemann has designed the MOBICAT MC 120 Z PRO mobile jaw crusher. The company knows the machine will play a key role at the heart of the plant, which is why it can achieve an output of up to 650 tonnes per hour.
To guarantee the best possible material flow, the machine’s continuous feed system
(CFS) adapts the conveying speed to the fill level of the crusher which ensures it is optimally utilised.
The PRO crushing plants are equipped with an economical and powerful dieselelectric drive. The crusher and conveyor belts are operated electrically. An external power supply is available as an option for even more economical operation.
The onboard generator can also supply downstream plants such as a screening plant or a stockpile conveyor.
The MC 120 Z PRO has an independent double-deck pre-screen with an extra-
large screening surface of 3.5 m². The thorough screening of the fines helps boost productivity and increase the final product quality, while also reducing wear at the crusher. The medium grain can be passed via the crusher bypass at the jaw crusher, which further reduces the wear.
The crushing gap can be adjusted with a few commands on the 30cm touch panel to adapt the plant to different applications. This is just one of the plant functions that is operated using the new and intuitive control concept SPECTIVE. The operator is guided through the menu step by step.
The radio remote control controls the movement of the MC 120 Z PRO and the feeding unit.
Despite its robust design, the MC 120 Z PRO is very easy to transport. The crushing plant is quickly set up in operating position as the hopper walls of the feeding unit can be folded hydraulically and are self-locking. Maintenance and refuelling are also simple, as all machine components can be reached from the ground or via spacious work platforms.
The MC 120 Z PRO can be customised by adding optional equipment. For instance, the crusher unblocking system can remove jammed material and a rock chisel can crush larger pieces of rock.
For more information, visit wirtgen-group.com
The power of Kobelco’s XD series excavators has proven to be indispensable for a quarry operator working on the hard rocks of WA.
Steven Della Bona has always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Quarrying was in his blood, after all.
In 1973, brothers Michael and Renzo Della Bona and their brother-in-law Peter Zamboni formed WA Limestone. At the time, they made up three of the business’ five employees.
Steven, Michael’s son and now director of the company, said the first 10 years were very hard, but they received a lucky breakthrough with key marine breakwater contracts.
“We began as basically quarry operators, firstly supplying the raw construction materials for road construction, then progressed into contracting, hard rock quarrying, concrete, and now basically all the construction materials that are required in roadbuilding, housing and construction,” he told Quarry.
Today, WA Limestone employs around 350 people across the state, with 10 metropolitan quarries in Perth, five concrete plants and four hard-rock quarries.
So, when WA Kobelco dealer LiftRite reached out with an offer to try the new SK500XDLC, Della Bona was initially sceptical.
WA Limestone had spent more than half a century building up a fleet of quarrying equipment to handle equipment hire,
That’s the question that LiftRite area manager for southern WA, Dean Bailey, needed to answer.
“LiftRite Hire and Sales has been operating in WA for 41 years. In 2016, we became the state dealer for Kobelco excavators,” Bailey told Quarry.
“Kobelco ticked a lot of boxes in regards to superior build quality, reliability and great value for money. Feedback from other Kobelco long-term customers was always positive with many commenting on the quality Japanese engineering and build quality, fuel efficiency and smooth hydraulic operation and performance.
“It was a no-brainer to go with the blue machines.”
Bailey recognised the type of work that WA Limestone carried out and had an in-depth discussion with WA Limestone about the benefits of the newly released XD Series of Kobelco excavators.
During these talks, WA Limestone found there was an opportunity for a 50t excavator for processing oversize material in the tough blue rock environments that the company often works in.
Designed for the most extreme work
“Kobelco machines offer an unparalleled build quality and are known throughout the industry for their reliability, performance and fuel efficiency,” Bailey said.
The excavator boasts advanced lifting capabilities with the standard extreme duty 7m boom and 3.45m arm, reaching a 7.81m dig depth with a rated safe working load over 6000 kg (measured at full reach over the side).
For even greater capacity, the XD Series is also available in a mass excavation configuration, known as the SK520XDLC. Equipped with additional counterweight and a shorter 6.5m boom and 2.6m arm, the SK520XDLC delivers even higher
breakout forces and additional bucket capacity, with a rated safe working load exceeding 8000 kg.
“Add to this the XD wear package and reinforcement, we were always confident that the SK500XD would perform and prove to be a reliable machine in such an environment,” Bailey said.
“Along with the 293 kN bucket breakout force, 222kN arm breakout force and a whopping 415kN draw bar pull, the model is a powerhouse for its weight.”
Della Bona said he’d been keeping his eye on the Kobelco range for a while and had always wanted to try one to compare them to the brands the company was already using.
“I have more than 170 pieces of mobile plant, and roughly 40 excavators,” he said.
“When COVID came along, it brought an opportunity to look at other brands and Kobelco was one of them. We always need better and more productive machines.”
“I did some market research and a few people told me the machines were worth having a crack on, and so we made the move to buy it.”
Della Bona said he has had no regrets.
application as a rock breaker, it’s been very reliable and hasn’t let us down at all,” he said.
bit as well.”
him has been the ease of operation despite the extra plate and steel on the machine.
“This is a 50t machine and is very robust, with a lot more plate on it compared to its competitors: yet it’s still a very comfortable machine to operate,” he said.
“Our drivers are the people that work the machines, and they really want to operate the machine, they really enjoy working it, it’s very smooth.
Find out who won what at the recent Women in Industry Awards.
The winners of the 2024 Women in Industry Awards have been revealed. The awards recognise outstanding women from across a range of industrials sectors, including in mining, transport, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, bulk handling, waste management, rail and construction and infrastructure.
The winners were announced at a gala event at Doltone House Hyde Park Ballroom in Sydney.
THE 2024 WINNERS:
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUCCESS OF THE YEAR
Sandra Robinson – United Rentals
Sandra Robinson held the role of BDM for Kennards Major Projects Division for just under a year before she was promoted into the position within less than a year. In the first 6 months of the role, she was able to achieve 252 per cent of her sales target and increases project management team members by 200 per cent due to the increase in projects won.
Steph Gee – CM & SM Gee Electrical
Hailing from the Meander Valley in Tasmania, Steph Gee supports grass-roots advocacy for the national electrotechnology sector. A fully licensed electrician and business owner, Gee has a knack for making the complex seem simple and leads by example, actively promoting gender equality and empowerment on the jobsite while holding influential positions on national industry boards and Government training and apprenticeship committees. Gee remains committed to
mentoring, is active in her community on local committees and volunteers in the school canteen when she can. Through her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, she ensures that the voices of her sector are heard and represented in the highest levels of decision-making within the electrotechnology sector and national energy market.
Kirstin Reblin – Opal
Kirstin Reblin embodied the essence of Mentor of the Year through self-driven initiatives and unwavering advocacy for women at Opal. She has tirelessly fostered female talent at Opal across all functional areas, hierarchy levels, and sites, ensuring inclusivity and empowerment at every turn. Serving as an NAWO Mentor since 2020,
Kirstin has spearheaded the expansion of mentoring programs, including the driving of Opal’s NAWO Mentoring initiative and engaging senior leaders to participate as mentors. Her dedication to fostering diversity is evident in the creation of “Thinking Diversity: Women at Opal” in Sep 2022, a network boasting over 450 members in March 2024. Through structured catchups and individual mentoring, Kirstin has championed women’s development, as evidenced by heartfelt testimonials from several mentees and senior leaders.
SAFETY ADVOCACY
Kathleen Kelly – McConnell Dowell
With a rich management background spanning construction, operations, human
implementing health, safety, and wellbeing programs. Kelly is driven by the goal of aiding both employers and employees in achieving organisational objectives through effective programs.
Currently, she is a significant contributor to the strong safety culture that has been established for the New Bridgewater Bridge project in Bridgewater Tasmania. Throughout her 22-year occupation in the construction industry, she has earned multiple accolades from projects and organisations alike for her fervent dedication to cultivating a culture of safety excellence.
Kate Leone – UGL - M6 Stage 1 Project
Kate Leone is a versatile, multidisciplinary problem-solver and global citizen, passionate about engineering for change and being at the forefront of technical innovation. She is experienced in voice communications design, 3D printing, robotics, data processing, and complex mechanical system design and currently works for UGL as a communications engineer on the M6 Stage 1 project in Sydney.
projects with a complete gender balance. She is a passionate teacher and mentor with active involvement with various industry organisations and associations.
Anne Modderno – Swietelsky
Anne Modderno, the first female managing director of any Swietelsky international subsidiary, has led significant progress since her appointment in May 2023. She spearheaded the development of the company’s Sustainability Strategy, reflecting her dedication to driving positive social and environmental impact.
Beyond her professional achievements, Anne actively advocates for inclusivity and diversity within the transport sector, promoting initiatives to increase female participation and close the gender pay gap. Her contributions extend to industry publications, where she highlights topics such as diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, and safety. Throughout her career, Anne has demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship and program management
Allyson Woodford – APA Group
Allyson Woodford is a visible and experienced engineering leader leading more than 355 people to support APA’s $22bn worth of critical energy infrastructure across Australia. Her 20-year background in engineering, operations and business improvement has seen focus on safe, affordable and lower emissions fuels for everyday Australians, whether it be via gas, renewable energy or cleaner transport fuels. Woodford’s commitment to leadership can be seen through her support for universities as an industry representative for course content and presentation, as well as gender diversity advice. She has also created award-winning in-house leadership training programs for emerging engineering leaders.
Derelle Mitchell – Health Focus Manufacturing Health Focus Manufacturers (HFM) is an award-winning Australian cosmetic
develops high-quality cosmetic and personal care products for globally established brands and startups.
Managing director Derelle Mitchell founded HFM in November 2011 after purchasing the assets of a cosmetic manufacturing company that was closing. Starting with just three staff, a basic commercial property and a small office space converted into a lab, Mitchell has built HFM into a $10M business on the cusp of launching a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Mitchell’s broker account management background, coupled with her certification in business management, meant that despite her lack of experience in contract manufacturing, she could apply her business acumen, aptitude for numbers, excellent negotiation skills and strong attention to detail to this new venture. Surrounding herself with industry experts, Mitchell took a hands-on approach, focusing on processes, quality products and collaborative customer relationships to create a world-class brand.
Sinead Redmond – GeelongPort
Sinead Redmond has been a qualified engineer and project manager in the construction industry for over 18 years. She has extensive experience in project delivery across various areas and is an influential leader who works within business development, directing large teams and managing stakeholder expectations.
Her entrepreneurial approach and engineering background enable her to consistently develop creative solutions to complex problems.
As GeelongPort’s head of infrastructure delivery, Redmond oversees the port’s engineering, asset management, and project management functions.
and enriching the construction industry is evident through her leadership positions in various industry organisations, including leading the establishment of the first regional chapter of NAWIC recognizing the need for better female representation in construction, particularly in regional areas. Her advocacy and volunteering in the industry have led to changes in policies and the development of mentoring and programs, reflecting her dedication to growth, gender equity, diversity, and inclusion.
EXCELLENCE IN MINING
Sinead Booth – Fortescue
Sinead Booth, a leader and trailblazer in the mining industry, epitomises excellence and innovation as the head of decarbonisation delivery at Fortescue. With a decade of extensive experience spanning international and interstate realms, Booth has spearheaded transformative
her leadership at the Gomo Foundation, dedicated to educating disadvantaged women in Africa. In her role, she has established pioneering programs aimed at bridging the gender gap in the mining sector, making significant strides towards gender equity. Sinead’s profound impact and unwavering dedication make her a deserving nominee for the 2024 Women in Industry Awards, setting a benchmark for leadership and advocacy in the mining industry.
Vesna Olles – BOC Limited
Vesna Olles is director for Clean Energy and Strategy at BOC South Pacific, and a key member of BOC’s executive leadership team. She has been in this leadership position since October 2019, driving the company’s strategic direction in clean energy encompassing renewable hydrogen, alternative fuels and liquefied natural gas. She first started working in the industry almost 30 years ago after completing a degree in Chemical Engineering, and a Masters in Commerce, Marketing and Finance from the University of NSW.
In her current role, Olles has championed BOC’s efforts in clean energy, and advocated for the company’s investment in nation building projects that will support Australia’s transition to net zero emissions and pave the way for the emerging hydrogen industry to develop.
Vesna is a strong advocate for females in the workplace and actively mentors female colleagues in her direct team and the wider business.
Derelle Mitchell – Health
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Cement, Concrete Aggregate Australia has called on state governments to provide greater protection to quarries.
The Cement, Concrete & Aggregate Australia (CCAA) has reiterated its desire to see the Australian quarrying sector protected by a heavy construction materials supply strategy as state governments unveiled their budgets earlier this year.
Many state governments, including NSW, Queensland, and South Australia, revealed expansive infrastructure projects for the next few years that will require construction materials.
Queensland’s investment includes several major projects across the next four years.
The Queensland Government, led by Steven Miles, has promised $107 billion for these projects, including upgrades for the 2032 Olympics in capital investment, $16.5 billion for renewable energy and storage projects and continuation funding for projects including the Bruce Highway upgrade ($4.18 billion) and the Coomera Connector ($3 billion).
CCAA chief executive Michael Kilgariff said while the organisation welcomed the “unprecedented” funding, it needed to be supported by policy.
“CCAA has also highlighted the urgent need for the government to accelerate the protection of local quarries and is advocating for the development of a comprehensive heavy construction materials plan covering
cement, aggregates, sand, and concrete,” Kilgariff said.
“This plan is critical in delivering an adequate supply of essential materials to the locations where they are needed.
“This highlights the critical need for an integrated heavy construction materials plan to facilitate the supply of essential construction materials for infrastructure, housing, and renewable energy projects.”
The Queensland budget was closely followed by the South Australian reveal, where Premier Peter Malinauskas and Treasurer Stephen Mulligan showcased their infrastructure plans.
The key promises include a $843.6 million housing package, $3.2 billion for a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, $498 million to upgrade and expand the Flinders Medical Centre, $218 for new schools and $15.4 billion for the T2D project.
The CCAA has estimated the T2D project (1.1 million cubic metres), new hospital build (84,000 cubic metres), housing package (half a
million tonne of aggregate and 53 cubic metres of concrete per house) and 600 to 700 cubic metres of concrete per wind tower pylon would need high levels of construction materials.
Kilgariff welcomed South Australia’s “strong” infrastructure pipeline but reiterated the need for a strategy for quarries.
“This reinforces the need for an integrated Heavy Construction Materials Strategy to support the construction materials essential for housing, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects,” he said.
“It remains imperative that the state government develop a plan to ensure the sustainable supply of construction materials, focused on timely delivery and aimed at making housing, renewable energy projects and infrastructure most affordable.”
The organisation ramped up its calls for the strategy in the wake of the New South Wales’ budget which contained several big-ticket infrastructure projects.
The NSW Government unveiled funding for the Sydney Metro West project ($13.4 billion),
Sydney Metro-Western Sydney Airport
($5.5 billion), regional transport and roads funding ($44.5 billion).
Kilgariff said the suite of NSW projects required a protection strategy for quarries to ensure material supply.
“By 2036, the Greater Sydney Region will need at least 500 million tonnes of finished quarry products,” Kilgariff said.
“To ensure efficient supply and delivery, these materials must be sourced from locations close to their final destinations, supporting the region’s essential construction needs.
“CCAA urges the NSW Government to promptly develop an integrated Heavy Construction Materials Plan, supporting our published NSW Policy Priorities. Clear strategies for cement, aggregates, sand, and concrete are essential to ensure we can supply the construction materials needed for renewable energy projects, infrastructure, and affordable housing.”
The organisation has been campaigning for
state governments to introduce the strategy for years. In 2023, the CCAA recommended the Labor Government in NSW deliver the strategy by the end of 2024.
According to the CCAA, implementing a Heavy Construction Materials Supply Strategy would enable those in the sector to guide investment, minimise infrastructure and housing costs, and provide clarity around land usage.
But what would the strategy contain?
According to the CCAA, the Heavy Construction Materials Supply Strategy would ensure an “adequate” supply of materials for housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects.
The underlying key to achieving this is protecting quarrying and aggregate resources from urban “encroachment and sterilisation.”
This would include identifying and protecting these resources proactively.
This would enable sufficient land to be available to accommodate more resources like concrete plants in key infrastructure
regions like Greater Sydney, which can access materials promptly for projects.
This would include mapping and protecting key routes to ensure heavy materials freight is prioritised among them in each state.
The CCAA has also called for a review of the current licensing approval framework for quarries.
According to the CCAA, this would allow the industry and stakeholders to identify opportunities to better use current quarry reserves.
It also wants to expand the current range of quarries’ materials by updating End of Waste Codes to allow quarries to reprocess concrete demolition waste without additional planning consents.
By providing a cohesive strategy supported by the right planning guiding documents, the quarries could be located closer to demand areas, supporting growing demand from renewable projects, reducing haulage and transport costs, and improving future planning for the industry. •
Attendees visited the New Bridgewater Bridge in Tasmania.
June was a month of firsts for the IQA, with more attendees than ever at the Tasmania site tour and networking dinner, and at the ever-growing Women in Quarrying event in Victoria. In addition to these two events, the annual Safety and Health Conference in Queensland and site tour in Port Macquarie were huge successes.
The new IQA chief executive officer Jane Schmitt commenced a road tour to Victoria and Tasmania, which included an interesting and well-attended site tour of the New Bridgewater Bridge site at Granton outside
of Hobart. This project, the largest transport infrastructure project in Tasmania’s history, will strengthen the state’s National Highway, connect local communities, and improve links between three major highways.
New Bridgewater Bridge construction manager Ed McPhillips and his team provided an insightful tour from the pouring of molds in the pre-cast facility, through to how the construction of the bridge comes together.
The day ended with a casual dinner and a presentation to Komatsu’s Doug Fulton, who has been a member of the IQA for 28 years.
Following this event, Jane travelled to Victoria for the largest event held on the state’s IQA calendar: the Women in Quarrying networking event.
Boral hosted two site tours to nearby quarries in Lysterfield and Montrose. More than 140 members and guests attended the tour, followed by a lunch where they heard guest speaker Tegan Smith, technical discipline manager at Ground Work, discuss changing community perception around quarrying. She explained through first-hand experience and surveys that, unless you
Northern NSW sub-branch visited the Adbri Dunbogan and Grants Head quarries.
are in the industry, no one really seems to understand what the purpose of a quarry is.
Tegan is passionate about highlighting the idea that the sector builds essential construction materials and letting the community know what we do and why we do it. Lunch also saw two inspiring young women, Peninsula Quarries operations manager Alex Murray and Boral project manager Kathryn Czapnik join Tegan to talk about their background and how they landed in a career in quarrying, the gender biases they have faced, the changing role of women in the sector and advice to young women thinking about a career in the industry.
Women in Quarrying is going from strength to strength and has outgrown its venues two years running. Watch this space for 2025.
Other significant events that occurred during June included the Queensland Annual Safety and Health Conference, which delivered six hours of continuing professional development points. The day revolved around regulator updates, as well as workplace health and safety legislation, presented by Allana Fitzpatrick.
The conference also included sessions by Boral quarry manager Chris Wilson, who presented on critical control management, and the IQA’s Emily Logan, who gave some key education updates.
Much of the day related to psychosocial health in the workplace. Two particularly interesting sessions related to these topics were ‘Enhancing women’s safety on work sites: Exploring challenges and successes’ by CS Energy principal health and safety specialist Leanne Hartley, and ‘New and
young workers: How to communicate the safety message to young industry workers’ by Connor Wood from Young Workers Hub.
Co-hosted by the IQA and Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), the event was attended by more than 200 people from all across the state, all of whom were keen to join in the safety and health conversations, which are critical in the quarrying sector.
The Northern NSW sub-branch committee hosted a great afternoon and evening event in Port Macquarie in June. Members and guests enjoyed a site tour of the Adbri Dunbogan and Grants Head quarries.
Thanks to Logan and Cav for hosting the delegates and showcasing their sites.
After the tours, the networking continued into the evening event with delegates enjoying canapes and refreshments at Rydges in Port Macquarie. Northern NSW sub-branch chairperson Chris Brown presented a technical presentation on quarry dredging.
The IQA Victorian sub-branch networking dinner and presentation took place at the All Seasons Hotel in Bendigo.
The evening began with a presentation by Shaun Lyons from Terex Australia, a sponsor of the IQA Victorian branch.
The guest presenters at the event were Matt Allen and Jennifer Blyth from the Country Fire Authority, who covered crucial topics such as fire risk management, bushfire and grassfire safety, and emergency management strategies for quarries. They also discussed the importance of incorporating the CFA into quarry site emergency planning.
The event was a great success, offering attendees valuable insights.•
There has been debate abroad about whether retaining the traditional names of Welsh quarries is important in the climbing community.
Judging the importance of a place’s name in the community, among wider workers, and in broader history is not straightforward by any means.
The debate is being broached in Wales as the climbing community considers the importance of retaining the traditional Welsh quarry names.
Former quarries, which previously went under the names of Eryri and Yr Wyddfa, are known within climbing circles and guides by their English names Snowdon and Snowdonia. Other Welsh quarry climbing spots have taken on English names, including Dali’s Hole (Yw Sinc Harriet), Never Never Land (Dyffryn) and Bus Stop Quarry (Ponc Allt Ddu).
Tom Carrick, the British Mountaineering Council’s access and conservation officer in Wales, said there was space for both names.
“Having grown up with the Welsh language and living in Gwynedd, North Wales for most of my life, it often saddens me to see the conflict between my native language and my sport, passion and career that’s all interlinked,” he said.
“There is space for both in my eyes. It’s important to remember our history, but climbing has also brought a whole new industry into the area and new meanings to the lines and experiences that climbers have.”
The push occurred against the backdrop of the 150th anniversary of the North Wales Quarrymen’s Union being founded. The union was key to achieving better conditions for quarry workers and left a significant legacy on the industry.
Carrick said he hoped the local language would be used more frequently moving forward to reflect the region’s history of quarrying.
“Across the world, we are not alone in this, and I advocate for trying to use local languages. The original, indigenous names of Denali, Sagarmatha and Uluru are all used more widely now, in the same way that we encourage the use of Eryri (Snowdonia) and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon),” he said.
“It’s great to see the encouragement of these names, but through education and demonstration of the importance of our
history and traditions, rather than division.”
Effectively, there are two parts to the equation: Welsh names, which reflect the area’s quarrying history and geography and English names, which climbers give to specific routes over rock faces.
However, in some cases, route names have taken on a Welsh significance as a homage to the quarrying history. The “Y Rhaffwr” route, found in the Dinorwic Slate Quarries, translates to ‘The Roper’ which was a worker who abseiled rope down the quarry face to place charges for detonation.
The BMC has committed to raising awareness about the quarries’ history so that climbers can enjoy the past and present of climbing names.
“Many climbers are interested to learn more about the history and culture of the places they climb, and there has been an effort to ensure the original Welsh names are used in many newer climbing guides,” the organisation said in a statement.
“The BMC are committed to continuing to promote understanding and informationsharing between these two communities.”•
