Quarry talks to members from the Institute of Quarrying Australia’s Ambassador Program for 2025 about their careers and industry insights.
Eltirus founder Steve Franklin explains how advances in drones will herald a major change for the quarry industry.
Heidelberg
Infrastructure
Quarry
Productivity
28 Drone 2.0
Steve Franklin explains how advances in drone will herald a major change.
32 Moving on up
Multotec Australia has plans to expand its presence in Australia and the local quarrying sector in 2025.
34 Vovlo proves its worth at Dunneworthy
Western Quarries team explains how Australia’s first 50-tonne Volvo EC550E crawler excavator is helping maximise production at its Dunneworthy site.
40 Next generation Grech
Ryan Grech shares his story of joining the quarrying industry and what he hopes to achieve through his career.
44 Getting more out of the PNG Expo
The event will providing attendees with the chance to mix networking and relaxation.
47 Movers and shakers
The new year has brought with it a series of new appointments in key roles across the global quarrying industry.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY
Diversity is a vital part of the puzzle when it comes to building a thriving industry, especially in industries like quarrying that are facing skills shortages across the board.
Australia’s minerals and resources industry is overwhelmingly male, with the Australian Women in Mining and Resources (AWIMAR) reporting that women make up only 22 per cent of the workforce, with a gender pay gap of 15.1 per cent.
Further to that, in mining only eight per cent of the chief executive roles are female, and 20 per cent of boards have no female members at all.
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.
Women play a major role in quarrying, driving trucks, supporting marketing, making sales, offering vital engineering expertise, and more.
However, the IQA saw an underrepresentation of women in the “non-traditional” roles.
More than a decade ago, the institute established the first Women in Quarrying (WIQ) event. Since then, the Women in
Quarrying Network has grown, with conferences held in across the country.
The network aims to acknowledge and celebrate women’s contribution to the extractive industry while also creating a platform to further enhance women’s involvement in the industry.
It also offers an important opportunity to connect, network, and share experiences with other like-minded people. These kinds of opportunities help women make their first step in professional development and provide a support system to improve their skills and careers.
It was encouraging to see firsthand what the future of the industry might look like at the 2024 IQA National Conference.
Dozens of young people had the chance to get up close with the industry and learn about how the different roles and skillsets needed, and how they could get involved.
There is still a lot of work to be ensure the industry is a welcoming place for young women, but it’s vital to ensure the industry remains innovative.
William Arnott Editor
AUTOMATION
IS IDEAL FOR THE QUARRYING SYSTEM, AS IT FREES PEOPLE FROM DULL, DIRTY, AND DANGEROUS JOBS.
Published by:
379 Docklands Drive
Melbourne VIC 3008
T: 03 9690 8766
www.primecreativemedia.com.au
Chief Executive Officer
John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au
Group Managing Editor
Paul Hayes paul.hayes@primecreative.com.au
Editor
William Arnott william.arnott@primecreative.com.au
MOVES MORE COSTS LESS BEST FUEL EFFICIENCY IN CLASS.
Designed to thrive in the most challenging environments, the KOBELCO XD Series excavators deliver exceptional performance and efficiency. With the lowest fuel consumption in the 35T and 50T classes*, these machines combine outstanding fuel efficiency with the power you need to tackle demanding sites. Built with Japanese engineering and reliability, the XD Series ensures you can conquer any quarry while minimising your operational costs.
*Average fuel consumption as reported by telematics data from similar size class Kobelco excavators working in Australia and New Zealand. Data reported includes only machines with over 10 hours per month, including data from all work modes.
MOMENTUM BUILDS ACROSS THE IQA COMMUNITY
The opening months of 2025 have demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of our IQA community.
Our education programs have launched with unprecedented demand, with several courses, including the critical control management course in Yatala and our introduction to quarrying online program, reaching capacity almost immediately. This enthusiasm extends to our comprehensive range of safety-focused courses and specialised technical training.
Our local branches have also hit the ground running, with technical site tours, networking events, and specialised programs already bringing members together across the country.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
I am particularly pleased to highlight our new partnership with William Buck Australia to deliver a strategic growth and succession planning webinar series. This complimentary three-part program for IQA members exemplifies our commitment to providing practical, targeted support for quarry businesses.
The series addresses important aspects of business development, from structural foundations to succession planning, with the first session in February receiving outstanding feedback from participants.
GET INVOLVED
As we move into March and our activity calendar reaches full swing, I encourage you to consider involvement with the IQA through our various committees and local branch activities.
These opportunities not only enhance personal development but strengthen our entire sector through shared knowledge and experience. Whether through Women in Quarrying, Young Member Network, or branch committees, your involvement helps shape the future of our sector.
Looking ahead, our state-wide Quarrying and Mining Safety & Health Conferences are taking shape, with events planned across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria from June through August. These conferences will provide essential platforms for best practice development in our ongoing commitment to safety.
www.quarry.com.au
The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities:
Vision:
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:
For all education, member and branch enquiries:
Phone: 02 9484 0577
The energy and engagement we’re seeing across all aspects of our IQA activities promises an exciting year ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events as we continue to build a stronger, more connected quarrying community.
Michael Close, FIQ President Institute of Quarrying Australia
Email: iqa@quarry.com.au
Chief Executive Officer
Jane Schmitt
President
Michael Close
Company Secretary
David Cowie
The Institute of Quarrying Australia
Educating and connecting our extractive industry
GEOLOGY
IS GEOLOGICAL UNCERTAINTY INCREASING YOUR RISK?
Eltirus Exploration, Geological Modelling, and Resource Assessment services.
We work with quarry operators to explore, model, and assess your resource, increasing certainty of operation and reducing risk. Our experienced geological team help identify gaps in understanding, create exploration programs, and manage the program for you. Whether it be field mapping or blast hole, RC, aircore or diamond drilling, we not only help you explore and assess your deposit, but also ensure outputs are accessible through the use of world-class geological modelling software that provides you with interactive models that truly make a difference on the ground and in the field.
CEMENT AUSTRALIA SHOWCASES
‘INNOVATIVE’ PRODUCT
IN SA
Cement Australia has used its GreenCem technology for the first time in a South Australian infrastructure project.
In collaboration with Holcim, Cement Australia has used GreenCem to reduce the embodied carbon in the concrete used during the construction of the Yitpi Yartapuultiku Cultural Centre in Port Adelaide, South Australia.
“Cement Australia has invested hugely in the last seven to eight years in the development of the GreenCem range of technologies,” national technical support manager at Cement Australia Bruce Perry said.
“This has led to innovative mixtures of concrete whereby the low-carbon aspects of concrete can really be quantified and demonstrated to the construction market
“High-performance fly ash and high-performance slag are readily available throughout Australia and can be used at any concrete batch plant to achieve, in effect, concretes with lower levels of embodied carbon than any geopolymer concrete without comprising the performance of the concrete.
“That is very critical because adoption of low-carbon concrete must not come at the expense of
“CEMENT AUSTRALIA HAS INVESTED HUGELY IN THE LAST SEVEN TO EIGHT YEARS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREENCEM RANGE OF TECHNOLOGIES,” BRUCE PERRY
prolonged construction times, and this is where the GreenCem technology really scores.”
According to Cement Australia, the technology in GreenCem enables up to 80 per cent replacement of generalpurpose cement with fly ash and/or slag, sourced entirely within Australia as a waste by-product from power stations and steel manufacturers, while achieving comparable concrete strength to general purpose cement.
Cement Australia and Holcim are using high-performance fly ash along with the GreenCem technologies and Holcim’s ECOPact Active for the facility’s construction. According to the companies, this has provided up to a 38 per cent embodied carbon saving.
“One of the things we see today is people that talk about ‘green’ cement. Normally what they’re trying to do is emphasise the fact they are starting to blend their cement with products like fly ash and slag,” chief executive officer of Cement Australia Rob Davies said.
“We’ve been doing that since 1980, but we’ve also been continuing to innovate our products, and that’s where GreenCem came from. What we’re able to do is not talk about green cement; we’re able to deliver a product for our customers so that their concrete will have even less embodied carbon in it.
“You have got to start with the community and community expectations, and I think we all need to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to improve the environment.” •
GULKULA PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN NT TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Gulkula Quarry has played a key role in the latest tourism development in the Northern Territory’s East Arnhem region.
The company has supported the construction of a 63-metre rock groyne near Nhulunbuy at Inverell Bay, Gunyangara, as part of the Gunyangara (Gove Port) Tourism Project.
Gulkula supplied 6000 tonnes of rock sourced from its quarry as well as 850 cubic metres of concrete recycled from the site. DTA Contractors worked with Gulkula
to build its local capacity with a view to supporting other infrastructure projects in the future. The Gunyangara project employed eight Indigenous workers who helped source, process and deliver the rock.
As well as the rock groyne, the project includes the construction of careening facilities that vessels can dock alongside for maintenance, a floating pontoon extending from the groyne, a washdown bay, car park upgrades and an entry structure at Gove Boat Club.
“The project will provide improved facilities for local users as well as opportunities to maximise local and Indigenous participation and support regional growth,” Northern Territory Department of Logistics chief executive officer Lousie McCormick said.
“The new infrastructure will be accessible by larger commercial and recreational vessels, such as yachts, pleasure craft, cruise ship tenders and charter vessels, increasing visitation and tourism activity in the area.” •
The Yitpi Yartapuultiku Cultural Centre is located in Port Adelaide, South Australia.
NSSGA PUSH IMPORTANCE OF US AGGREGATES
NSSGA member Janet Kavinoky has pushed the importance of maintaining the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) exclusion for aggregates.
Kavinoky appeared at the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit for the recent America Builds: Highways to Move People and Freight hearing. Kavinoky, who also works as the vice president of external affairs and corporate communications at Vulcan Materials, was the only aggregate industry member listed as a witness.
During her testimony at the hearing,
she emphasised the need for predictable investment in surface transportation, a longterm solution to ensure highway trust fund viability, support for core highway programs and for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to administer Federal-aid highway programs.
Kavinoky said maintaining the BABAA exclusion would be key for the country’s aggregates industry moving forward.
“There are areas across the nation that lack the necessary natural resources needed to produce construction materials. For example, the Southeast and Gulf Coast does not have
indigenous aggregates reserves and suitable aggregates are imported to meet market demand,” said Kavinoky.
“Congress and FHWA have long recognised these factors and responded to ensure domestic content requirements exclude aggregates materials. Preserving the BABAA limitation is critical to maintaining supplies of construction materials for our nation’s transportation infrastructure.”
She told the hearing maintaining consistent funding for key highway programs across the country had multiple benefits beyond their direct benefits to associated industries. •
UPCOMING IQA COURSES AND EVENTS
AUSTRALIAN BUCKET BUILDER AMAZES ADBRI
Productivity is up, and expensive overburden campaigns are a thing of the past at Adbri’s Price Quarry, all thanks to a unique excavator bucket from ONTRAC Group.
For decades, Australian hospitals, schools, homes, roads, and infrastructure have been built with Adbri concrete.
The company is one of the largest pre-mix concrete suppliers in the country, providing vital construction materials to the residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors.
The Price Quarry is critical to this. The site provides sand and other materials for more than half of Adbri’s South Australian concrete plants.
SUCCESS STORY
Adbri quarry operations manager for South Australia, Adam Schutz, told Quarry that on a site like Price Quarry, the little one per cent improvements stack up.
“The more time we can spend screening sand, the more concrete we can produce,” he said.
The site’s overburden ranges between five and 15 metres and was a consistent challenge.
“Removing the overburden is one of the biggest challenges, as the site is quite large,” Schutz said.
“Although the materials were both relatively soft, we used to run two buckets. The mud
bucket handled the sand and tooth bucket with less capacity handled the overburden.
“That meant we were swapping buckets around when moving to different parts of the pit.”
On top of this, the buckets were beginning to show their age. The site team were finding cracks, and a replacement was needed.
At the time, Schutz was working with Australian manufacturer ONTRAC Group to supply rock breakers to Adbri sites. He mentioned the situation to ONTRAC Group, who quickly began work on finding the best bucket solution.
What Schutz didn’t expect was for ONTRAC Group to provide a “productivity study”.
“ONTRAC crunched the numbers for us, taking into account how abrasive the material was, and other information from the site,” Schutz said.
“It’s a service we didn’t even need to ask for, they just did it. The study considered more than just excavator size and lift capacity. It took into account cycle times and fuel efficiencies. It’s not often a supplier spends all that time and effort – it’s not a quick fiveminute job.”
Instead of a two-bucket system, the study recommended a bucket
that could handle both materials, the XMOR bucket.
The team at Price wasn’t afraid to dig deep when investing in new equipment. The new XMOR bucket had a price tag that paid off, as it delivered the promised return on investment.
WORTH THE PRICE
The XMOR bucket exchanges weight for payload while maintaining the durability and structural integrity expected from heavy industry attachments. Many years of extensive engineering and development went into the design of the bucket, which allows excavators to move more material in less time, without increasing the total suspended load of equipment. The inverted shape of the keel (tub) helps minimise ground contact and wear on the bottom of the bucket, further saving time on maintenance and repairs.
At first, Adbri quarry manager Nicholas Pridham was sceptical. The shape of the bucket was unique, but would it actually deliver on what was promised?
“The ease of how it digs through the sand was surprising,” Pridham said. “It’s like cutting through butter. There’s a lot less drag and it’s easier to dig with.”
“The extra capacity has also meant we’re doing less passes per truck load, cutting the cycle time.
“Shifting more material with every bucket load means you’re getting more work done in a faster time span too. You notice that you’re shifting a little more material every time.”
Minimising bucket passes was vital when the site was doing overburden work. The overburden needed to be moved in dry conditions, which meant the site team did need to bring in contractors for overburden campaigns – which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“One bucket is saving a lot,” Schutz said. “The Price site is located 90 minutes from Adelaide, so any extra savings we can get is a big win for the business.”
INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION
ONTRAC Group is a specialist manufacturer, it doesn’t aim to provide everything for everybody. Instead, it aims to provide the highest quality excavator attachments and that maximise productivity and increase profitability.
The company is a member of the ‘Hardox in My Body’ quality program, which provides direct and prioritised access to SSAB’s
resources for manufacturing with Hardox
plate.
The program is open to manufacturers that can provide their products and production methods meet the highest quality standards.
Being part of this program allowed ONTRAC Group to begin building the XMOR high productivity buckets, adding to its existing portfolio of traditionally designed buckets –ranging from traditional heavy duty quarry buckets to customised engineered solutions.
wear
The site provides sand and other materials for more than half of Adbri’s South Australian concrete plants.
The XMOR bucket exchanges weight for payload while maintaining durability and structural integrity.
The XMOR Bucket uses SSAB’s Hardox 500 Tuf wear plates and Strenx structural steel to maximise durability.
Images: ONTRAC Group
“Supporting another Australian business is also very important to us. It’s great to see a product of that size and the work that goes into it, so seeing the green and gold sticker on the side is pretty cool.”
The XMOR Bucket was a perfect fit for ONTRAC Group to release to the Australian market in 2021.
Its patented design uses SSAB’s Hardox 500 Tuf wear plates and Strenx structural steel to ensure the bucket is robust and durable for the harsh demands of quarrying, while its unique keel design reduces weight and enables more structural stability.
SUSTAINABILITY
In addition to durability, ONTRAC Group has also turned its attention to improving its impact on sustainability throughout the quarrying and mining sectors.
It aims to do this through the ‘Green Buckets’ initiative, which was launched at the Institute of Quarrying Australia National Conference in 2024.
The Green Buckets initiative aims to help quarries reduce their carbon emissions by improving production efficiency, which in turn leads to less passes needed to load out trucks and faster truck cycle times and less fuel burn. Lighter buckets move more material and also reduce fuel burn, as there is less machine idle time and less fuel spent per tonne of material moved.
An improved supply chain also benefits sustainability. As ONTRAC Group is an Australian manufacturer, buckets spend less time being shipped to clients and are made to Australian Standards.
Additionally, ONTRAC’s Green Buckets require less maintenance and downtime, have a longer service life, and have a lower total cost of ownership, reducing waste.
SUPPORTING LOCAL MANUFACTURERS
The XMOR Bucket has worked well across the site for the past four months. Although sand is an abrasive material, the bucket shows no signs of wear. While it has not yet been needed, ONTRAC Group prides itself on offering extensive after-sales support.
also very important to us. It’s great to see a product of that size and the work that goes into it, so seeing the green and gold sticker on the side is pretty cool.
“It also means we can help improve the local economy – they’re supporting us with their buckets, and we’re improving their business. It’s a win-win.”
excavator, and the XMOR is on the bucket list to be used with it.
“I would recommend anyone who is sceptical about the XMOR to give it a go. When you see it in action, it will change your mind pretty quickly.”
For more information, visit ontracgroup.com.au
The inverted shape of the keel helps minimise ground contact and wear on the bottom of the bucket.
Image:
Adbri
A STELLAR SPIN-OFF
Holcim is planning to open a separate North American business in 2025. Quarry takes a look at what this means for the company.
Ffter a year of record profitable growth in 2024, sustainable building business
Holcim has no plans of slowing down.
In fact, 2025 may mark an even bigger year than its predecessor, as Holcim progresses on its plan to separate its North American business from its European business.
While still subject to shareholder approval in May, the spin-off is expected to occur by the end of the first half of 2025. Quarry takes a look at some of the key changes the spinoff will bring with it.
A NEW CHAIRMAN
With a changing business comes a changing of the guards, and this is especially true for Holcim.
On January 10, the company announced it would propose Kim Fausing as chairman of its board of directors, set to succeed Jan Jenisch, who will not stand for re-election.
Fausing has been served on Holcim’s board since 2020 and has been president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Danish company Danfoss Group since July 2017.
His other roles include chief operating officer and member of the executive committee at Danfoss Group. Prior to that, Fausing had held various other positions within the Hilti Group in Europe and Asia.
Jenisch said the company was “delighted” to be proposing Fausing as chairman.
“Kim is a highly successful CEO of a global technology leader in energy-efficient building solutions, electrification and machine productivity,” he said.
“As an acting CEO for over seven years, along with five years as a Holcim board member, we are confident Kim will be a great chairman for Holcim.”
Fausing holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Aarhus Teknikum, and a Master of Business Administration from the UK’s Henley Business School.
A NORTH AMERICAN CEO
Fausing won’t be the only one stepping into a new role.
Jenisch will lead the North American business as its designated chairman and CEO.
Nine other board members will join Jenisch to make up the full board.
“The designated members of the board of directors collectively bring impressive track records and a best-in-class mix of domain expertise, diverse perspectives, and leadership experience,” Jenisch said.
“Together, we will deliver strong governance and support the company’s priorities of market leadership and superior value creation for shareholders, customers, employees and all stakeholders.”
Alongside Jenisch, the North American board of directors will include:
THERESA DREW
Drew most recently served as managing partner of the Deloitte Carolinas Practice. She is currently on the board of directors for Sonoco Products and the Cato Corporation.
NICHOLAS GANGESTAD
Gangestad has years of experience as a chief financial officer, most recently for Rockwell Automation. He also serves on the board of directors for Nucor and Genpact.
DWIGHT GIBSON
Gibson works for Pritzker Private Capital as an operating partner and member of the investment committee. He was previously the CEO and president of BlueLinx Holdings.
HOLLI LADHANI
Ladhani has experience as a CEO for Select Energy Services and Rockwater Energy.
JÜRG OLEAS
A veteran of Holcim, Oleas has served on the Holcim board since 2016 and from 2014 to 2015.
Previously, he was CEO of GEO Group AG as well as holding leadership positions at ABB and the Alstom Group.
ROBERT S. RIVKIN
Rivkin is a veteran of the transportation industry, currently holding the title of chief legal officer for United Airlines. He also served as deputy general counsel of Delta Airlines, and as general counsel for the US Department of Transportation.
KATJA ROTH PELLANDA
Currently group general counsel for Zurich Insurance Company, Pellanda also serves on the board of directors for Farmers Group and Zurich Italy Bank.
CRISTINA A. WILBUR
Wilbur is the chief people officer and head of group human resources for F. Hoffman-La Roche, a global healthcare company.
With a spin-off business and a board of seasoned industry veterans, Holcim’s future looks bright.•
Image: Holcim
Image: Danfoss
SAFETY BACKED BY SCIENCE
The Stevenson team takes a hands-on, proactive approach to safety bunds.
Safety bunds are some of the most common structures on a quarry. These physical barriers are primarily built around areas that store hazardous liquids and are designed to prevent the spread of leaks.
However, these bunds are often raised several metres from the ground, so care must be taken around them.
When a subcontractor tragically passed away following a safety bund accident at the Stevenson Auckland quarry in March 2020, Stevenson and Fulton Hogan knew they had to take a proactive approach to keep their employees safe.
The two companies, partnering with the University of Newcastle, invested in a research project to look at the science behind bund design in quarries.
“At the outset, it wasn’t clear how effective the bunds were at keeping our people safe and we wanted to understand what could be done differently or better to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future,” Stevenson general manager Ben Hussey said.
“We looked at what factors affected bund effectiveness and the safety controls we could change or improve in our quarries like truck speed to reduce accidents and harm to our people.”
University of Newcastle associate professor Klaus Thoeni jumped on board to help with the project.
In 2021, with Thoeni’s help, the team put together a full-scale testing drive to record even the smallest of details of bund safety.
Thoeni designed the project and managed the advanced numerical model, which crunched the numbers and ran thousands of scenarios for around three months with a supercomputer at The University of Newcastle.
This intensive computational effort provided detailed insights and robust data that were crucial for the project’s success.
“We wanted the research to be as thorough as possible so working with some other big operators meant the outcomes could be applicable to all quarries in New Zealand,” Fulton Hogan national quarry manager Peter Walsh said.
The project successfully wrapped up in early 2023, with the last step
being to put the learnings and standard into action.
“Our teams now have a simple matrix to follow when designing, building and maintaining bunds in their quarry,” Walsh said. WorkSafe has now disseminated the research within their inspection teams so the findings can be incorporated into their work with quarries around the country. For Fulton Hogan and Stevenson, the findings have been used to develop a functional standard to be applied across all quarries.
Reflecting on the project and new standards, Hussey explained that the team wanted to take a step back and apply some rigour using numerical simulations, which has been a ground-breaking piece of research in New Zealand that can be applied practically in other quarries.
“We’ve achieved what we set out to do – to know how we can design, build and maintain safety bunds to stop dump trucks going over the edge in our quarries,” he said.•
Stevenson and Fulton Hogan partnered to look at the science behind bund design in quarries.
The project successfully wrapped up in early 2023.
Images: Fulton Hogan
BUILDING UP SAND
Following recent announcements, Heidelberg Materials Australia has indicated its intent to expand its sand production capabilities in 2025.
Heidelberg Materials Australia are making moves in the sand pit following recent deals to bolster its sand production resources across Australia.
The construction materials provider announced two recent acquisitions in the Central Queensland market, which will boost its sand production capabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hardcore Sands and Pink Lily Sands have been acquired by the Australian subsidiary of Heidelberg Materials, and all employees are set to be retained.
The acquisitions will bolster Heidelberg Australia’s resources, especially in the Sunshine State, where Pink Lily Sands and Hardcore Sands Quarry have been key suppliers out of Rockhampton.
Heidelberg Materials Australia’s chief executive officer Phil Schacht said Queensland was a key market for the company.
gravel, stones, aggregates, and other quarry products.
In the past, Pink Lily Sands has supplied its sand products to concrete suppliers, including Holcim (Rockhampton, Gladstone and Yeppoon), Boral (Rockhampton and Gladstone), as well as Austral and Heidelberg Materials Australia (previously Hanson Australia).
It has also worked within the local government sector and supplied quarry products to Rockhampton Regional Council, Livingstone Shire Council and the Gladstone Regional Council and the Queensland golf scene as a supplier to Rockhampton Golf Club, Yeppoon Golf Club, Mackay Golf Club and Gladstone Golf Club among others.
“The addition of the Hardcore Sands and Pink Lily Sands quarries will complement our existing operations in Central Queensland and augment our market-leading offering for customers,” Heidelberg Materials Australia’s
Materials’ strategy to bring its global subsidiaries under one banner. The company had been operating under its former Hanson Australia moniker since 2004 despite being acquired by Heidelberg Materials in 2007.
The Australian producer’s subsidiaries, Hymix, Pioneer North Queensland, Placecrete, Traino, Alex Fraser and Suncoast Asphalt, maintained their own brands.
At the time of the announcement, Schacht noted that coming under one banner would enable the Australian subsidiary to access Heidelberg Materials’ “global expertise”.
“We will cement our position as industry leaders, leveraging our global expertise to provide our local Australian market with a comprehensive range of quality, innovative, low-carbon and high-recycled construction materials, including concrete, aggregates and asphalt,” he said.
“It’s very much business as usual and
In addition to solidifying its presence in Central Queensland, Heidelberg Materials Australia has also bolstered its resources in Western Australia after partnering with Southern Ports.
The maritime organisation announced in January that Heidelberg Materials Australia had become an exporter at the Port of Bunbury and the second sand exporter after Kemerton Silica Sands.
The bulk carrier Tomini Dynasty carried Heidelberg Materials Australia’s first shipment of more than 50,000 tonnes of silica sand from Bunbury to South Korea.
Once it arrives, the sand will be used to manufacture glass for smartphones, televisions, and other devices.
The export was possible because Heidelberg Materials Australia, Southern Ports, and Qube trialled rotating container technology.
The three companies will continue to collaborate on future exports.
The Western Australian milestone is part of the Australian producer’s plans to re-establish itself in global markets where sand is in high demand. Previously, Heidelberg Materials Australia exported to ten countries per year.
just need an efficient pathway to transport it to our international customers - and that’s where the Port of Bunbury comes in,” Heidelberg Materials Australia’s silica sand program market development manager Phil Green said.
The Port of Bunbury and its available shipping slots are a key part of Heidelberg Australia’s re-emergence in those markets.
“There’s high demand for silica sand across global markets. We have the product, but we
“We’ve started working with Southern Ports to determine how we continue to increase our exports, which have previously been restricted by access to berth space and vessels at other ports.
“This development is expected to further enhance our capabilities and streamline our
operations, providing us with more flexibility and efficient shipping options.”
Southern Ports chief executive officer
Keith Wilks said they wanted to become a long-term partner of the construction materials provider.
“We’re continuously looking at how we can work with our customers to build trade and ensure shipping is moving efficiently, so we’re thrilled when new customers like Heidelberg Materials join us based on what we can offer,” he said.•
IMS Track Blenders in Stock for Sale and Hire
IMS have added the new BP1200-48TB track electric twin power blender to its impressive collection of blenders and pugmills, the new BP1200-48TB has four separate fe 12m3 each. All feed hopper conveyors are fitted with belt scales recording system that can be operated from an iPad or phone from its own Wi-Fi system from a loader or site office. A Cat C7 Generator powers the Nord electric motors a speed to each feed hopper conveyor. The generator can be connected to mains power and could power an extra 24-meter radial stacker increasing the stockpile capacity.
BP1200-9TB twin feed hopper blender with mixer and water adding system
BP1200-48TB four hopper blender, diesel electric can connect to mains power
The quarries specialise in bulk and wholesale sand.
RISING IN THE USA
Decarbonisation is progressing rapidly in the United States of America, with several key players signing agreements to develop new technology and facilities.
Decarbonisation is one of the biggest challenges in the cement and construction materials industry and also an emerging sector.
The reality that has faced the industry for many years is that it falls firmly into the category of “hard to abate” sectors, which is shorthand for being a high carbonemitting industry.
Recent data shows that the cement industry accounts for 7.5 to 8 percent of global CO2 emissions and 5.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The World Economic Forum and Statista estimated that global cement manufacturing produced 1.6 billion metric tonnes of CO2 in 2022, which, if the industry were a country, would make it the world’s third or fourth-largest emitter of CO2.
There is some consternation about this, with experts tipping that demand for cement will continue increasing due to population growth and urbanisation. This illustrates the fundamental equation with cement: it creates emissions that no one wants, but the material is entrenched in our lives.
A world without cement, which is fundamental to construction, is complex. It is the second most used material after water and is estimated by the Global Cement and Concrete Association to rise in demand from 14 billion m3 to 20 billion m3 in the coming years.
Given the estimated demand, construction materials producers have created a market for developing lower-carbon products. These are cementitious products that, in various ways, lower emissions during production to lessen their impact on CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases. Some use alternative fuels during production, while others use alternative raw materials or reduce traditional materials like limestone in their mix. Others are using carbon-capture projects to offset the CO2 emissions produced during their production process.
While lower-carbon concrete is far from new, the new year and the end of 2024 have seen some key shifts within the sector, which point to its growing importance to the industry.
The American market is one of the world’s largest cement consumption markets, according to Statista. Yet, it is also where some of the most recent developments in decarbonisation and lower-carbon concrete have been announced.
One of the most recent was Nuada’s joint announcement alongside MLC (formerly Mississippi Lime Company) for a project to showcase net-zero lime production.
The two companies have officially signed a memorandum of understanding over the project, which will be developed at MLC’s flagship facility in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. MLC has manufactured a range of lime products at Ste. Genevieve is used in the construction industry, agriculture, and food.
“Our collaboration with Nuada reflects MLC’s dedication to exploring advanced technologies that reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the high standards of purity and quality our customers expect,” MLC’s director of sustainability and ESG Fiona Woody said.
“The smaller footprint and significantly lower energy consumption of Nuada’s technology make it highly attractive to us.”
According to the company, Nuada’s carbon capture solution is designed especially for carbon-intensive industrial applications, including cement. Its filtration machines, which capture CO2 from industrial off-gases, use pressure rather than heat to separate CO2 from flue gases. According to Nuada’s co-chief executive officer, Dr. Jose Casaban, this makes the process more energy efficient and cheaper.
“Our breakthrough in carbon capture technology sets a new standard for energy efficiency, paving the way for transformative decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors like lime manufacturing,” he said.
“Through this collaboration with MLC, we are driving the next generation of carbon capture forward, setting a new standard for emissions reduction and sustainability in the lime industry.”
The project is one of many examples currently underway throughout the US cement industry, as producers align their company goals with the U.S. and international climate targets for net-zero emissions.
International cement producer Cemex recently announced that its cement plant in Knoxville has been selected as the site for a new carbon capture, removal, and conversion test centre.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil
Cemex is one of the major construction materials providers worldwide.
Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) selected Cemex’s site as one of five to share in the US$101 million to develop the test centres.
Cemex will implement the project in partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and an alliance of cement producers. The project has two phases: a design phase and the building and operation of the centre in phase two.
According to Cemex, the research carried out at the test centre will support the future of cost-effective and sustainable carbon management.
“While we are making steady progress, the cement industry has the opportunity to accelerate even more the pace of our decarbonisation,” Cemex US president Jaime Muguiro said.
“I am excited that our Knoxville cement plant has been selected as the host site for the carbon capture test centre. Through collaboration and continuous innovation with the University of Illinois and industry peers, Cemex is committed to advancing decarbonisation solutions.”
UIUC director of Net-Zero Center of Excellence Kevin C. O’Brien added: “We are thrilled to combine our expertise in capturing emissions from cement plants with Cemex’s leadership in the net-zero space.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with the goals of our Net-Zero Center of Excellence and Cemex’s net-zero objectives.” •
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Cemex’s Knoxville cement plant will be used to develop a carbon capture facility.
Image:
Cemex
NEXT GEN LEADER
Jordan Pedley spoke to Quarry about her career in the industry and why she is passionate about continuing the legacy of her family’s business.
Following in your father’s footsteps and taking on the family business is no small feat, particularly when the company’s products are well respected locally and internationally.
For Jordan Pedley, the journey into the quarrying industry has been one of learning, growth, and a deep appreciation for the people who make it all happen. She vividly remembers when her father, Craig Pedley, encouraged her to spend a year working in the family business, an experience that ultimately shaped her career and passion for the industry.
“I’ve always loved learning from the people around me,” Jordan told Quarry
“The experience and knowledge they share is invaluable, and I’ve gained so much from working alongside some of the most talented, down to earth and humble people in the crushing and screening industry.”
Jordan’s initial year was spent working in reception, giving her an introduction to the company and a first-hand look at how the business operated. She quickly realised how relationships played a critical part in the company’s success.
“I never saw it as just a job. It was an opportunity to absorb as much as I could about the company and why dad did what he did, and not only from dad but from the people who had been in the industry for years,” she said.
“They have so much to teach, and I love that every day one of dads clients would come through the door and bring new learning opportunities.”
Jordan’s passion for growth did not stop with her own development. She takes great pride in seeing new people enter the industry and thrive.
“I love the fact there is still so many amazing young people out there that want to be a part of this industry and seeing the fresh faces today and knowing tomorrow they will be industry leaders it’s amazing watching them grow,” she said. “It’s incredible to see how much potential there is, and I want to help create an environment where people feel welcome and supported.”
Over the past ten years, Jordan has gained experience across operational, leadership, sales, and hands-on roles to steadily build the experience and confidence to step into her father’s shoes.
While her hands-on experience has been invaluable, Jordan also holds a Bachelor’s degree in commerce which has given her a strong foundation in business strategy and operations.
“Commerce has given me valuable business insight, but nothing compares to the hands-on learning I’ve gained from working across every part of the company. The combination of formal education and realworld experience has helped me understand both the strategic and operational sides of the industry,” she said.
Striker is a well-known supplier of crushing and screening equipment that is known for its durability and performance.
“I was talking to dad the other night, he had just got back from site where he was inspecting a machine with over 80,000
another 15,000 hours of operation, he said the client has a couple of machines with even more hours on them and they will keep going for years to come, it’s something I truly value and don’t think many crusher manufacturers can claim,” she said.
Striker designs and manufactures a wide range of mobile impact crushers, jaw crushers, cone crushers, sizing screens, scalpers, and conveyors, as well as a line of electric-powered crushers and screens designed to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. Jordan’s experience working across different divisions has helped her develop a strong understanding of the industry and the people who drive it forward.
“I’ve seen firsthand how every role contributes to the success of not just our business, but the industry as a whole. It’s a team effort where every person’s work, no matter the position, allows us to achieve our goals and keep growing. That’s something I truly value,” she said.
Beyond her leadership at Striker, Jordan is actively involved in the Western Australian quarrying community. She plays a key role in the Institute of Quarrying Australia’s (IQA) Women in Quarrying program and helps
Jordan Pedley (centre) is an active member of the IQA community in Western Australia.
The knowledge the older generation has is priceless, and I want to help ensure it is passed down to those coming in.”
Jordan believed that focusing on mentorship and growth will be crucial for the industry’s future.
“The next generation is essential to keeping the industry strong, and I want to see more people experience what makes it so great,” she said. “There’s so much to learn, and the people in this industry are some of the best teachers you could ask for.”
Jordan reflected on her experience of working in the family business.
“Learning from my dad has been one of the most valuable experiences of my career,” she said.
“He’s always led by example, showing me the importance of hard work, resilience, and staying true to your values.
“The lessons he’s passed down to me go far beyond business, they’ve shaped the way I approach challenges, leadership, and growth.”
Craig Pedley founded Striker in 1998 with a vision to create a hardworking, honest, and reliable crushing and screening equipment that could withstand the demands of the mining and quarrying industry.
More than two decades later, he is excited to see the business pass on to the next generation, bringing with it fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
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“The industry is always evolving, and having key people with passion and a can do attitude will support the next generation with new ideas and innovation, it’s key to staying ahead,” Craig said. “I’ve seen the company grow from an idea into a globally recognised brand, and now seeing the next generation step in with new technology, fresh thinking, and a drive to keep improving, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
He said that a successful business is built on people with a passion and a hunger for continuous learning and adaptation, and he’s proud to see the younger generation bring new energy while they maintain the core values that Striker was founded on.
For more information, visit strikercrushing.com
Jordan Pedley is set to take over the family business from her dad, Craig.
OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME
Caterpillar is searching for the world’s best operators after launching its third Global Operator Challenge.
Operators from around the world will have the chance to cement their legacy in the third-ever Global Operator Challenge.
The competition will pit thousands of machine operators against each other, testing their agility, resilience, and versatility across a wide range of construction equipment and technology.
“For nearly 100 years, our customers have been pushing the limits with our machines,” said Tony Fassino, Caterpillar’s construction industries group president.
“This challenge helps showcase and celebrate the exceptional skills of the expert men and women in this important profession as they forge their legacies of being the best operators in the world.”
The previous edition ran from 2022 to 2023 and received an enthusiastic response, with more than 140 Cat dealer competitions featuring over 10,000 operators from 32 countries.
Doheny claimed victory in the final event held at CONEXPO Las Vegas. To crown his achievements, Caterpillar awarded Doheny with a trip for two to a location where Caterpillar has one of its production facilities.
title of the best Caterpillar machine operator on the planet,” Doheny said.
incredible event to highlight the importance of our profession. It is truly a dream come true to see your life’s passion be rewarded in such an amazing way.”
will include more events, countries and operators than ever.
participate in local challenges, which Caterpillar dealers will facilitate for the first round of competition. The opening round will be held from January to September 2025. Cat dealers in Australia and New Zealand will host challenge events from February to June.
Scoring is based on the operator’s skills, safety, efficiency and competence in using integrated technology such as payload, grade control and operator ease-of-use features to enhance the machine’s performance.
The top competitors from each local Australia and New Zealand dealer event will then advance to the regional semifinal competitions in Japan at the end of October, where they will meet other Asia Pacific finalists.
The top three regional finalists will then represent Asia Pacific. Globally, nine finalists will emerge from the regional semifinals and participate in the final competition in March 2026 at Caterpillar’s outdoor Festival Grounds exhibit during CONEXPO-CON/ AGG in Las Vegas.
The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize or an equal-value trip for two where Caterpillar has a worldwide location. •
test the operator’s versatility with at least three different challenges on at least three separate pieces of equipment awaiting them in the initial round.
The final of the event will be held during CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas in 2026.
Images: Caterpillar
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TRUSTED TO DELIVER
Shell Gadus grease products are helping businesses reduce equipment downtime.
Quarries that are looking to optimise production rates and boost their bottom line have a common problem: downtime.
Sites often cannot reduce downtime on their own.
They need the support of their suppliers to innovate products and address the pain points that producers are facing.
According to a survey from Shell Lubricant Solutions, “76 per cent of people believe a lubricant supplier that can share expertise would be valuable to their company”(1)
This is where Shell Lubricants, which has extensive experience as a lubricant solutions partner, can support quarries.
Viva Energy Australia, the Shell Lubricant Macro Distributor in Australia, can provide local expertise when it comes to lubricant solution to help Australian construction and industrial businesses reduce equipment downtime.
Shell is renowned for innovation within the lubricants and grease segment, including introducing lithium grease technology 80 years ago.
Since that time, Shell has amassed over 300 lubricant and grease patents globally (2) and designed advanced polyurea and lithium-free thickener technology to
support heavy industrial use. Shell’s global network of technology centres collaborates closely with customers and equipment manufacturers to accelerate innovation and enhance productivity.
The Shell Lubricant Solutions survey found that 56 per cent of construction companies experience equipment breakdowns due to ineffective lubrication(1)
“We work closely with Shell and OEMs to ensure the lubricants we recommend to customers meet the specifications and product applications required,” Viva Energy Australia product support engineer Silvana Farrugia said.
“Our local technical helpdesk and support service is available to ensure customers match the correct grease to their application, including pins and bushes for excavators and the option to book on-site engineers for greasing, fitting and condition monitoring.”
Shell Gadus grease production centres focus on providing consistent product quality worldwide through their rigorous quality control system.
This system ensures consistent product performance and is supported by extensive technical support for customers.
Shell Lubricant Solutions has research and development centres in Germany, the
Viva Energy Australia is the Shell Lubricant macro distributor in Australia.
Shell Gadus greases use operator-friendly naming conventions.
USA, China, India, and Japan. With over 500 scientists, these centres work collaboratively to address the diverse needs of global markets.
Shell Gadus greases feature an easy-tounderstand naming convention to simplify the selection process for quarry customers.
The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) grade measures a grease’s consistency, ranging from 000 for fluid to six for block greases.
“When choosing a grease, it is essential to consider four key properties: thickener type, base oil viscosity, operating conditions, and NLGI Consistency,” Farrugia said.
“These properties are clearly indicated in the naming convention for each Shell Gadus product.”
Shell Gadus greases can be matched to a customer’s application as the range features a variety of properties that suit low- to highload applications and rotating speeds.
The result is a range of greases that can help customers achieve enhanced wear
protection, extended grease life, reduced maintenance expenditure, and improved efficiency and performance.
Viva Energy Australia’s technical team can help quarry businesses understand the role of greases in their machinery and how to minimise equipment downtime best using Shell Gadus greases.•
For more information, contact the Viva Energy Technical Helpdesk on 1300 134 205.
Sources:
1 Shell Lubricant Solutions Construction global performance one-pager. Statistics used in this infographic are based on a survey commissioned by Shell Lubricant Solutions and conducted by research company Edelman Intelligence, between March and April 2018, based on 350 interviews with Construction sector staff across seven countries (the USA, China, India, Germany, Russia, Indonesia and the UK) who purchase, influence the purchase of or use lubricants an greases as part of their job.
Eltirus founder Steve Franklin explains how new advances in drone and drone platform technology in 2025 will herald a major change.
On 17 of May 2017, Eltirus flew its first whole of quarry drone flight using a DJI Phantom 4 and processed it using Propeller.
It was a revelation to me at the time that we could achieve so much with so little.
Now, some eight years later we are on the verge of the next really big technology advance.
DRONE TECHNOLOGY CHANGES
DJI produce arguably the best drones for quarry use. We are strong believers in keeping it simple and always recommend to our clients to buy drones in the sub-2kg category (unless there is a very real need to have something larger). A sub-2kg drone keeps things ‘regulatory lite’ in regards to CASA, specifically with respect to company and pilot licencing which reduces on-going compliance requirements and management.
We have long been a fan of DJI drones, flying the last three generations in the sub2kg class and now gearing up to bring on the recently released DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise
(M4E). For those of you who may still be flying the DJI Phantom 4 RTK (P4R), the jump in technology to the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (M3E) and now the M4E is substantial.
The newer drones are smaller, easier to operate, fly faster, have better battery life and have significantly better obstacle avoidance. To give you some sense of just how much improvement has been made, if you consider the performance of a P4R vs a M4E, the new drone is 60 per cent faster and uses batteries that last about 50 per cent longer, and surprisingly, is cheaper.
DRONE SOFTWARE UPDATE
While some sites only use drone survey for stockpile management, we believe that regular (monthly), whole-of-site drone survey are one of the most effective quarry communication and management tools currently available.
The ability to pull up a 3D image of your site with all the relevant geospatial information loaded up and available for discussion in a
meeting, internally or with other stakeholders, is critical to ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
We use a range of geological and mine design and scheduling software packages in the course of our work and one of the challenges has always been in communicating that work to site users in a way that is accessible to them without the requirement for expensive licences and specialist skills.
This requirement has led us to research many different potential software solutions over the years, with a specific focus on looking for solutions that were quarry focussed..
Over the past eight years, several companies have come and gone, with the industry tending to settle on two main platforms that are now fairly well known.
More recently we identified a new package that we think shows considerable advantages over other solutions - Strayos. In essence, it combines the tools that we are generally used to seeing in a drone platform with the
Images: Eltirus
Eltirus is gearing up to bring on the recently released DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise.
added benefit of AI analysis functionality and a fully featured drill and blast design and analysis package.
Key benefits include:
1. Improved operational safety using AI tools
2. Tools to improve fragmentation through blast optimisation
3. Unparalleled data integration and interoperability with other systems
IMPROVING OPERATIONAL SAFETY USING AI TOOLS
Strayos uses a range of AI tools to enhance safety in quarry operations in the following areas:
• Slope stability monitoring: AI is used to continuously monitor slope angles and detect potential deformations or failures in pit slopes, tailings embankments, and stockpiles, helping to prevent accidents by identifying risks early.
• Blast safety: Integrated blast design tools optimise blast designs to minimise fly rock and vibration, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to nearby structures. AI tools provide the ability predict, analyse and learn about how to improve blast fragmentation and can be combined with both a smart phone app and a full blown, real-time fragmentation analysis device that can assess material size and shape either of material dumped into a primary crusher hopper or over a conveyor belt.
• Haul road and berm compliance: tools are used to assess haul road width, grade and cross fall and ensure that berms meet safety standards by analysing their dimensions and conditions in alignment with your site safety parameters.
• Environmental monitoring: AI tools can track environmental factors such as water erosion and pooling and provide monitoring of species.
BLAST OPTIMISATION
I have always been interested in drill and blast, initially from my time as a shotfirer and later in managing the drill and blast operations for a mining contractor. Strayos was of immediate interest to me as it combines drone platform tools that I am already familiar with, with a full featured drill and blast design, tie-in and analysis platform. Specially the things I like are:
• Data Integration: The data from various sources like drones, apps, satellites, drill rigs and other smart equipment is integrated into a single platform. This
correct spatial position on the bench with the ability to then line this up with the geological model for that part of the quarry.
• Blast Optimisation: AI tools are used to optimise blasting operations, reducing costs associated with backbreak, secondary breakage, and fines. This includes the ability to visualise collar deviation, predict fragmentation, muck pile profile, floor level and vibration/air-blast and then use the AI toolset to compare what was predicted with what was achieved.
DATA INTEROPERABILITY AND INTEGRATION
A key goal for us is to make our work accessible to the quarry management team. Of a similar importance is the need to make site data available to our team as well. For
• 3D modelling: Advanced photogrammetry to create highly accurate 3D models of quarry sites, incorporating data from drone surveys, geological assessments, and other sources to provide a detailed visual representation.
• Real-time synchronisation: Integration of data collected in the field, such as drill logs and blast designs which can then be synchronised in real-time ensuring that all team members have access to the most up-to-date information.
• APIs and integration: The ability to seamless integrate data with other enterprise applications. For example, we can pull stocks data directly out of Strayos via the API into our quarry reporting system, Eltirus Enable without having to export/ import spreadsheets.
Eltirus flew its first whole of quarry drone flight in 2017.
By integrating data from these diverse sources, Strayos helps quarry operators make informed decisions, optimise operations, and improve overall efficiency.
BEYOND VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT DRONE OPERATION AND DRONE PLATFORM INTEGRATION
You might be aware that beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) drone operations are becoming more and more common these days as the DJI Dock 2 improves in functionality and CASA allows suitably qualified companies to fly BVLOS.
provides a ‘hangar’ for the drone that is weatherproof, can charge the drone and download data from it, all done remotely.
An Australian company, RocketDNA is doing some very interesting work around integrating this dock with Strayos through a seamless integration between the dock, drone, Strayos and their control room.
RocketDNA will rent you a DJI Dock, you advise them of the flight plans and flight frequency and they do everything remotely including:
• Automated data processing: RocketDNA uses Strayos to process raw drone.
• Automated reporting: Data captured by the drone can be automatically
processed and reported using Strayos’ AI capabilities.
• Real-time data access: Real-time data synchronisation, ensuring that all team members have access to the most current information for monitoring and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Another area that we are very interested in is hyperspectral analysis to enhance geological mapping and optimise quarry operations. Benefits can include:
• Mineral classification: Classification of different mineral zones across a site, bench, or muck pile.
• Geological feature detection: Automatic detection and visualisation of geological features such as bedding planes, joints, and fissures.
• Environmental monitoring: Monitoring of environmental factors, such as vegetation health, rehabilitation progress and species diversity and identification – e.g. fire ants. By integrating hyperspectral analysis, Strayos provides a more detailed and accurate understanding of the quarry site, leading to improved operational efficiency and safety.
We are very excited to see just where the Strayos journey will take us and our clients in 2025 and beyond.•
Strayos uses a range of AI tools to enhance safety in quarry operations.
RocketDNA will rent quarries a DJI Dock.
MOVING ON UP
Multotec Australia has plans to expand its presence in Australia and the local quarrying sector in 2025.
When Grahame Hopkins returned to Multotec Australia after more than a decade, he realised the company was onto something special.
He had spent around 14 years away from the business on a journey to grow his skillset and career, but when offered the chance to return to the company, where he had been one of the original five employees in 2004, he could not say no.
It was a simple decision in his mind. The company had the right products to make a
mark across Australia’s heavy industries and the ambition to expand.
“I hadn’t been to the office or seen the factory until I rejoined.
“I turned up the first day and walked around; I said to them, ‘You are so far ahead of everyone else, it’s not funny’. They were streets ahead of everyone else,” he told Quarry
“I felt like they were going to set the benchmark of what the rest of the industry will chase.”
Hopkins credited much of the company’s drive and ambition to Multotec Australia’s managing director, Nigel Kriel. Kriel played a key role in Hopkins’ return to the company, and now the pair’s partnership is a driving force behind the company’s plans in Australia.
“Nigel has set the tone, the benchmark and the desire within our company to get it to where it is,” Hopkins said.
“He brings the innovation. I would often ask him if we could do something, and in 24 hours, he would come back with a solution.
“He is one of the most innovative people I’ve ever met.”
Multotec Australia’s distinctive blackand-green screen media and processing equipment is recognised in the Australian mining sector. Now, the company plans to introduce the equipment into the country’s quarrying industry.
While the industries may differ, Multotec Australia’s end goal remains the same: helping customers improve their yields through a tailored solution.
Rarely in the industry can a screening solution be stock standard and brought off a shelf. Two quarry sites are rarely the same, as geography, project demands and differences in material composition can alter the equipment a quarry may require. That is why Multotec Australia has assembled a team with the knowledge, experience, and innovative thinking to tailor a solution to the customer’s exact requirements using a process-driven engineering approach.
“The same products we sell into mining can be used in quarrying. For us, it’s not as though we’re reinventing ourselves or starting again. We think it can work well in the quarrying sector in Australia,” Hopkins said.
The company invests heavily in research and development for its equipment.
Multotec VP of sales and service, Grahame Hopkins.
Images:
Multotec
“The idea is optimising the product that is best for the customer’s commodity, in this case aggregates.
“If we can give them better yields, they’ll make more profit. If they get bigger, they’ll be able to expand their sites, so it is a win-win.”
However, the company’s role does not end with manufacturing a solution for the customer. It provides further training at its facilities or on-site to show how the customer can get the most out of Multotec’s equipment. This service is extended to the company’s digital platforms, where Multotec Australia’s team can demonstrate how to use the online service so customers can spend less time doing admin and ordering and more time on what matters: producing material.
“We don’t want a seller. We want to be your partner,” Hopkins said.
“We’re always looking at the optimal performance of the equipment, how we can make improvements to the current plans, and what we need to do to help our customers get better yields.
The company has invested significantly in expanding its headquarters in Logan, Brisbane. The investment, worth $20 million, will see the addition of a laboratory and a circuit system and expand the site’s footprint. These additions will complement the existing advanced manufacturing equipment, which includes automated welding machines, compression moulding rubber panels, and polyurethane casts.
This will also complement Multotec’s existing network of branches throughout Australia, which can provide direct customer support. The company maintains branch locations in Perth, Newman, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Emerald and Mackay. The company is looking to potentially add Townsville and the north and south islands in New Zealand to increase its customer support in those areas.
The expansion, which is estimated to be completed in 2026, will provide an advanced facility for its team of engineers to create its range of screening, processing and
classification equipment, which is tailored to the customer.
“Research and development is extremely important. Our research and development mainly centres on lab work and optimising the performance of this product,”
Hopkins said,
“With this expansion, we’ll be getting a proper lab and our own circuit. The circuit will allow us to run our client’s product through there and test what works for them.”
Hopkins said the company’s commitment to technology-driven product design ensured the customer received a high-quality product.
“The stalwarts of our business have operated plants; they know what the customer has done because they’ve done it themselves,” he said.
“What sets us apart is the willingness and desire to convert that in the areas that we’re working in. That is where the growth has come from.” •
For more information, visit multotec.com
Multotec Australia aims to helping customers improve their yields through tailored solutions.
VOLVO PROVES ITS WORTH AT DUNNEWORTHY
Western Quarries team explains how Australia’s first 50-tonne Volvo EC550E crawler excavator is helping maximise production at its Dunneworthy site.
Western Quarries was initially founded with an important goal in mind – to offer high quality aggregates that were in high demand for Australian road projects.
At the time, in 2012, there was a gap between supply and demand that needed to be filled to support these vital roadworks.
In September 2015, the company saw its inaugural blast, quickly followed by crushing activities. Today, as the only quarry with a certified NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) laboratory on-site, Western Quarries has been able to enhance quality control at the point of manufacture and ensure swift turnaround times.
Now operating at two sites just outside the western Victorian town of Ararat: Dunneworthy Quarry and Tuckers Hill Quarry, Western Quarries continues to grow, all the while supplying materials to support major road infrastructure projects across regional Victoria.
The company’s product range includes high-quality aggregates and crushed rocks that meet VicRoads standards for use in concrete, asphalt, and road surfacing projects. With a blending plant established in 2016, Western Quarries can supply wet mix and cement-treated crushed rocks, and precoated surfacing aggregate.
Western Quarries business manager Paul Griffin was impressed by the company’s dedication to growth, efficiency, and getting the job done safely.
He told Quarry that endeavouring for best practice across all aspects of the business – whether that’s buying the right equipment or maintaining good signage and traffic management – contributes to a safer operation and more satisfied customers.
“My experience so far within the business has been a real eye-opener for me,” Griffin said. “They know how to put everything in the right places – the degree of overall structure within the business is really impressive.”
A DECADE AT DUNNEWORTHY
Leading the way at Western Quarries’ Dunneworthy site is quarry manager, Daryl Potter, who started with the business shortly after its first blast in 2015.
According to Potter the business’ machinery fleet has been standardised Volvo across the board, which he said has made everybody’s life easier.
“We use all Volvo mobile plant here, including three 40-tonne A40G articulated haulers, and three front-end loaders as well,” he said. “The most recent loader is a Volvo L260H wheel loader, which the boys are really happy with. We also have two L220H wheel loaders, which we predominantly use as sales loaders around the quarry.”
Western Quarries’ Volvo EC550E is the first of its kind in Australia.
And on the frontlines for Potter’s team are two Volvo excavators, a 48-tonner and a 50-tonner – the EC550E.
“The new EC550E has been a really good addition to our fleet,” he said. “We’re getting much better fuel consumption with this excavator compared to our older machine.
Daryl said the new machine is quicker and smoother to operate, with faster load times yielding more overall production.
“Our whole Volvo fleet has been purchased through CJD Equipment,” he said. “We appreciate the ease of having one brand of machine, and CJD is a one-stop shop for whatever we need. Parts are always readily
available, and they give us great backup support. It’s a path we’ll continue to go down in the future.
“There is a level of confidence with knowing CJD are just down the road in Melbourne. When we’ve had any issues in the past, CJD has been there to help us out. We couldn’t be any happier.”
CJD SUPPORT
CJD Equipment regional sales manager
Steve Wilson has been with the business for more than 20 years and has been supporting Western Quarries since 2017. He said the Western Quarries team has been impressed
by their Volvo machines’ reliability and quality. When it came time for the business to increase its output, he had just the solution for them.
“Western Quarries were after a machine that could load their dump trucks faster to get more product moved, and this was the machine to do that,” Wilson said. “They were initially looking at another EC480D with a larger bucket, but this combination wasn’t really possible. So, I suggested they look at the EC550E.
“The EC550E is Volvo’s first true 50-tonne class machine, offering greater performance and production. This machine has the highest engine power in its class, improved cycle times, exceptional operator comfort, and great fuel efficiency.”
Wilson said the EC550E offers the kind of productivity and performance usually reserved for 60-tonne excavators. Its rugged build and reinforced undercarriage make it a great choice for the toughest conditions.
“Adding the EC550E to the Western Quarries fleet has reduced the number of passes required to fill their dump truck while using less fuel, which provides greater productivity,” Wilson said.
Justin Brasser, one of Western Quarries’ veteran operators, agrees.
“It’s a vast improvement from the smaller machine,” he said. “It’s cut my load times down to two and a half minutes per truck, and burns less fuel for it – between 220 and 240 litres per day,” Brasser said.
“The comfort of the Volvos is far superior too. It’s nice and smooth to operate, and it has a
Western Quarries added the EC550E to help boost overall output.
really nice, clean climate-controlled cab. You’ll still feel a lot more comfortable at the end of the day, too. You’re not as worn out.
“That’s my favourite thing about it – it just makes my job a lot easier.”
MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT
Diesel mechanic and second-in-charge at the Dunneworthy site, Lachie Woods, has around 15 years of mechanical experience.
However, when he joined Western Quarries he was still new to working on heavy machinery.
He said having the opportunity to upskill by working on the latest Volvo equipment has made the transition easy.
“Volvo’s service access points are well laid out on the Volvos, making everything’s easy to get at,” Woods said. “CJD are very easy to deal with when it comes to parts – just a quick email or a phone call and they get things sorted out quickly.
“And their field service team will always get someone out here as soon as they can if we have any issues that are a bit more technical.”
Woods also appreciates his employer’s dedication to frequently rotating its machinery.
“It makes my job much easier, given we’re not running machines into the ground,”
he said. “It also helps them maintain their resale value, and avoid any major issues. We just need to keep up with basic servicing and routine maintenance.”
RELIABLE RELATIONSHIPS
Wilson doesn’t take his role as Western Quarries’ trusted CJD regional sales manager for granted.
“I feel the most important thing in this
industry is to develop and maintain trusted relationships with customers, and I pride myself on the fact that this drives me,” he said.
“It is also a core belief of CJD Equipment and Volvo, and it’s reflected in how both entities do business: with a focus on the customers’ needs.” •
For more information, visit cjd.com.au
The extra power of the EC550E helps operators fill trucks faster.
The EC550E is Volvo’s first true 50-tonne excavator.
MAJOR SHIFTS IN SPENDING
Infrastructure Australia has released its latest insights into the Australian sector with a holistic new report.
Anew report has highlighted how rising material costs, worker shortages, and other external influences impact Australia’s infrastructure sector.
Infrastructure Australia has released its Market Capacity Report 2024, the fourth annual report since the practice began in 2021. The latest report highlights a significant shift in how and where investment occurs in Australia’s infrastructure pipeline.
While major transport projects account for most infrastructure spending, the growth areas are energy and social infrastructure projects. According to Infrastructure Australia’s data, building projects and utilities also saw growth, being valued at $71 billion and $16 billion, respectively. Transport projects saw the largest reduction in spending of all project types, with a reduction of $32 billion, for a total of $126 billion in the pipeline.
However, transport sector businesses interviewed as part of the report indicated they believed there would be an increase in activity levels over the next two years. Their enthusiasm is tempered slightly by the data shown in the report, including when considering transport investment across the forward estimates.
Infrastructure Australia chief executive officer Adam Copp said these changes reflected a broader public policy and investment shift.
“This recalibration in investment is due to some governments coming off of significant
investment in transport projects and changing focus to addressing the housing crisis and transitioning to a net zero future,” he said.
There were also significant shifts in the key infrastructure markets across Australia. The report highlights significant growth in the Queensland and Northern Territory markets, while Victoria and New South Wales both saw reductions in their overall pipelines.
Growth in these two areas could create additional workforce problems and concerns about material supply for major projects.
Infrastructure Australia has recommended a national approach be taken to ensure the supply of raw construction materials going forward.
“We are seeing the Northern Territory and Queensland’s pipelines growing by a total of $16 billion, while NSW and Victoria’s pipelines have decreased by a total of $39 billion,” Copp said.
“The biggest challenge that comes with increasing activity in regional areas is how to attract workers as well as get the materials needed to complete these projects.”
Other industry stakeholders have previously highlighted the concerns around material supply in these areas. Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) issued several calls last year for action regarding a Heavy Construction Materials Plan in most states, including Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and Western Australia,
ahead of the western state’s upcoming state election.
The organisation has continually reinforced that states need to implement a plan to stabilise the supply of raw materials and protect quarries to ensure state governments can deliver their stated infrastructure pipelines. In Queensland, this has become more acute as the state prepares to host the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
The Market Capacity Report highlighted concrete as Australia’s most in-demand construction material over the next five years (136.8 million tonnes), followed by aggregates (80 million), cement (22.4 million tonnes) and sand (34.4 million tonnes.
In response to Infrastructure Australia’s report, CCAA chief executive officer Michael Kilgariff said a national plan to heavy construction materials was key.
The CCAA has repeatedly pointed to Victoria’s approvals coordinator as a potential model to replicate. According to the Victorian Government, the coordinator helped unlock 300 million tonnes of new quarry resources approved for development.
“The 2024 Infrastructure Market Capacity Report reconfirms that challenges such as material shortages, cost pressures, logistics and regulatory approvals continue to have an impact, particularly in the supply and sustainability of essential construction materials: cement, concrete, aggregate, and sand,” he said.
“The call for a nationally coordinated strategy to stabilise raw material supplies and ensure continuity is welcomed by CCAA.”
Of particular concern is the increase in material costs. Infrastructure Australia’s data illustrate that construction materials cost around 30 per cent more than they did three years ago. Most businesses surveyed in the 2024 Industry Confidence Survey believed most construction materials had “some level” of supply chain risk, ranging from steel
Infrastructure Australia has released its latest Market Capacity Report.
to concrete and cement to timber, fuel and construction equipment. Most businesses saw concerns around steel and timber supply, but concrete and cement ranked third, followed by construction equipment.
The report noted that increased energy costs and stricter environmental regulations had impacted the supply of cement and in turn, increased material cost. Concrete suffered from stricter sustainability standards with precast concrete being in particularly high demand across the sector.
“The key message remains that concrete, aggregate and sand are the dominant materials facilitating affordable, lower carbon building and infrastructure,” Kilgariff said.
“The closer materials are to where they’re needed, and the more governments streamline approvals and support industryled recycling initiatives, the better the outcomes for our common goals.
“An essential component of this strategy would be to expedite quarry approvals, as the availability of raw materials like aggregates and sand requires fast-tracking approvals for quarry expansions to meet growing demand in the right place at the right time, particularly where urban encroachment threatens existing resources.”
In addition to legislation to support material supply, including lowering barriers around circular materials, Infrastructure Australia called on governments and the private sector to solve the workforce issue in the industry.
QUARRY PUMPING EXPERTS
“In order to attract new workers to the industry and retain the ones we have, government and industry need to address the underlying cultural issues that are holding productivity back and driving people, particularly women, away from a career in
construction,” Copp said.
“This should be an industry of choice, but the reality on the ground is it’s a harsh working environment—we see burnout, stress, and incredibly poor mental health and wellbeing. •
The report highlights concerns about the cost of construction materials and workforce shortages.
Images: Enrique del Barrio/stock.adobe.com
GRECH STEPS UP
Ryan Grech shares his story of joining the quarrying industry and what he hopes to achieve through his career.
Quarrying has always been part of Ryan Grech’s life in some shape or form, even when he was young.
At university, he started doing short contracts in aggregates testing and a stint at a precast concrete operation. Before that, he remembers models of mobile jaw crushers and screens around his family home.
“For as long as I can remember, dad always had models of mobile jaw crushers or screens floating around. It was always something I took an interest in,” Grech told Quarry
“I was always happy to hear the stories of the various sites that he had been to around the world in his roles. In terms of the engineering aspect of things, it was always something that he showed me, and it is certainly something that has helped me at the start of my career.”
When it came time to choose a career, working in the quarrying industry was front of mind, it was just a matter of where he would get his start.
Grech started with the Heidelberg Materials Australia (formerly Hanson Australia) Graduate Program before becoming a quarry supervisor at the company’s Ferny Grove site.
Even though Grech is charting his own course through the quarry industry, quarrying is still a popular conversation topic when he sees his dad, Frank, who is Kayasand’s national sales manager.
“Most of the time we catch up there is at least one portion of the conversation that is dedicated to quarrying and work in some capacity,” Grech said.
“Working in operations at the moment, I have a slightly different perspective than he does, as he’s more on the supplier side. It is interesting to see the balance of the two sides.”
Heidelberg Materials Australia’s Graduate Program saw Grech complete rotations across different aspects of the business. He started the program in the metro quarry program in Brisbane before moving into the
transport side of the business, focusing on maintenance and allocation.
Grech remembered working at one of the metro quarries in Queensland, where he first handled a cone crusher. He and the fitter stripped down and rebuilt the top shell assembly down to its nuts and bolts.
The graduate program took him to Central Queensland, where he worked in concrete and aggregates, assisting concrete plant managers, learning to batch concrete and relieved plant managers during their leave periods. But by far, the most formative experience was when he was stationed at a quarry in Biloela.
At the small quarry operation, Grech worked in a supervisor’s role, which he describes as fundamental to his career.
“After my time in the transport and operations side of the business, I knew I wanted to pursue the quarry side of the business. I flagged that early with the Queensland leaders in Heidelberg Materials, and they were more than happy to facilitate it,” he said.
“After working at Biloela, I certainly knew I wanted to go and become a quarry
supervisor and start my career in operations.
“They altered my program to have more of a quarry focus, which ultimately helped me land my role now as a quarry supervisor at Ferny Grove.”
“There is definitely room for tailoring the program. I’d certainly recommend the graduate program as an entry into the industry because it is what you make.
“Especially with my science degree, I was able to pull on that knowledge and experience to go down that pathway. It is not all about operations or equipment and transport; there is the technical side with concrete and aggregates testing.
“I think the graduate program is the perfect way to sample every aspect of the business and see where you fit.
“It is very welcoming. I’ve been lucky in the graduate program to have access to some senior people in the industry and been able to tap into their knowledge and experience.”
The young quarry supervisor hopes to one day get certified to become a quarry manager and deepen his understanding of the operations side of the business. He has already started his diploma to become a
Ryan Grech works for Heidelberg Materials Australia.
Images: Ryan Grech
in the industry.
“The sky is the limit at the end of the day. Once I know the operations side of the business, I’ll go wherever it takes me,” he said.
While Grech has grown up in and around the quarrying industry from a young age, it has never really crossed his mind to take up
contractors for drill and blast,” he said.
“There are so many different aspects of my role that you couldn’t possibly get bored of it. There are endless opportunities to be handson and to make something happen. I enjoy being involved in everything I can.
“It is fantastic, to be honest.”
While Grech is still early in his career as a
and there’s always more to learn,” he said.
Grech credited the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) with playing a key role in his formative years in the quarrying industry.
As an IQA member, Grech has attended educational and networking events and interacted with colleagues and peers from across the quarrying industry. He has also played an active role within the community including within the Young Members Network as a coordinator and as a committee member in Central Queensland.
Last year, Grech was part of the small group that went over to the United Kingdom as part of the IQA Study Tour. The group of 11 quarry professionals visited several UK quarries, including a couple of super quarries, and were also able to take in Hillhead 2024 in Buxton.
“It is incredible what the IQA are able to facilitate and the amount of knowledge and relationships I gained on the UK tour, those friendships and experiences will stay with me forever,” he said.
“It was an awesome experience, and I still draw on the knowledge I gained on that trip daily.”
Grech said he had nothing but praise for the experience he had as an IQA member.
“It is a very small, tight-knit community, and I think everyone benefits from everyone’s
IQA AMBASSADORS
MEET YOUR AMBASSADORS
Quarry talks to members from the Institute of Quarrying Australia’s Ambassador Program for 2025 about their careers and industry insights.
The Institute of Quarrying Australia’s Ambassador Program is in full swing as the initiative takes shape for the first time in 2025.
The initiative from the IQA is designed to help boost engagement with its members and help support and grow the organisation’s mission.
The group consists of 26 professionals from across the quarrying industry. The program’s inaugural group includes: Blake Ardery (Quarry Solutions), Greg Dressler (Hanson Australia), Tylah Drochmann (Resources Victoria – Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action), Charlie Eaton (Terex Jaques), Brendan Edwards (Holcim Australia), Jason Egan (Lantrak), Steve Franklin (Eltirus), Frank Grech (Kayasand), Clayton Hill (SLR Consulting), Nick Lahman (Texcel), Harry Lewis (The Neilsen Group), Richard Lightfoot (Casconsult P/L), Francis Lourey (Boral Quarries NSW), Malcolm McDonald (Trainsafe), Lachlan McGillivray (Hanson Australia), Carly Monaghan (SLR Consulting), Alexandria Murray (Peninsula Quarries, Victoria), Mark O’Brien, Dean Olzard (ABC Training and Consulting), James Rowe (SLR Consulting), Allan Schoenfisch (Advanced Engineering Group), Thomas Sherd (Adbri), Tegan Smith (SLR Consulting), Ezrah Waith (Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers), Michael Willmott (Webforge Locker Australia) and Reynaldo Yeo (Omya Australia).
In this edition, Quarry Eaton from Terex and Alex Murray from Peninsula Quarries about their careers and insights into the industry.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY?
Charlie Eaton: I come from a machinery hire background, account manager and business development manager roles for a good number of years now.
I was approached about an opportunity at Terex Jaques as their aftermarket parts manager nearly a year ago now, and it ticked all the boxes. Terex has been amazing in
Image:
Charlie Eaton
industry. The tours will connect you with the wider quarry community, and the list of benefits goes on.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN QUARRYING, AND WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?
Alex Murrary: Inspired by my mother working in the industry, I applied for a second job as Weighbridge Operator under her operations at Peninsula Quarries (Vic) in 2020. Over the course of five years at Peninsula Quarries (Vic), I worked my way up into a variety of managerial positions, where I am currently operations manager.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO JOIN THE IQA AMBASSADORS PROGRAM?
AM: I am a big advocate for getting young members and women into the industry, so this is just another avenue that I can pursue
Image: Alex Murray
and guide people into the industry to make influential connections, is very rewarding.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BEING AN IQA MEMBER?
AM: My favourite aspect of being an IQA member is the ability to network which has created strong support systems within my personal and professional development.
MARCH MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY. HOW DO YOU FIND REPRESENTATION IN THE FIELD, AND HOW HAS THAT CHANGED DURING YOUR TIME IN THE INDUSTRY?
AM: While female representation within quarrying has progressed over my short time in the industry, it still has a long way to go. Workplaces are slowly increasing the number of women employed, which is a positive, and I am grateful I am in a position where I can contribute to those numbers. While there has been improvement, we need to promote, encourage and inspire women to undertake positions that have previously been primarily filled by males. Incentives such as Women in Quarrying events hosted by the IQA showcase the growing female presence in our industry and the importance of gender equality.
WHAT BENEFITS DO YOU FIND FROM THE IQA PROGRAMS, SUCH AS WOMEN IN QUARRYING, YOUNG MEMBERS?
AM: Any event supporting minority groups within the industry is heavily beneficial not only for the individuals belonging to those groups, but they assist in changing outsider’s perceptions with regards to these topics. These events bring likeminded individuals together to allow for valuable networking opportunities.
During my involvement with the IQA, events such as WIQ and YMN have seen increased attendance from workers within the industry as well as current suppliers. Inclusive programs will benefit the reputation quarrying has to the outside world and may also help with employee retention.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF BECOMING AN IQA MEMBER?
AM: Just do it! The IQA is for everyone - It is a great opportunity to be surrounded by people with similar professional interests allowing for personal growth and lifetime connections. •
Image:
GETTING MORE OUT OF THE PNG EXPO
The PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference is providing attendees with the perfect chance to mix networking and relaxation.
The PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) plans to bridge the gap between Australia and one of its key northern neighbours.
The event will provide space for businesses from both countries to meet, face to face, and discuss business opportunities.
PNG Expo marketing manager, Rebecca Todesco, told Quarry that these networking opportunities are vital.
“PNG Expo will offer attendees the chance to learn more about doing business in Papua New Guinea, but also highlights the importance of developing the region’s potential,” she said.
“Whether that’s in downstream processing, critical minerals, or a focus on sustainability, the PNG Expo will allow attendees to learn how they can boost the local and Australian industries.
“Bringing these key decision makers under the one roof means they can get a lot more done with just one international trip, instead of over several smaller visits.”
However, after a long day of conducting business at an industry event, finding somewhere to eat and unwind can sometimes pose a challenge – especially when away from home.
In addition to a packed exhibition floor and speaker program, PNG Expo will provide a range of networking events to help delegates get the most out of their time in Port Moresby.
To kick things off, attendees will be invited to welcome drinks the night before the exhibition begins.
Prime Creative Media events manager Siobhan Rocks said the welcome drinks were a highlight from the 2024 event program.
“The welcome drinks were an amazing opportunity for the exhibitors to come together in a relaxing environment beside the pool at the Stanley Hotel, with great food and great music before the real business started.
“The location, the staff, the food, the music – all of it comes together to really set the scene for what will be an amazing few days.”
This year’s event will offer delegates the chance to rub shoulders with key industry figures and build new relationships in an informal setting.
The exhibition will also feature a gala dinner, which Rocks said took the 2024 event to a new level and was the perfect way to cap off the days of doing business and getting to know each other last year.
“The 2024 gala dinner was everything we loved about the welcome drinks but also gave everyone the opportunity to sit down with people they’d been speaking to for the last couple of days and make business happen, all while enjoying a five-star meal, great speeches and wonderful entertainment,” Rocks said.
“It was a really great way to cap off what was a successful first edition for PNG Expo and we can’t wait to make it bigger and better this year.”
All of the events, including the exhibition itself, will be located at the Stanley Hotel, allowing delegates to focus on networking and creating new business relationships.
PNG Expo will be held in Port Moresby from 2-3 July 2025. For more information on exhibiting, or to learn how you can secure your attendance to PNG Expo’s networking events, visit pngexpo.com.•
Delegates will be invited to welcome drinks the night before the exhibition begins.
PNG Expo will feature a gala dinner.
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MOVERS AND SHAKERS
The new year has brought with it a series of new appointments in key roles across the global quarrying and construction materials industry.
The new year regularly brings with it the winds of change across the construction materials and aggregates industries.
Material producers and equipment manufacturers have been busy at the back end of 2024 and into the early months of 2025, announcing new hires to take on crucial roles within their organisations.
Quarry looks at some of the major announcements from around the global quarrying industry.
“I am excited to welcome Jennifer to Terex and to our leadership team,” Terex’s president and chief executive officer Simon Meester said.
“Jennifer is a highly accomplished finance professional with an impressive track record of driving positive results, with strong capabilities around finance business partnership in large, diverse, multinational companies across the energy, utilities and manufacturing sectors.
“She is a hands-on leader who also brings growth and mergers and acquisitions exposure plus transformation experience in her prior roles.
TEREX’S TRIFECTA
Few original equipment manufacturers have been as busy as Terex in the new year when it comes to organisational appointments.
Jennifer Kong-Picarello has started her role as the company’s senior vice president and chief financial officer after being announced in November 2024. She takes over the role of Julie Beck, who has remained at Terex to handle the transition of roles until April 1.
Kong-Picarello officially joined Terex on February 3, where she will also serve on the company’s executive leadership team.
Kong-Picarello joined Terex after an extensive career in finance, including leadership roles at Schneider Electric, Honeywell and Tyco.
“We thank Julie for her dedicated service and leadership at Terex and wish her the best in her future endeavours.”
Elsewhere in the broader Terex ecosystem, the leadership team within Terex MPS Americas has undergone two key changes.
Daniel Wyatt and Chris Reed have taken on two new roles as the company continues to “shape the future” of its Americas business.
Wyatt has become Terex MPS Americas’ general manager for operations. He previously served as the operations director for the company’s Oklahoma City division.
Wyatt began working at the company in 2023, after beginning his career in cost analysis.
“He made a huge difference to the business in Oklahoma City, and created a legacy of
production excellence that Terex will work hard to emulate at our Campsie facility,” Terex Aggregates’ vice president Pat Brain said.
“In his new role, Daniel will oversee the site closure of Oklahoma City, while also assuming operational responsibilities for Durand, Michigan.”
Wyatt’s elevation was announced alongside the promotion of Chris Reed, who has become the commercial general manager for Terex MPS Americas’ brands, including Cedarapids, Simplicity and Canica. Reed worked at John Deere before joining Terex as a design engineer in 2006. His new role will also encompass responsibilities in sales, aftermarket and engineering.
“These changes reflect our commitment to promoting talent from within and positioning our teams for success,” Brian said.
“The strong team culture has paved the way for us to confidently promote Daniel and Chris and Terex MPS Americas for continued success. I look forward to collaborating with them and as we move into our next phase of opportunity and growth.”
KYCKLING BECOMES METSO’S MONEY MAN
Metso announced Pasi Kyckling as the successor to Eeva Sipilä, who is departing the original equipment manufacturer for a role at Neste.
Jennifer Kong-Picarello is the new chief financial officer at Terex.
Image: Terex
Image:
Metso
Sipilä is set to leave Metso by no later than April 2025 according to the company with Kyckling officially joining by July 2025 at the latest.
Kyckling joins Metso after previously working as the acting chief financial officer and group transformation officer at Stora Enso. He has leadership experience in finance, strategy and IT.
“I am excited about this opportunity to join Metso, which is known as a leading company in its field and has interesting opportunities ahead,” Kyckling said.
“I look forward to working with my new colleagues to develop not only all areas of Metso’s financial management but also the company’s strategy and future direction towards even greater success.”
Metso’s president and chief executive officer, Sami Takaluoma, said Kyckling would be a welcome addition as chief financial officer.
“I am convinced that his diverse experience and expertise will play a significant role in Metso’s development, growth, and value creation,” he said.
GEARING UP GEOCYCLE
Suppliers are not the only ones who have been busy bolstering their leadership teams.
Construction materials producer Aggregates Industries has also made a key change.
The company, which is Holcim’s UK subsidiary, announced that experienced industry stalwart Karl Sheehan will lead its Geocycle facility.
The facility is located at the company’s Cauldron Cement Plant and specialises in lower-carbon cement products, using non-fossil fuel sources and alternative raw materials.
Sheehan has spent the past decade in the hazardous waste sector, including roles specialising in waste collection, treatment, and recovery.
Sheehan’s new role will include travelling across the United Kingdom and Europe to foster relationships with customers and suppliers and explore new materials.
“The transition to Geocycle comes with both exciting opportunities and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is driving change, both in terms of sourcing materials and redefining the perception of waste and cement in the wider industry,” he said.
“However, it’s a sector that’s growing rapidly. I am excited to contribute to Aggregate Industries and the wider Holcim
group’s ongoing efforts to find innovative solutions and to be part of the journey to become net zero by 2050.
“Decarbonisation is a huge topic in the sector, and being part of a company that’s at the forefront of driving change in the construction industry is a key reason I joined the business.”
SUPERIOR SWITCH
Superior Industries confirmed that Devon McKinney will become the product manager for its portable plants segment. He will replace Matt Voigt, who was promoted to director of product management last year.
McKinney’s career has spanned almost two decades at portable plant manufacturer FabTec, based in the Western United States.
Voigt said McKinney has a well-rounded skill set, which would help him thrive in the new role.
“Devon’s extensive industry experience and proven ability to build strong relationships with the people around him make him an excellent fit for Superior Industries,” Voigt said.
“We are thrilled to welcome him to our team and are confident his hard work will help further strengthen our portable plant product line.”
NEW COMMS CHIEF AT SSAB
SSAB broke the news that it will fill the newly created head of group communications role with experienced industry professional Helena Norrman.
Norrman joins the steel manufacturer from global communications agency Kekst CNC, where she was a partner and communications advisor. Her new role will mean she is responsible for all of SSAB’s
communications and serving on the group executive committee.
“I’m extremely happy and grateful for the opportunity to lead SSAB’s communications and marketing. The steel industry plays an important role in both the economy and society, and SSAB is a leading actor in innovation and sustainability,” Norrman said.
“I look forward to getting to know the organisation and working together with my new colleagues.”
SSAB’s chief executive officer and president, Johnny Sjöström, said Norrman’s industry experience stood out to them.
“Helena Norrman has extensive experience in strategic communication, investor relations, public affairs and marketing.
SSAB is in a very exciting phase with our transformation to fossil-free steelmaking, and Helena’s competence will be an important asset. I’m delighted to welcome her to SSAB,” he said. •
Devon McKinney has joined Superior Industries as a product manager.
Helena Norrman is the new head of group communications at SSAB.
GEOLOGY TALK
ALL HIGHWAYS LEAD TO DEWARS FARM QUARRY
An Oxfordshire quarry has gathered global attention after an exciting dinosaur discovery was made on its quarry.
Tof the palaeontology world after researchers uncovered a “dinosaur highway” within it.
Researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Birmingham uncovered the discovery on the quarry floor. To their surprise, the quarry floor featured hundreds of dinosaur footprints, which formed the tracks of what they believed was effectively a “highway” for dinosaurs.
The discovery came after quarry worker Garry Johnson felt what he described as “unusual bumps” when scraping back mud to reveal the quarry floor. Johnson’s hunch saw a team of more than 100 people from the universities of Birmingham and Oxford, as well as quarry manager Mark Stanway and his team at Smiths Bletchington, get into action.
The massive group effort was rewarded by uncovering around 200 footprints and five trackways, including some evidence of some well-known dinosaurs. According to the universities’ findings, the longest tracks came in at 150 metres, while four tracks are thought to be made by a Cetiosaurus, which is related to the Diplodocus.
The fifth trackway is thought to be the creation of a Megalosaurus due to the threetoed markings in the track. The Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur to be named and described worldwide in 1824.
studying Megalosaurus for longer than any other dinosaur on Earth, and yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found,” Dr Emma Nicholls, vertebrate palaeontologist at OUMNH said.
Professor Kirsty Edgar, Professor of Micropalaeontology at the University of Birmingham added: “These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited.”
The researchers have built detailed 3D models of the site to help document the footprints for future research. They also created more than 20,000 images of the prints to support future studies and education.
It follows previous discoveries in the area in a limestone quarry in 1997. Researchers then uncovered 40 sets of footprints, with some trackways reaching up to 180m in length.
The discovery ensured the old limestone quarry became one of the world’s most scientifically important dinosaur track sites and was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
However, the site is no longer accessible, and the findings are limited in photographic evidence.
Professor of Palaeobiology at the University of Birmingham Professor Richard Butler,
said the new discovery would help further experts’ understanding.
“There is much more that we can learn from this site, which is an important part of our national Earth heritage. Our 3D models will allow researchers to continue to study and make accessible this fascinating piece of our past for generations to come,” he said.
Earth scientist at OUMNH, Dr Duncan Murdock, added: “The preservation is so detailed that we can see how the mud was deformed as the dinosaur’s feet squelched in and out. Along with other fossils like burrows, shells and plants we can bring to life the muddy lagoon environment the dinosaurs walked through.” •
Image:
University of Birmingham
The newly discovered tracks mark an exciting find for the UK researchers.
The dig leadership team, Kirsty Edgar, Richard Butler, Duncan Murdock and Emma Nicholls, with Digging for Britain presenter, Alice Roberts (second right).
