Materials CONCRETE AGGREGATE
Zama-Zamas a threat to sustainable development? It is only with the coordinated efforts of South Africa’s legal quarrying industry that the construction of appropriate infrastructure will be able to take place. The resurgence of illegal or unregistered quarrying operations represents a clear and present threat to sustainable development, argues the surface mining industry association, ASPASA, Director, Nico Pienaar. ASPASA and Javier Alamo/Pixabay
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he quarrying industry in South Africa is technically advanced and able to supply materials for modern construction techniques. However, many of the country’s quarries are under threat due to illegal operations and ill-considered borrow pits, which are undercutting the prices of formal quarries and bringing many to their knees. Without well managed quarries operating in our towns and cities, the cost of construction will become unaffordable for government, developers and even for homeowners. If allowed to disappear, we will see similar problems arise as with the Eskom energy and water crisis, where too little is done too late and the citizens will bear the brunt.
No tomorrow
Imagine we need specialised materials to build a dam wall, tunnel or hospital, or that private contractors need high-strength concrete for mine shafts, high rise buildings
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ASPASA, Director, Nico Pienaar.
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