JCB, represented solely in SA by Kemach JCB, has launched its new 5,5 t payload wheel loader. Powered by the JCB’s Tier 2 six-cylinder Dieselmax engine, key features include proven ZF transmission and drive axles; fuel efficient and responsive load sensing hydraulic system; top range modern JCB cab; and excellent ground level maintenance access. The unit has proven itself in extensive trials and comes with an impressive range of customer spec options.
In this issue
Editor’s Piece
Plenty of scope for future development
When one looks at the quarrying industry today and compares it to 30 years ago, there are many similarities, not least of which is the fact that the industry is still dominated by several large companies and the fact that many challenges experienced three decades ago, are still problematical today.
Education and training, which was a special concern all those years ago is still a problem. To my mind, the Institute of Quarrying was very proactive in training and developing courses all those years ago. Today, Monty Montgomery is, thankfully, still heavily involved in providing quality training to all sectors of the mining industry, through the auspices of Xtract Training Services.
Sadly too, as it was then, record keeping by the Department is still abysmal; one has to only look at the DMR’s official list of quarries to find that the list is grossly incorrect, outdated and incomplete.
However, what our quarrymen of yesteryear would be extremely proud of is the fact that today, we have many, many operations that are rated among the best in the world in terms of environmental and safety and health legislation. This industry has a vital niche in the country’s economy; it is committed to providing quality products in an environmentally-friendly manner; and takes pride in the excellent reputation it has worked so hard to achieve.
As a relatively young industry, there is still plenty of scope for future development providing that government keeps to its infrastructure promises.
Dale Kelly
Industry association realises its dreams
In this trip down memory lane, MQ looks back at the early days of Aspasa, which was founded by Sir Rupert Bromley, and at how the industry has grown since that time. One debates the fact that prostitution is the oldest profession in the world – as without a road to parade upon – the ladies of the night would not have been able to ply their trade.
From left to right: The then Alpha-owned Peninsula Quarry, photographed in 1997 by Sir Rupert Bromley, and this photograph of Peak was taken in 1996 by Sir Rupert Bromley.
Drying shrinkage of concrete made from recycled materials
This technical report describes the procedure and results of a range of experiments conducted on a commercially available recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), quantifying the effect that RCA has on the drying shrinkage of new concrete mixes.
From left to right: Studies are showing that improvements are still required in the performance of structural concretes that incorporate recycled aggregates and, Through the experiments, a range of solid contaminants were observed in the commercial RCA product.
Tranformation beyond the equity scorecard – Part 1
Going beyond transformation claims contained in employment equity scorecards and industry compliance reports, this two-part paper provides qualitative insight in the initiatives employed and challenges experienced by mining companies in a quest to transform the industry.
Proactive Aspasa – a tough campaigner
In this regular update, MQ chats to Aspasa director Nico Pienaar about his association’s activities over the last quarter and its plans for the prestigious GAIN (Global Aggregates Information Network) meeting, which will be held in Somerset West in April.
Powerscreen drives Middle East development
In this Global Supplier Spotlight feature, we look at the Al-Mohsen Engineering Company in Qatar, which has invested in a range of Powerscreen rock crushing and screening products to assist in the many infrastructure projects it is currently involved in.
Industry Marketplace
In this issue we look at Weir Minerals, which has moved into the global aggregates sector; Caterpillar’s HYDO™ Advanced mineral oil based hydraulic fluids; Pilot Crushtec International’s new Rubble Master RM8o GO! which is proving its worth at a KZN quarry operation; and ELB Equipment’s Powerscreen Trakpactor 260/Warrior 600 combination, which has the potential to open up the market for smaller operations.
From left to right: Trio products include crushers, screens, feeders, chutes and material handling solutions; Caterpillar has ensured that oil change intervals are quick and efficient; and The Trakpactor 260 impact crusher combined with the Warrior 600 screen is able to punch well above its weight despite the system’s small footprint.
