January 2011
Have we lost the plot?
Travelling to various operations over the last quarter, and chatting to some of the quarry managers, there seems to be much frustration about the handling of several key issues on the part of the DMR. Not least of which is the feeling that there is no leadership, and a lack of consistency in many cases.
To my mind, this is because there are too many deputies and acting deputies, combined with the fact that that people don't seem to remain in their positions for very long, before someone new takes over with little understanding of issues discussed with his predecessor. Officials seem to be demoralised, and in some cases, apathetic towards the challenges the industry is facing.
It really is time for the department to get its act together, and sort out its internal administrative issues sooner rather than later. We have some of the best practice guidelines in the world, and these are useless unless they are thoroughly understood by knowledgeable, committed and enthusiastic DMR representatives. It is frustrating to hear the same unresolved concerns voiced over and over again, year after year.
Clearly, if we are to grow the economy, together with a sustainable infrastructure, it is very important that qualified and experienced personnel are employed at the DMR; competent people who are paid for their worth and valued for their expertise.
Dale Kelly
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IQSA Conference and Exhibition goes outdoors Please note that this year's annual event, which takes place at the Eskom Convention Centre in Midrand from 14-15 April, will focus on a large outdoor exhibition, together with the usual indoor exhibitors.
Outdoor exhibitors will be able to display their large equipment, and plans are to focus most of the activities during the two days in the outside arena.
The conference looks to be promising, with most speakers confirmed at the time of writing. Please note, however, that the programme on the web is a provisional one only.
Don't miss this important event, which is the highlight of the industry's calendar.
Please also note, that your exhibitor entries must be submitted directly to Terry at the IQSA by no later than 14 March. Your entry should not be more then 200 words. Please also include the following details: company name, stand number, company telephone number and website address.
For more details, contact Terry Mac Millan at the IQSA on +27 11 791 6655, or email her on iqsa@global.co.za. The website address is www.iqsa.co.za.
THE FULL PROGRAMME IS AVAILABLE BELOW. On the cover: Fisher Air Separator takes the industry by storm Available as a portable or stationary unit, the Fisher Air Separator is a field-proven machine that effectively removes unwanted fines from abrasive and non-abrasive aggregate applications. Modern Quarrying had the pleasure of seeing this unit in action, and following up on its progress with Dakota Mining and Quarry Equipment CEO, Howard Behrmann. In this issue • We have a one-on-one with Donkerhoek's new GM Thelma Jooste and find that this enthusiastic team is making its presence felt in the sector.
• It is good to see that the independents have done well in the Aspasa ISHE 18001 audit results for 2010. MQ chats to auditor Marius van Deventer about the past audit, and the protocol for 2011.
• A catch-up with Aspasa director Nico Pienaar, who has a busy year planned on both the Aspasa and Sarma side.
• The Sandvik in Africa Construction event held in November last year at AfriSam's showplace Peninsula operation, was planned on a truly impressive scale with customers invited from all corners of the globe. MQ reports back on the event, and the equipment on display.
• Gert Coffee is back where he belongs in our industry, as executive operations director for Afrimat. This well-respected gentleman has already made an enormous contribution in shaping a relatively young group into a professional quarrying business.
• This quarter's issue has a technical flavour, one of which is the technology behind a weight-saving tipper bowl for opencast mining with a significantly longer service life than both traditional and lightweight alternatives.
• Global supplier of a range of solutions for the mining, construction and general industry, Metso Mobile's comprehensive Lokotrack crushing and screening series, has been expanded by three models. The units are sold and supported by southern African Caterpillar dealer, Barloworld Equipment.
Let us know what you'd like to see in the magazine. The editor can be contacted on tel: +27 11 622 4770 or direct on 083 419 9162. Her email address is dalek@crown.co.za.
Can you afford not to advertise? The April-May 2011 issue will be available at the IQSA's annual conference and exhibition, for the benefit of all delegates and local and international visitors. Can you afford not to advertise?
Please contact Bennie Venter directly on 083 852 5026. His email address is: benniev@crown.co.za.
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