ON THE COVER: To further strengthen its product lead in the articulated dump truck (ADT) market, Babcock will introduce the new generation Volvo articulated haulers in Southern Africa by mid-2025. Among the first four models to arrive will be the new 45-tonne (t) A50, an entirely new class size machine which takes the proven full hydraulic suspension concept to the next level. Having pioneered the ADT concept with the 1966 launch of the world’s first articulated hauler, dubbed “Gravel Charlie”, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is reinforcing its leading position in this market segment with the launch of its most technologically advanced haulers to date.

ON THE COVER With the recent addition of SDLG excavators to its portfolio, Babcock now offers a comprehensive ‘value’ offering to its customers. The new range of excavators joins an already established line of SDLG wheel loaders and the recently added range of BULL backhoe loaders, allowing Babcock to offer a full ‘value’ line of loading tools to the construction and quarrying industries. Traditionally known for its

Volvo premium offering, Babcock has over the years steadily grown its ‘value’ offering to meet the needs of fleet owners who emphasise price competitiveness, coupled with quality, sufficient functionality, reliability and sound backup support.

ON THE COVER: Overall, the mining and quarrying sector in South Africa is evolving with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and resilience to navigate the changing market dynamics and achieve long-term growth. Technological advancements and digital transformation are reshaping the mining and quarry sectors. Automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics are being adopted to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in mining and quarrying operations. Loadrite's extensive experience in the weighing industry provides deep insights into the specific needs of quarry operations. It understands the challenges and requirements of the sector, allowing it to develop tailored solutions that cater to the unique demands of the industry.

ON THE COVER: The 53^rd AGM conference of the Institute of Quarrying was held in Durban in April. Under the theme ‘Transforming the future’, this conference was held with ASPASA and addressed pertinent issues affecting the small surface mining industry, while ASPASA recognised excellence in the Health & Safety performances of 2023 with its annual awards. Modern Quarrying attended and exhibited at the conference as, in addition to the formal conference, a static exhibition was hosted during the conference to give delegates the opportunity to view the latest technology in the industry.

ON THE COVER Loadtech Load Cells are specialists in onboard weighing as well as providers of complete weighing solutions for heavy goods vehicles. This is especially valuable in trucks carrying payloads in the quarry environment. The company uses latest load cell and display technology, combined with machine to machine communication, to give the consumer all the modern day benefits, combined with extended reliability, durability and accuracy, eliminating guesswork in the quarry loadout process. In an industry with tight margins, increasing efficiency and productivity is crucial. Modern Quarrying spoke to Glen Webster, Sales Director of Loadtech Load Cells, about a new addition to the company’s line-up as a natural progression in the company’s offering, the increasing uptake of payload management systems, as well as growing business in Southern Africa.