Pit and Quarry

Optimizing the “rock factory”

Optimizing the “rock factory” was the common thread running throughout the 2011 Quarry Academy in San Antonio. The three-day program, operated by Sandvik Mining and Construction and Dyno Nobel, brought the latest concepts and technologies of each phase of quarry operations into an interactive series of more than 30 classes. More than 100 people attended sessions covering the blasting, crushing and material handling functions within a modern operation.

This year’s program included hands-on sessions with simulators for Sandvik’s drills and Volvo’s wheel loaders. Cemex’s New Braunfels Texas operation opened its Balcones Quarry for a tour and several demonstrations by the Sandvik and Dyno Nobel teams.

The theme of this year’s program was “Lighten Your Energy Footprint.” In line with that theme, a presentation on lean process set the tone for many of the programs’ sessions, which demonstrated how quarry processes can be analyzed, providing the raw information needed to make improvements.

The issue of safety was touched on throughout the event and was capped by a presentation by former astronaut Mike Mullane. Mullane related his experiences with the NASA space program to demonstrate the importance of documenting safety issues and keeping them at the forefront of ongoing planning.

Jeff Heinemann of Sandvik and E.J. Burke of Dyno Nobel served as hosts for the event. Heinemann said, “We were pleased to see the continued interest from the quarry community." The next Quarry Academy will take place Nov. 13-15, 2012, in San Antonio. –Darren Constantino
 

Showtime

We're packing our bags for Las Vegas and setting our sights on ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011, which runs March 22-26. With seven staff members heading west from our Cleveland-based office, Pit & Quarry will have a strong representation at the show. If you are attending the big-time event, come visit us at our booth, located at C-7826 (in Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center). You can enter our iPad giveaway, get free safety eyewear while supplies last and meet our booth attendant, Deana Dakake. We hope to see you there! – Brian Richesson

Calling all presenters

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2011 is only a week away, but the aggregates industry is already planning for the next big show.  The 2012 AGG1 Forum & Expo, owned by the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) and produced by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, is scheduled for March 12-15 in Charlotte, N.C. Because the event will include educational sessions addressing a wide range of topics, NSSGA is considering presentations for the event – right now. NSSGA is asking people interested in presenting to complete an online survey. The information will be submitted for consideration to the committees responsible for planning the event. This is a great way to give back to the industry while adding to the quality of the show. – Brian Richesson

England's quarry show

A couple weeks ago, publisher Rob Fulop and I visited Hillhead 2010 near Buxton, England, an exhibition that takes place every other year inside a former Tarmac quarry. The weather was perfect during the event, with sunny skies and temperatures around 80º F. At the previous show, we were told, heavy rains nearly flooded the area.

Hillhead is unique in that it's set inside a quarry. The perimeter or the show grounds is lined with portable plants, loaders, excavators, hauls trucks and other equipment, all showing off what they can do. There aren't many "working" quarry shows in the world, and Hillhead is the best.

The confined space limits the number of exhibits, and makes attending the event a pleasant experience. Unlike the oversized ConExpo-Con/Agg and Bauma shows, visiting all of the exhibits at this event is a very manageable task.

And the peaceful setting of England's Peak District makes it even better. We thank the show's organizers – QMJ Publishing Ltd. – for their hospitality, and we hope to visit again soon. -- Darren Constantino

An education in explosives

Robert McClure of R.A. McClure Inc., an international blast engineering and consulting firm, told us that many attendees of his company’s blasting and explosives courses are from the aggregates industry.

The blasting explosive safety training course (BEST), next held on Sept. 8-10 in Rapid City, S.D., covers explosive and blasting safety, handling, hazard identification and accident prevention.

“The regulatory update portion of the program is very popular,” McClure said. “We have representatives from ATF, MSHA and DOT all presenting the latest regulatory updates and safety topics. Following the presentations, we have a Q&A session so the attendees can discuss in detail concerns or questions regarding regulations.”

The surface-blasting course is geared for the explosive and drilling engineer. It focuses on blast design and includes all of the latest technology to address optimization, vibration control and regulatory compliance. There is an update of the latest in electronic detonator technology and rock face profiling systems. This year, the course will be held on Nov. 17-19 at the Naval Air Warfare Center in China Lake, Calif. The U.S. Navy Seabees instructors are regular attendees, there to learn the latest in quarry blasting technology to pass on to their students, McClure said. This year’s attendees will get a tour of the Seabee training quarry at China Lake.

“Over the years we have had attendees from the aggregate, open pit, underground, seismic and demolition industries as well as military,” McClure said.

For more course information, visit www.ramets.com. – Brian Richesson