ASPASA and IQSA collaborate to create a thriving quarrying industry

The Institute of Quarrying of Southern Africa’s recent conference in KwaZulu Natal was a shining example of an industry taking the initiative to unite in the face of change with over 200 delegates participating at this year’s event.

The conference, themed “Our Changing World”, was all about adapting to constant change brought about by economic pressures and changing requirements of business, governments and the average person on the street. The conference drew a range of attendees, including suppliers who exhibited their products, all major quarry companies represented by their directors, regional managers and quarry managers (Afrimat, Afrisam, PPC), consultants to the industry and independent quarry operations, directors and managers.

According to Institute of Quarrying Southern Africa chairperson, Jeremy Hunter-Smith, the focus this year was to create an annual industry conference where passionate quarrying people could share ideas and be recognised for outstanding achievements in 2022. The event was also a great opportunity to network with senior industry members at the conference and for members to meet the large turnout of suppliers who were keen to showcase their products and services.

“This year we were pleased to work closely with the voluntary industry association, ASPASA in service of the quarrying industry. They worked closely with us to make a larger impact on the industry. This was evidenced during the conference dinner, where we presented the 2022 awards together to showcase individuals within the industry that went beyond expectations to make a difference in the industry.

“There is a new era of cooperation between mining bodies and the new director of ASPASA, Letisha van Den Berg, has revived the drive to bring the two quarrying bodies back together. ASPASA is the company’s representative body, while IQSA represents the quarrying professionals. The collaboration between the two bodies is essential, as without the aggregates industry, there is no growth and development in South Africa. You cannot build new office blocks, factories or roads without quality aggregates sourced from quality, legal operations.

“In the same vein, we are looking ahead with exciting events in the year to come. A prime example is the IQSA Annual Golf Day in July and a technical day (at a supplier’s facility), which IQSA and ASPASA will be hosting together focusing on Young Professionals’ exposure to the industry. In addition, both bodies are working on a supplier database to procure training providers according to the needs of the industry,” says Hunter-Smith.

He explains that the collaboration between ASPASA and IQSA is an excellent example of how two industry bodies can work together to create a thriving quarrying industry. “The recent conference was a resounding success and we are looking forward to more collaboration in the future.”

Van den Berg adds developing young industry members remains a priority for both organisations and attracting youth to become part of the mining and construction family will remain a key focus area.  “We must constantly feed the industry with passionate professionals and IQSA is one of the best platforms to do this, specifically in small-scale surface mining.

“The IQSA Conference is the ONLY conference that focusses on small surface mines only, while enjoying exposure to industry giants with one-on-one networking and presenting opportunities as well as the chance to get to know fellow industry members and suppliers.

“ASPASA will always drive safety, health and environmental matters and what better place to acknowledge the positive efforts towards these sometimes-negative matters than at the IQSA dinner evening. ASPASA members are audited annually on safety, health and environmental compliance and the top performers from these audits are recognised.

“The Top 10 has changed significantly over the past 20 years, before the corporate companies took the top honours and sometimes one corporate. Now the independent quarries are chasing after them and that is what we want – all mines to be at the same compliance point. Not always with the latest technology and newest shiny operations but safe, healthy and environmentally friendly work environments,” says Van den Berg.

Here are the trophy winners from the awards evening:

ASPASA ISHE Audits – 2022 Awards Recipients

1. Top Performer
   1. Afrimat Qwa Qwa

2. Top Independent Performer
   1. Midmar Quarry

3. Top Corporate Performer
   1. AfriSam

4. Most Improved Operation
   1. SupaCrush Bigwill Quarry

5. Health & Safety Awards for outstanding commitment:
   1. Siyasanda Ntshuntsha – Lafarge Nelspruit
   2. Frank Kellerman – Afrimat Kliprug
   3. Mike Coad – Afrimat Brewelskloof

6. Health & Safety Officer
   1. Quintin Duvenage – SPH Kundalila Pilanesberg
   2. Ntombi Shibe – Sterkspruit Aggregates (NPC Intercement)
   3. Aubrey Mhlamvu – South Coast Crushers (NPC Intercement)

ASPASA 2022 Environmental Compliance Audits – Award Recipients

PHYSICAL AUDITS

1. Top Performer

Raumix Alpha Sand

2. Top Independent Performer

Blurock Quarries

ONLINE AUDITS    

3. Top Performer

Afrimat Hluhluwe

4. Top Independent Performer

Midmar Quarry

5. Top Corporate Performer

Raumix

6. Environmental Awards for outstanding commitment:
   1. Ashleigh Cockart – Afrimat Kzn
   2. Paul Chamen & Ronelle Affinand – Noshcon

7. Most Innovative Environmental Project.

Lafarge Zululand – Recycling and Community Involvement

8. Auditors Award for the Response of the Year

Loriaan van Tonder – Raumix Donkerhoek