Quarry April 2026

INSPIRATION

GOING WILD

Theo Venter will present his keynote speech at the IQA’s national conference. BORAL ADVANCES LOW CARBON CONCRETE

Komatsu is helping its employees support Australian wildlife rescuers.

16 Licence to build Kayasand has secured the rights to manufacture advanced sand processing technology.

19 Cemented in PNG

Pacific Lime and Cement’s Kevin Savory is excited for the challenge of growing the domestic supplier in the PNG market.

22 Expansion push Heidelberg Materials Australia has struck a landmark deal with Maas Group Holdings.

28 Evolving a classic Metso’s range of HPe crushers provides quarry operators with modern crushing advancements.

Boral has launched its calcined clay concrete.

FUTURE LEADER

Mawsons quarry operator

Tasha Crilly discusses her career journey.

32 Rock solid reliability

Total Rockbreaking Solutions is helping quarry operators protect uptime through engineering improvements.

34 Built on shared ground Lincom Group and Glendun Group have joined forces.

36 Support for the short term Onetrak is helping quarries undertake new campaigns and projects.

38 Big plans for PNG EXPO PNG Expo 2026 is already shaping up to be a must-attend event.

40 Bulk Expo gains traction

Excitement is growing for a key bulk handling technical conference and expo.

44 Circularity in focus

Stakeholders have weighed in after the Productivity Commission released its report on the circular economy.

SOLID START

If you are reading this, you likely understand just how vital quarries are to our way of life. However, the issue is spreading this understanding to the rest of Australia. Quarries often go overlooked, and many people have an outdated or outright incorrect understanding about what the sector actually looks like.

It’s an issue that the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) plans to address with the launch of its new national campaign.

The IQA has begun to showcase how the sector can provide solid, entry-level careers with long-term opportunities, along with highlighting technical, environmental, and leadership roles.

IQA members have already started to share their stories and why they chose to work in quarrying, providing examples of career pathways.

The multi-faceted campaign demonstrates just how technologically advanced, safetyled, and future-ready quarrying can be. It provides resources for communities, schools, and parents

to help them understand that meaningful career opportunities are available in the sector.

By targeting parents, educators, and job seekers, the IQA aims to create a shared understanding of how quarrying careers align with skills, interests, and long-term employment outcomes.

In preparation for the campaign, the IQA engaged its members to better understand the sector’s needs, workforce requirements, and outreach opportunities.

Ultimately, the campaign addresses a key concern facing many heavy industry sectors, a significant skills shortage.

Engineers, tradespeople, quarry operators, and many other roles are required to keep quarries functioning, and any shortfalls makes it difficult for the sector as a whole.

The That’s Solid campaign is an important step for the sector as a whole, and will hopefully lead to a wave of interested young people, eager to get their start in the sector.

William Arnott Editor

THE IQA HAS BEGUN TO SHOWCASE HOW THE SECTOR CAN PROVIDE SOLID, ENTRY LEVEL CAREERS WITH LONGTERM OPPORTUNITIES, ALONG WITH HIGHLIGHTING TECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND LEADERSHIP ROLES.

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E it r

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ur i t

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Onetrak

REAL STORIES, REAL CAREERS  THE CAMPAIGN COMES TO LIFE

Educating and connecting

The That’s Solid campaign has moved from launch to action.

Across the country, member organisations are stepping up to put real career stories in front of young Australians – and in this edition, you’ll see exactly what that looks like.

Mawsons, one of the organisations listed in our Find a Quarry directory, has put forward two of their team members for a feature in this edition. Their stories bring the campaign to life – real people, in real roles, who found their way into quarrying through structured pathways.

This is a whole-of-sector campaign that brings together the quarrying community to tell a story that has not been told at this scale – that quarrying offers solid careers, supports local communities, and lays the foundations for everything that lasts.

THIS CAMPAIGN BELONGS TO ALL OF US

We’ve built the platform – now it’s your stories and your visibility that bring it to life. The more of us who get behind it, the greater the impact. There are plenty of ways to get involved. Download the That’s Solid social media tiles and share your story using #ThatsSolid. Wrap your trucks, site signage, or fleet vehicles with the campaign assets alongside your company logo – we have customisable templates ready to go.

List your organisation in the Find a Quarry directory to connect with students, jobseekers, schools, and careers advisors in your region. Or simply spread the word through your networks and local communities.

The bigger the reach, the bigger the impact. Email iqa@quarry.com.au to get involved.

2026 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Early bird registration for the IQA National Conference on the Gold Coast (6–8 October) closes in April. If you’re planning to attend, now is the time to secure your spot and save on standard rates.

CPD hours are allocated across conference sessions – check the latest program at quarry.com.au for session details and CPD allocations. Register before April to lock in early bird pricing.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Your feedback plays a key role in shaping our programs, services, and priorities – and we’re pleased to share that many of the enhancements from our last survey are now in place. Since then, we’ve launched initiatives directly shaped by member input, including our inaugural free Mentoring Program, the That’s Solid campaign and School to Workforce Hub, free professional development webinars, strategic advisory partnerships with William Buck and Thomson Geer, the redeveloped IQA website, IQA Matters – our monthly national newsletter, and the IQA Connect app.

WE’VE BUILT THE PLATFORM  NOW IT’S YOUR STORIES AND YOUR VISIBILITY THAT BRING IT TO LIFE. THE MORE OF US WHO GET BEHIND IT, THE GREATER THE IMPACT. DOWNLOAD THE THAT’S SOLID SOCIAL MEDIA TILES AND SHARE YOUR STORY USING #THATSSOLID.

www.quarry.com.au

The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities:

Thriving communities supported by a sustainable industry

Operational Priorities:

• Deepen industry participation

• Sustainable revenue streams

• Highly capable team

• Technological innovation

• Effective engagement

• Great governance

Strategic Priorities:

• Support industry participants with compliance and regulation

• Build a diverse and skilled industry

• Foster strong industry connectivity

IQA Contacts:

For all education, member and branch enquiries: Phone: 02 9484 0577 Email: iqa@quarry.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Jane Schmitt

President

Michael Close

Company Secretary David Cowie

Now we’d like to hear from you again as we plan for 2026 and beyond. Your input helps ensure we’re focusing on what matters most.

With the campaign reaching new audiences, real career stories coming through from members, and strong engagement across our programs, 2026 is shaping up as a year of real momentum for the sector.

I look forward to seeing many of you at branch events and on the Gold Coast in October.

Jane Schmitt Chief Executive Officer Institute of Quarrying Australia

Follow the IQA on our social media pages:

IQAustralia the-australian-institute-ofquarrying/ iqaus

LT350HPe

Crush More. Control More. Achieve More.

Metso has unleashed its latest innovationthe Lokotrack® LT350HPe, a next-generation mobile cone crusher engineered to drive quarry performance to new heights. At its core is the proven HP350 cone crusher, delivering superior capacity, tighter closed side settings and up to 10 chamber profile options for exceptional versatility across a wide range of applications. The LT350HPe features a Wildcard TK12 scalping prescreen, increasing fines bypass by up to 30%, boosting throughput while helping extend liner life. Built for demanding quarry environments, the LT350HPe delivers

CONVERSATIONS WITH MICHAEL CLOSE, PRESIDENT

With the 2026 IQA National Conference returning to Queensland for the first time since Toowoomba in 2017, we sat down with Blake Ardrey, Queensland committee chair, to talk about what the Gold Coast means for the sector, why he keeps showing up, and what he hopes the next generation of quarrying professionals will find waiting for them. As operations manager at Boral, Ardrey understands what the sector demands of its people and what it can offer in return.

Michael Close: Blake, you’ve chaired the IQA Queensland branch committee since 2022. What does that involvement actually look like?

Blake Ardrey: It’s about making sure local members have a strong voice through the IQA both locally and nationallyplanning local events, staying across what members need, and feeding that back into the broader conversation.

Michael: What does hosting the conference again mean to the Queensland branch, and what are you looking forward to most?

Ardrey: There’s a real energy in the branch about it. Nine years is a long time, and the sector here has changed significantly since Toowoomba. The Gold Coast gives us a venue that does justice to the scale the conference has grown to. I’d encourage every member to make this one a priority.

Michael: How is the sector tracking on attracting the next generation?

Ardrey: We’ve got work to do, but I’m more optimistic than I was a few years ago. The IQA That’s Solid campaign gives us a way to tell our story that we’ve never really had before.

My team and I recently hosted 140 year 8 students at our Boral Ormeau quarry on the Gold Coast, for a full day of learning about many parts of the quarry operations, from the pit to the lab to environmental management. It was great to be able to support the education of the next generation of leaders.

What I hear from young people when they actually engage with the sector is that they’re surprised by how much opportunity is here.

Michael: What would you say to members convince them to make the trip?

Ardrey:This is the one event where the entire Australian quarrying sector comes together - operators, managers, engineers, regulators, suppliers - all under one roof. If you want to stay ahead of what’s happening in our sector, this is where you need to be.

Plus more thanc100 exhibitors, a Gold Coast site tour, IQA national awards, social dinners, continuing professional development points, and three days on the Gold Coast.

Get there early for the site tour on day one. You won’t regret it.

Michael Close, FIQ President Institute of Quarrying

Australia

THE GOLD COAST GIVES US A VENUE THAT DOES JUSTICE TO THE SCALE THE CONFERENCE HAS GROWN TO. I’D ENCOURAGE EVERY MEMBER TO MAKE THIS ONE A PRIORITY.

and connecting

www.quarry.com.au

The IQA’s Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026 embodies the following vision, values and strategic priorities:

Vision:

Thriving communities supported by a sustainable industry

Operational Priorities:

• Deepen industry participation

• Sustainable revenue streams

• Highly capable team

• Technological innovation

• Effective engagement

• Great governance

Strategic Priorities:

• Support industry participants with compliance and regulation

• Build a diverse and skilled industry workforce

• Foster strong industry connectivity

IQA Contacts:

For all education, member and branch enquiries: Phone: 02 9484 0577

Email: iqa@quarry.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Jane Schmitt

President Michael Close

Company Secretary

David Cowie

Follow the IQA on our social media pages:

IQAustralia the-australian-institute-ofquarrying/ iqaus

Impressively strong. Amazingly intelligent.

MOBICAT MC 120 PRO

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE AND RUGGEDNESS, COUPLED WITH INTUITIVE, LOWMAINTENANCE OPERATION. The MOBICAT MC 120 PRO mobile jaw crusher features an impressively powerful crusher and the largest independent pre-screen in its class – for maximum performance up to 650 t/h! The intuitive SPECTIVE operating concept actively supports the user in finding the ideal setting for every task – quickly and precisely – simply by touchscreen. The MOBICAT MC 120 PRO: The intelligent power pack.

www.kleemann.info

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE IQA

Queensland branch launches 2026 calendar with RUD Australia

The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) Queensland branch kicked off its 2026 event calendar with a sold-out factory tour at RUD Australia’s Larapinta facility in early February.

Queensland members gained access to RUD’s manufacturing operations, observing the engineering and testing processes behind the lifting and lashing equipment used across Australia’s quarrying operations. The hands-on tour provided valuable insights into the safety standards and quality controls that underpin critical quarry infrastructure.

Following the factory visit, the Young Members Network (YMN) and Women in Quarrying (WIQ) co-hosted a professional development session exploring workplace culture and mentoring.

Facilitated by Queensland YMN coordinator Matthew Ferguson and QLD WIQ coordinator Charlie Eaton, the session sparked candid discussions between emerging professionals and industry veterans on workplace culture and career development. The IQA thanked RUD Australia’s Merwyn Mercardo, Peter Nuttall, and David Sturton for hosting the successful event, which set a strong foundation for Queensland’s 2026 calendar.

Victorian sub-branch networking a hit IQA members, sponsors and guests packed out the Grovedale Hotel in for the first

Victorian sub-branch networking dinner of the year.

Cliff Hutchings (Hitachi Construction Machinery) and Glen Macdermid (Komatsu/ Montabert) got the crowd warmed up before guest speaker Holcim Australia general manager aggregates and former IQA Victorian branch chair Paul Hillyer took the stage.

He shared his career journey with honest advice on leadership, mentorship and making your own path. His standout message was, “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”

There was also a well-deserved send-off for Alan Tapping, who stepped down from the VSB Committee after four years of service. Komatsu topped it off by providing a machine model presented as a thank.

North Queensland hits the ground running in 2026

Sector representatives gathered at the North Queensland Club in Townsville on 18 February for the IQA North Queensland branch’s first networking dinner meeting of 2026.

Nathan Timms with an appreciation certificate recognising the company’s ongoing support.

Guest speakers Mark Folker of SLR Consulting and Anita Waihi of Metso headlined the night, sharing insights that sparked plenty of conversation across the room. The evening also saw branch chairperson Paul Hooton present Komatsu’s

With strong attendance and great energy in the room, the North Queensland branch is setting the pace for a big year ahead.

From hydro power to whiskey

Members of the IQA Tasmania branch swapped their usual quarry sites for a weekend exploring the rich sector’s past

IQA NEWS

– and discovered that heritage tours can include whiskey sampling.

The Tech and Social Weekend took members through the Central Highlands, where Ron Bugg’s geological insights brought Tasmania’s mining history to life. Highlights included the Waddamana Power Station, whose 1916 opening sparked the creation of Tasmania’s Hydro Electric Department, and underground coal mines at Kimbolton and Langloh that operated through the mid20th century.

But it wasn’t all hard hats and heritage – the group also toured two whiskey distilleries, exploring colonial history at Lawrenny Estate and the still-operational Clyde Mill (built 1823).

The weekend concluded at Liawenee Quarry, where spectacular basalt columns frame the site that supplied 141,000 cubic yards of crushed rock for the Lake Augusta Dam in the 1950s.

Thanks to coordinator Ben Palmer, sponsor Forze Explosives/Stopford Drilling, and guides Dugald Gray and Prof Shane Pinner for another memorable Tech Weekend.

Queensland branch launches inaugural quarry safety spotlight to sold-out crowd

The Queensland branch kicked off its 2026 calendar in impressive fashion, with 80 attendees packing out a sold-out site tour of the Wagners Pinkenba facility on 26 February, followed by a Dinner Meeting at the Trade Coast Hotel.

The evening marked the launch of the new quarry safety spotlight series, with Resources Safety and Health acting commissioner

Ken Singer delivering the inaugural session. Michelle Wood from the Brisbane Economic Development Agency also presented on the rapid growth of the Brisbane region and the opportunities it presents for the sector.

Queensland deputy chairperson Jason Egan showcased IQA’s newly launched That’s Solid national awareness campaign, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to attracting the next generation.

A huge thank you to Nick Harrigan, John Stark and Steve Streidl at Wagners for their hospitality, and to Queensland Branch Chairperson Blake Ardrey for hosting.

Victoria kicks off new Women in Quarrying connect series

The Victorian branch has launched its new Women in Quarrying (WIQ) connect series

UPCOMING COURSES AND EVENTS

– a flexible event format designed to bring the sector together through a mix of coffees, networking drinks, site tours, lunches and more throughout the year.

The inaugural WIQ Connect event was held on 26 February in Melbourne, where members gathered over drinks and nibbles to discuss growing the WIQ network nationally and International Women’s Day 2026, with the UN’s theme ‘balance the scales’ sparking conversation about meaningful change in the sector.

National WIQ coordinator Carly Monaghan said it was great to spend the evening chatting all things Women in Quarrying, encouraging the sector to keep the conversation going beyond International Women’s Day.

TOPTIER SOLUTION

Crusher Screen Sales & Hire has a suite of solutions to support quarry operations and mobile construction materials contractors.

As quarries encounter growing pressure to satisfy stricter standards, increase production, and enhance traceability, Crusher Screen Sales & Hire (CSSH) is providing the Australian market with a new line of high-capacity, fully automated pugmills and blenders.

As the national distributor for IMS, CSSH can provide a solutions from flexible twohopper systems to high-capacity fourbin blenders. The IMS range integrates automation, precision, and production capacity to support road base stabilisation, roller compacted concrete production, and complex blending tasks across quarrying and construction.

At the centre of the range is the patented PM1200-20TB pugmill blender, engineered for sites requiring both versatility and accurate proportioning. The unit features two five-metre-long feed hoppers, each holding 12m³, with dedicated conveyors fitted with

belt scales to ensure precise material control. Operators can configure the system with one or two powder hoppers and introduce up to two liquids through a fully automated programmable logic controller (PLC) and recording system. This configuration allows quarries to:

•Blend fines directly into road base.

•Keep two different products ready for direct truck loading.

•Accurately introduce powder and water to meet specifications.

The twin powder hoppers can connect to two separate silos containing different powders, enabling blended powder production or rapid changeover between products without disconnecting silos and emptying hoppers. This significantly reduces downtime and improves operational continuity. Both feed hoppers can be fitted with hydraulic vibrating tipping grids to improve material flow.

A three-metre-long pughead ensures a consistent, high-quality mix, particularly when blending high percentages of powder such as roller-compacted concrete.

“The PM1200-20TB gives quarry operators genuine flexibility. You can run two different products, blend fines into road base, or introduce powder and water with pinpoint accuracy, all from the same machine,” CSSH manager John Andersen said.

“That level of control means less downtime, fewer changeovers and more tonnes out the gate each day.”

AUTOMATED BLENDING

The patented BP1200-48TB blender provides high-capacity performance with large-scale output and full automation.

The system incorporates four five-metrelong feed hoppers, each with a 12m³ capacity, and is powered by a CAT C7 genset,

PLC control and recording system, supported by its own Wi-Fi network.

This unified automation platform enables streamlined plant integration, production monitoring and compliance reporting.

“The BP1200-48TB is built for serious throughput. At up to 1000 tonnes per hour, it’s designed for quarries supplying major infrastructure projects where volume and reliability are critical,” Andersen said.

“What our customers appreciate is the integration. The blender, pugmills and silos all operate under one PLC control system.

“That means full automation, accurate reporting and a single point of control across the plant.”

PROVEN PERFORMANCE

The PM1050-16TB single feed hopper pugmill is already operating across quarry and construction sites throughout Australia, producing Main Roads specification materials at rates of up to 500 tonnes per hour.

Sharing the same PLC control and recording system as the broader IMS range, the PM1050-16TB can be fully integrated with other IMS blenders and silos.

operations,” Andersen said.

“Because it runs on the same PLC and recording platform as the rest of the IMS range, customers can scale up without retraining staff or reinventing their control systems. That continuity makes expansion far simpler.”

COMPACT POWER

Rounding out the range, the BP1200-9TB twin hopper blender delivers flexibility in a compact footprint.

The unit features two five-metre-long feed hoppers with 10 m³ capacity, variable-speed belts on each hopper, and adjustable front flow gates for accurate material control.

A hydraulic mixer can move to one side when not required, allowing the unit to adapt to different production modes.

Powered by a Cat C4.4 motor, the BP12009TB can also run a 20-metre stacker conveyor and achieve production rates of up to 1000 tonnes per hour.

“The BP1200-9TB is incredibly versatile. It gives you twin-hopper flexibility, variable speed control and up to 1000 tonnes per hour in a compact footprint,” Andersen said.

“For quarries looking to boost output without committing to a large fixed plant upgrade, this unit offers

proposition. For quarry operators, this delivers accurate proportioning of aggregates, powders and liquids, automated production records for specification compliance, remote operation capability, and seamless integration between blenders, pugmills and silos.

As project specifications tighten and infrastructure demand grows, CSS’s IMS pugmill and blender portfolio provides Australian quarries with scalable, high-output solutions designed to maximise flexibility, minimise changeover time and deliver consistent, specification-compliant material at volume.

“Across the entire IMS range, the PLC control and recording system is a standout feature,” Andersen said.

“Quarry operators are under increasing pressure to prove compliance, and automated reporting takes that burden off the team.

“At the end of the day, this equipment is about productivity, control and profitability. If you’re serious about high-volume, speccompliant production, this is the kind of plant that gives you a competitive edge.” •

For more information, visit crusherscreen.com

PRODUCT FOCUS

REDEFINING DUST MANAGEMENT

In the harsh operating conditions of quarrying and mining, dust is not merely an inconvenience but a critical issue affecting workforce health, productivity, and environmental compliance.

Effective dust control therefore requires more than a single piece of equipment: it demands an integrated system capable of capturing, filtering and conditioning particulate at every stage of the process. This is the approach adopted by WAMGROUP, whose portfolio combines WAMAIR spot filters and dust collectors with the DUSTFIX Industrial Dust Conditioner to deliver a complete dust management solution.

At the first line of defence are WAMAIR spot filters and dust collectors, designed to intercept dust directly at its point of generation. Installed on crushers, screens, transfer points, silos and conveyor loading areas, these systems prevent fines from dispersing into the surrounding environment. Their role is fundamental: by capturing airborne particles before they escape, they protect workers, reduce contamination of nearby equipment and help operators meet increasingly demanding emission limits.

Engineered for continuous-duty service, WAMAIR filters feature a modular design and robust construction suited to abrasive materials such as limestone, silica and other mineral fines. High-efficiency filter elements ensure reliable separation of dust from process air, while automatic cleaning systems maintain consistent performance with minimum operator intervention. In quarrying applications, this translates into stable airflow, reduced pressure losses and dependable dust capture even under fluctuating loads.

Once dust has been collected, however, it must still be handled and disposed of safely. This is where the DUSTFIX Industrial Dust Conditioner complements the filtration stage. Positioned downstream of dust collectors,

To submit new product and equipment releases, email: les.ilyefalvy@primecreative.com.au

to controlled material handling, closing the loop between filtration and disposal.

From a mechanical standpoint, DUSTFIX is built around a carbon-steel tubular housing with an internal lining of SINT engineering polymer. This combination provides both structural strength and high resistance to wear, while the non-stick properties of the polymer limit material build-up and simplify cleaning. The feeder screw and mixing shaft, equipped with modular, replaceable tools, ensure efficient agitation and allow operators to adapt conditioning performance to different dust characteristics.

With a typical capacity range from around two to 80 m³/h, DUSTFIX can be integrated into both small local extraction points and centralised dust handling systems serving multiple filters. Its dry feeding and conveying section, together with an elastic SINT outlet safeguard and revolving inlet flange, supports consistent flow under variable operating conditions.

For quarry and mine operators, the combined use of WAMAIR spot filters, dust collectors and DUSTFIX delivers clear operational advantages:

• Improved environmental control: Dust is captured at source and discharged in a conditioned form, reducing airborne emissions across the site.

• Lower disposal and handling costs: Treated dust is easier to transport and manage, optimising waste logistics.

• Reduced maintenance requirements: Wear-resistant materials and automatic filter cleaning systems extend service intervals and limit downtime.

• Enhanced workplace safety: Cleaner air and controlled discharge contribute directly to healthier working conditions.

Whether managing dust from primary crushing, secondary screening or material transfer, an integrated approach that links efficient filtration

MTG GROUND ENGAGING TOOLS FROM ONTRAC GROUP

Quarry and mining operators know that when ground engaging tool (GET) performance drops, production follows. That’s why ONTRAC Group recommends MTG Ground Engaging Tools for quarrying applications.

The new VeeMet tooth system is the next-generation replacement for the long-running StarMet range – engineered to simplify maintenance and improve penetration in demanding ground conditions.

VeeMet’s improvements are designed to reduce unplanned downtime and make change-outs safer and faster. The system features an optimised hammerless locking design that supports a more user-friendly change-out process and safer maintenance practices on site.

MTG VeeMet teeth are V-shaped fitting and have a reinforced locking pin to ensure reliability under load. The new design has refined the geometry with a slimmer nose and significantly increased contact area, while longer grooves in the self-sharpening tooth designs support better penetration and digging efficiency and extending the wear life.

The range covers excavators (20–250t) and loaders (22–80t) and brings practical upgrades such as cast-in wear indicators on wear caps and QR-code access to up-to-date product information on all sizes.

ONTRAC Group can supply complete MTG VeeMet solutions including replacements, refitments and technical guidance to help match tooth profiles and protection packages to your application, so you get maximum bucket efficiency and longer component life.

For more information, visit ontracgroup.com.au or call 1300 910 950.

Evolution in motion

Nordberg® HP600e™ cone

crusher

The HPe range provides performance and uptime in a more sustainable way. The kinematics and chamber optimization results in significantly higher performance. The new liners are fitted without backing material.

This makes maintenance breaks shorter and liner replacement easier and safer for the operators while also having a positive impact on the environment at the same time. Designed with the same footprint and external dimensions as the classic Nordberg® HP500™, it seamlessly fits existing foundations.

Benefits

• Enhanced performance

• Enhanced and unique head motion for improved efficiency

• More power: +27% (in kW) and +20% (in hp)

• Environmentally friendly solution as backing material is not needed

• All chambers are new and more efficient

• Head anti-spin brake for higher uptime

• Serviceability improvements

• Optional feed cone lifting tool

• Optional ring bounce monitoring

LICENCE TO BUILD

Kayasand has secured the rights to manufacture advanced sand processing technology for Australia and New Zealand.

When Japan banned all dredging other than what is needed to keep shipping routes clear, the lack of sand for concrete was felt across its local construction industry.

Kotobuki Engineering & Manufacturing Co (Kemco) saw this as an opportunity and developed a solution to turn crusher dust into high-value engineered sand.

The technology has now been deployed in more than 300 plants around the world, including two operated by sand engineering technology company Kayasand and a third under construction.

Kayasand chief executive officer Bram Smith said the technology is a proven solution for the construction materials sector.

“The technology is widely used to make sand for a range of concrete applications across Japan and China,” he said.

Now, Kayasand is starting to establish a strong foothold in Australia, as quarries and concrete producers begin to realise the value of consistently high-quality manufactured sand for concrete production.

The ability to manufacture the technology locally in Australia and New Zealand will enhance its reliability, responsiveness and market confidence.

To support growth of the technology in local markets, Kayasand has signed a licensing agreement that allows the company to manufacture Kemco’s equipment in Australia and New Zealand.

Smith said the agreement was a major step forward for the local construction industry.

“Manufacturing Kemco technology locally allows us to shorten lead times, tailor solutions to local needs, and scale more efficiently as demand for engineered sand continues to grow. It moves us from being a technology partner to being a regional manufacturing hub and enables us to better support our customers. Ultimately, it supports

our broader goal of helping the industry produce fine aggregates and concrete more economically and sustainably,” he said.

Kemco president Mr Shoji Okuhara said Kayasand has demonstrated the engineering expertise, quality systems, and commitment required to manufacture its technology locally.

“We believe this partnership will support customers across Australia and New

Zealand with reliable, high-performance sand processing solutions,” Mr Okuhara said.

Kemco plants can precisely control the shape and size of the sand particles, thanks to innovative crushing and screening technology.

The grinding impact action of the crushers shapes fine-aggregate particles into a cuboidal form ideal for strength and workability in concrete.

The material is then fed into a combination of a high-accuracy screen with highthroughput air classification to ensure the product meets specifications.

Skimmer material is blended into the final product to maximise concrete performance, and water is added to suppress dust on the stockpile. Ultrafines are extracted and

stored dry until needed to dose other quarry products or loaded into trucks and tankers.

The whole process optimises the shape of the product, removes contamination, and ensures high levels of product consistency.

The result is an engineered sand that can replace 100 per cent of the sand required in concrete, and in some cases,

can create even stronger concrete than natural sand.

Smith said demand for engineered sand continues to grow across Australia as construction materials producers seek sustainable building materials, more consistent performance, improved utilisation of quarry aggregates, and a reduced reliance on natural sand.

“Natural sand is getting harder to source for many concrete producers, yet quarries have excesses of crusher dust. We can solve both problems by processing the crusher dust into a premium engineered sand for concrete. The result is better profitability and sustainability for everyone.

“Manufacturing our sand plant parts locally, instead of buying them in from Japan, gives us more control over delivery.”

Kayasand plans to utilise local manufacturers to fabricate the specialist equipment and spares. This approach allows closer alignment between design, manufacturing, and delivery to meet local requirements.

“This agreement with Kemco underpins that growth. It gives us the manufacturing foundation to scale with confidence,” he said.

“Our goal is to support more quarries in turning low-value byproducts into high-value engineered sand and to show, through real production results, what this technology can deliver.” •

For more information, visit kayasand.com

CEMENTED IN PNG

Pacific Lime and Cement’s new chief executive officer of its cement division Kevin Savory is excited about the challenge of growing the domestic supplier in the local market.

When it comes to construction materials, Kevin Savory has seen it all.

From the quarry to the clinker kilns, cement mills and downstream precast operations, across the Australian, Filipino and Papua New Guinean markets, Savory has developed a fair amount of experience across a career stretching more than three decades.

But when Pacific Lime and Cement managing director Paul Mulder called, Savory knew he had found his next chapter in a storied career at Pacific Lime and Cement. In many ways, it was a return of sorts for Savory after previously working with Mulder when Pacific Lime and Cement was known as Mayur Resources.

“I jumped on a plane with him [Mulder] and met the team and [saw] what had changed and I was very excited to come on board and base myself here in Port Moresby,” Savory told Quarry.

“[With the lime project], there’s a real buzz and excitement around it. Paul [Mulder] has developed this project with zero debt and that is a massive achievement. This is a unique project in mineral processing where we’ll be taking it from the mine to a finished product.

“And we’re looking to do the same with the cement business.”

QUEENSLAND ORIGINS

Savory got his start in the construction materials business by joining Queensland Cement, which later became part of Cement Australia, after a stint in the Australian Army where he specialised in logistics.

The army background has stayed with Savory throughout his time in the construction materials sector. He explained the skillset, being able to adapt, make quick decisions and be innovative, transferred over when he later had to make decisions over capital expenditure and manage dynamic operating environments.

He told Quarry his first break in the industry came when he transitioned to a role in operations at the Bulwer Island grinding station.

an understanding of the whole of the business.

“I was pretty fortunate to get those opportunities and take those risks, but it has been thoroughly satisfying.”

MARKET DIFFERENCES

“I had a lot to learn, and I went through the grinding station’s operations the kiln operations and then through to the sales and marketing side in time,” he said.

“I’ve done quite a number of roles in the industry. I purposely sought out those opportunities, so I had

Savory’s career has taken him across international markets including the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Australia.

He spent time with Holcim Philippines as its vice president for supply chain and, prior to joining Pacific Lime and Cement, worked for CRH’s Australian subsidiary Infrastructure Products Australia as its managing director.

Three different countries, with three different approaches to infrastructure and using construction materials but those experiences will be key in Savory’s new role.

“The Australian market is more evolved. The focus is on a bulk-delivered cement product in pneumatic tankers,” Savory said.

“The Philippines market is more of a ‘bag market’ and it is a developed market in that sense as 90 per cent of the product is sold in cement bags. That is the same here [in PNG].”

While all three markets are in effect island nations, there are nuances within them. PNG and the Philippines have a reliance on marine transport to move product, whereas, Australia, as Savory said, moves cement predominantly through road transport.

Australia has a lot of existing infrastructure in terms of cement kilns and grinding stations, whereas with Pacific Lime and

company’s production process which will result in products tailored to the market.

“We’ll be able to tailor the cement to the demands of the PNG market. Rather than importing it and getting a generic product, we’ll be able to provide a product that suits [these conditions],” he said.

“The coastline is an important part of PNG which will require sulfate-resistant cement that we’ll be able to produce. In the high-rainfall environment that we have here in PNG that kind of cement will be a really important offering to the market.

“While the major Australian players can do tailor their product, that’s not being provided locally in PNG and that’s one of the great opportunities for us.”

NEW CHAPTER

Pacific Lime and Cement’s ambition to be a major domestic supplier of cement and Savory’s remit is help foster that ambition into a reality.

The company has looked abroad at comparative markets and believes it has a lot to offer domestic customers in PNG.

“We want to displace the imports in the market, and we want to lower the cost of cement to the customer, and we expect that will boost demand,” Savory said.

“There’s a lot of research in other emerging countries where that has been the case. We’re working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World Bank, to show the value of that.

“Our focus is on producing domestically and sell the cement into the domestic market. We want to be a domestic producer first and foremost and we expect that our business will go a step towards growing and building PNG.”

While the company is starting at square one with its cement operations, it has

bold ambitions for what it can achieve this year. The company is continuing to work with the IFC on a definitive feasibility study, which is expected to take six to eight months, before firming up a final investment decision on the cement project.

Those two key phases could be potentially finalised as soon as the end of 2026, with an estimated two-to-three-year build period for the required infrastructure.

A key part of this so far has been consulting with the local landowners through a collaborative approach as it moves through the phases of building a cement operation.

“The landowners have been very supportive of the project. From working out the landowner agreement, being committed to it and getting them onboard has been great,” he said.

“Their support and commitment to the project is as equally important as ours. They see the vision [we have] and they also want to build a legacy for their children and their villages.” •

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EXPANSION PUSH

Heidelberg Materials Australia has struck a landmark deal with Maas Group Holdings as it continues to shape its business down under.

Heidelberg Materials Australia (HMA) is set to acquire the construction materials assets of Maas Group Holdings.

The agreement, reflecting a total enterprise value of $1.7 billion, will see Heidelberg Materials gain a significant portfolio of quarrying, concrete, and asphalt assets along Australia’s east coast, while it marks a transition point for Maas Group Holdings (MGH).

At the time of writing, the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Foreign Investment Review Board, and MGH’s shareholders, and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

The assets include 40 quarries, 22 concrete plants, two asphalt operations, more than 1000 employees and a recycling site. According to HMA, the quarries have combined reserves of more than 350 million tonnes. With sites across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, the deal significantly bolsters HMA’s presence in key

markets, especially in regional areas.

“The acquisition of Maas’ construction materials division reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering consistent, highquality products and services to customers across Eastern Australia,” Heidelberg Materials Australia chief executive officer Phil Schacht said.

“Maas’ strong reputation and regional expertise complement our business, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the team as we continue delivering reliable, sustainable materials to our customers.”

AUSTRALIAN VALUE

HMA has made no secret of the fact that it sees Australia as a valuable construction materials market. Alongside the other key players, HMA has been busy over the past few years consolidating its presence in the market through acquisitions, particularly on the east coast.

In fact, Heidelberg Materials chief financial officer René Aldach underlined this sentiment in his comments following the acquisition’s announcement.

“With this acquisition, we will enhance our position in Australia, driving further growth and promoting circularity. We are complementing our market presence in attractive regions while leveraging substantial synergies,” he said.

“Our growing base of customers along the eastern seaboard will particularly benefit from an expanding network of aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mixed concrete sites delivering high-quality, sustainable products.”

In context, the deal for MGH’s construction materials assets is just the latest in a line of acquisitions by HMA in the Australian market. Late last year, HMA’s joint venture Cement Australia closed a deal for the cement operations of the Buckeridge Group of Companies (BGC) in Western Australia. As part of that, HMA gained BGC’s ready-mixed concrete and associated logistics operations at Bassendean.

Only months earlier in 2025, HMA inked deals in quick succession that broadened its operations in Victoria and Queensland. The first was the acquisition of Hardcore Sands and Pink Lily Sands, which included two sand quarries in Rockhampton. That was closely followed by a deal for Midway Concrete’s premixed concrete business, which supplied materials into the greater Melbourne and Geelong markets.

All the deals pointed to HMA’s desire to grow in Australia by adding “bolt-on” acquisitions to its existing core business. Bolt-on acquisitions are nothing new in business, but they are often a successful way for larger players to accelerate their growth and consolidate their market presence.

“This acquisition complements Heidelberg Materials’ existing concrete and quarry operations … [and] aligns with our strategy of acquiring bolt-on assets that support the company’s existing integrated positions in major markets,” Schact said following the Midway announcement in 2025.

A MAAS PIVOT?

Maas Group Holdings is one of the great success stories of Australian business. As the story goes, former South Sydney player Wes Maas started the business with one bobcat

And the construction materials business was a longstanding, key part of MGH. In its first-half results, announced on February 24, 2026, the construction materials segment reported strong results.

“MGH delivered strong results from both the construction materials portfolio as well as the remaining businesses, which are well positioned to benefit from structural growth across electrical infrastructure, energy transition and digital infrastructure investment,” Maas said.

In late 2024, MGH added to its construction materials business through three acquisitions, including 100 per cent of Cleary Bros’ assets, a 75 per cent stake in Capital Asphalt, which supplied southern NSW and the ACT, and a freehold hard rock

So why would MGH pivot away from construction materials?

The answer lies, at least somewhat, in artificial intelligence and digital technology.

MGH has indicated to the market that it wants to be prepared for the “next generation” of infrastructure, which it sees as a combination of digital infrastructure (data centres and artificial intelligence computer clusters) and the electrification sector, leveraging its existing electrical business.

As part of this, MGH has taken a 1.7 per cent interest in Firmus Grid following a $100 million equity investment. Firmus has made its name in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Australia and overseas.

“Our investment in Firmus reflects our

Engineered Sand™

in future digital infrastructure opportunities, while retaining flexibility and capital discipline.”

Maas said he was proud of the company’s journey in construction materials but was ready for a new, digital-focused era.

“We are extremely proud of the construction materials business we have built over many years. The scale, quality and performance of [it is] a testament to the hard work and commitment of our people,” he said.

“The [construction materials] transaction allows MGH to crystallise value from a high-quality asset while positioning the group toward the next phase of infrastructure investment – including digital infrastructure, electrification, and AIenabled assets.”

AN INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY

Theo Venter will present his inspiring keynote speech at the IQA’s  2026 National Conference on the Gold Coast, 6-8 October.

Theo Venter always believed he’d speak to crowds one day. Growing up in South Africa, he secretly competed in poetry recitals in front of judges and large audiences while many of his mates spent afternoons tossing around a rugby ball.

But it was not until a life-changing moment in Australia that he discovered what he was truly meant to say.

After migrating to Australia to work as an electrician and lineman, Venter was exposed to 22,000 volts on an energised line just six months after arriving in the country.

Doctors and engineers told him he should not have survived. He spent close to five months in hospital, followed by a long road of surgeries, pain, and rehabilitation.

More confronting than the physical injuries was the mental replay: the moment he took off his gloves to loosen a stubborn nut— choosing a shortcut instead of taking extra time to do the job safely.

Venter eventually rebuilt his life and found a new calling: helping others avoid the moment that changes everything.

In 2010, he left his trade to become a fulltime motivational and safety keynote speaker.

Venter has presented around the globe and across Australia. His presentations take audiences through every emotion, then leaves them with something practical: his six “bedrock foundations” for stronger decisions, safer habits, and a more accountable culture at work and at home.

“My life was absolutely perfect. I was living in the land of milk and honey, I have three kids, and they were loving every minute of [being in Australia]. I couldn’t imagine a better life for myself or my family,” he told Quarry

“But on the fateful day, I got exposed to so much amperage that the electrical engineer said to me ‘1000 men would have died touching that line’, and yet I survived.

“One thousand volts … it creates 30 thousand degrees Celsius and literally burns you from the inside.

“When I got to the hospital that day, I was expecting to die.”

During his time in hospital, he replayed the incident over and over in his mind.

Specifically, he vividly remembered deciding to take off his gloves that day to loosen a stubborn nut. When he spoke to Quarry, he described the moment he decided to take off his gloves that day to loosen a stubborn nut as his failure

“I took the shortcut instead of taking five or ten minutes extra to do it safely. As a result, I almost paid with my life,” he said.

“That just kept playing over and over in my head. I came out, after an incredible amount of surgeries, as a completely different person. That’s when the tough times really started.”

Adjusting back to normal life proved to be incredibly difficult.

Venter said his emotions during this period escalated into a very dark period.

“I was in this bottomless pit of despair, and I needed to take a step forward in my life.

That was the hardest point. Thankfully, I started working on myself, and I took a big leap that changed the direction of my life,” he said.

Venter was approached to share his story and recovery journey. But, as a regular guy who had been through an incredibly harrowing experience, he was unsure about reliving that period of his life. Eventually, after a lot of prompting, Venter took a leap and shared his story with workplaces across Australia.

As he explained, it was a decision that fundamentally changed his life. In 2010, he quit his job as a “sparky” to take up motivational speaking full-time.

“It felt like I was contributing to something much bigger than myself,” he said.

At the heart of his keynote is the audience, with the goal of equipping them with the tools to become the people they want to be in the workplace and in their everyday lives.

At every talk, the audience receives a nut, which represents the highest value of their life. Many attendees to Venter’s talks have placed that nut on their keyrings as a constant reminder of the important parts of their lives.

Even now, a company owner who attended one of Venter’s presentations often sends him a photo of the nut on his keyring as a reminder of how Venter’s keynote speech influenced his life.

“For an hour, the audience will cry with me and laugh with me, all the emotions under the sun.

“But when I get the feedback from the audience, it inspires me,” Venter said.

“If I could save one person from dying or making a stupid decision, then I would do it again and again.”

Venter will be one of the keynote speakers at the Institute of Quarrying Australia’s national conference on the Gold Coast later this year.

The event, running from October 6-8, will bring together industry professionals from across the country for a wide-ranging program including professional development, networking, site visits, industry awards, and

international speakers.

“There are some amazing people in the quarrying sector that will be in attendance at the conference,” Venter said.

“I am excited to be at the conference because of great people with passion, you can’t get a better combination than that.” •

JOIN US ON THE GOLD COAST

The IQA National Conference is on 6-8 October, 2026. Early bird rates close 30 April - register now at quarry.com.au

Powering up and going strong

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Hydrocyclones

Multotec cyclones are used across the world for applications in mineral processing, quarry and aggregates and manufacturing, food processing, wastewater treatment and other industries.

Our industry proven product range of classification cyclones have been optimised to improve classification efficiency, provide greater lifespan and reduce energy requirements.

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EVOLVING A CLASSIC

Metso’s range of HPe crushers provides quarry operators with the reliability of the crushers they know while benefitting from modern crushing advancements.

The Nordberg HP series was Metso’s flagship line for many years. Sitting at the heart of the quarry’s production, a HP series crusher was synonymous with reliability and consistency.

But as the years passed, the quarrying industry shifted. Throughput demands are higher, versatility is a requirement rather than a luxury, specifications are tighter and fuel costs are increasingly higher.

So, Metso evolved the Nordberg HP series to match the requirements of the quarrying sector with the Nordberg HPe series. The new range, which includes the Nordberg HP600e, delivers high performance while

Ideally suited to the aggregates sector, the Nordberg HP600e has the same footprint and external dimensions as the Nordberg HP500, making it easy for operators to move up to the newer model. The HP600e represents an evolution of its HP predecessor, delivering up to 20 per cent more performance in secondary applications and 15 per cent

Overall, Metso has estimated its new HPe models, including the HP600e, the HP8800e and HP900e, can deliver 15 per cent more capacity and 35 per cent greater crushing force than the previous models.

“We are excited to expand the Nordberg HPe series and bring to market a wider offering of these high-performance crushers

Aggregates business area product manager of HP cones Ilkka Somero said.

The increased performance comes from Metso evolving the enhanced kinematics due to optimised crushing chambers, reduced head spinning, and ring bounce detection included. The result is higher power, greater force, and more strokes without extending the crusher’s footprint.

As with all HPe models, operators can choose the kinematics setup that best suits their applications. For example, with the HP600e, operators can choose from three alternative kinematics.

•Enhanced kinematics: Delivers maximum performance in terms of capacity and reduction.

•Classic (HP500 style): Provides the same performance level as the HP500 crusher in terms of throughput and reduction.

•Reduced stroke: For applications requiring reduced throughput or tuning the crusher for a specific application or when operators need to limit the crusher’s power and force.

All secondary and finer cavity profiles across the HPe models have been optimised by Metso to match the enhanced kinematics of the new crushers. With the new profiles, operators can tailor their HPe model to match the yield of their specific end product, including narrow-fraction aggregates.

This helps operators achieve better-shaped aggregates and enables the production of finer materials for specific applications.

“The evolution of Metso’s cone crusher technology brings multiple benefits and presents a true step change in terms of performance, uptime, serviceability and application coverage,” Somero said.

Many operators would understand the desire to operate at lower operating costs, and Metso understands this, which is why it designed the HPe series with upgradability in mind. Previous generation crushers, including the HP series, can be upgraded with the latest features of the HPe cone crusher models.

This design feature ensures operators can boost performance by adopting HPe features cost-effectively. HPe parts are largely interchangeable, meaning they can be integrated into previous generations of Metso’s crushers. In the case of the HP500, by using the bowl and head upgrade kit available from Metso, the new no-backing liners present in the HP600e can be installed in the HP500 cone crusher. The classic liners with backing material used in the HP500 can also be installed in the HP600e crusher.

Metso has designed and developed a dedicated feed cone lifting tool that makes lifting and handling the feed cone easier and safer. It has also evolved the tramp release cylinders so they can be removed and easily reinstalled during servicing and maintenance periods.

“Efficiency is the key to meeting the industry’s needs. With the robust new HPe

Industry leading solutions

Purpose built fleets tailored to quarry site requirements

OEM backed support, service and technicians

units, we can offer performance, longer lifetime and higher cost efficiency to our customers,” Metso director of gyratory and large cone crushers Nicolas Gallay said.

This is further supported by Metso’s range of aftersales support. The original equipment manufacturer provides installation and commissioning, inspections, refurbishment and shutdown support, life cycle services agreements, as well as a comprehensive wear and spare offering.

Since the HP and HPe series have launched, Metso estimates it has sold more than 13,000 units globally.

Metso business development manager John O’Reilly said the HPe series would excel in aggregates production in Australia due to its large crushing capacity.

“For operators, it’s all about tonnes per hour. The higher capacity design allows them to push more material through the plant without overstressing the machine, helping meet contract targets while maintaining consistent product quality,” he said.

“We’ve focused on optimising crushing kinematics and power utilisation to ensure operators can achieve peak output while maintaining energy efficiency and minimising wear.

“These machines help operators get more out of every operating hour.” •

For more information, visit metso.com

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Expert advice and analysis

Late model, low hour fleet

GOING WILD

Australia is one of the few megadiverse countries, containing irreplaceable wildlife that can be found nowhere else.

According to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), much of this distinctive wildlife is threatened and declining, with more than 2000 species nationally listed as threatened and 19 ecosystems that are collapsing.

Changing fire regimes, habitat loss, and the intensifying pressures of climate change are compounding threats to this wildlife, which the AWC said brings more extreme cycles of boom and bust.

Protecting this wildlife is not only vital for nature, but is directly tied to the Australia economy, human wellbeing, and combats climate change. Supporting this push to safeguard Australian wildlife is Komatsu, which has launched an initiative that is bringing crucial support to volunteer wildlife carers in Western Australia.

Komatsu’s Live Your Dream program is a grants initiative designed to empower employees to champion causes they’re passionate about. Each year, the program provides a $10,000 grant to support community projects or not-for-profit organisations chosen by staff, enabling grassroots action that makes a real difference beyond the mining, construction and quarrying sectors.

One such grant is being used to back the work of Marsupial Mamma’s and Papa’s, a volunteer-run sanctuary focused on the rescue and rehabilitation of marsupials such as kangaroos, wallabies and possums. Based in WA, Marsupial Mamma’s and Papa’s provide a lifeline for orphaned joeys and injured adults, caring for animals around the clock until they’re ready to return to the wild.

The grant was awarded to Komatsu employee Tracey Halden, who works at the company’s Welshpool branch in Perth. With a personal passion for wildlife and community service, Halden recognised both the need and the potential impact of supporting local carers when she applied for the Live Your Dream grant.

“I’ve always been passionate about supporting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation,” Halden said.

Marsupial Mamma’s and Papa’s operate entirely on donations and volunteer hours. Unlike larger, well-funded organisations, small volunteer groups face ongoing challenges securing equipment, supplies and training resources. Every pouch for a growing joey, every syringe of specialised formula, and every secure enclosure for recovering animals counts, and expenditure quickly adds up.

Thanks to the grant, Marsupial Mamma’s and Papa’s will be purchasing specialist equipment such as thermal pouches,

nutritional formula and purposebuilt enclosures.

Crucially, funds will also support volunteer training and community education, helping the organisation build capacity for future rescue seasons. These resources will directly enhance care outcomes for wildlife across the region.

While the company is best known in quarry and mining circles for its advanced

equipment, digital systems and productivity solutions, Komatsu’s sustainability and community engagement programs reflect a much wider sense of responsibility. Around the globe, Komatsu engages in initiatives ranging from biodiversity projects and environmental conservation to educational outreach, all underpinned by a commitment to creating value together with the communities it serves.

For Halden, the opportunity to combine personal values with workplace support has been deeply rewarding.

“It’s amazing to work somewhere that values initiatives like this and enables their people to give back,” she said.

With hundreds of native animals facing threats from human activity each year, even modest support can have lasting impacts.

“Every rescued animal is a second chance,” Halden said. •

For more information, visit komatsu.com.au

ROCK SOLID RELIABILITY

Total Rockbreaking Solutions is helping quarry and mining operators protect uptime through practical, site-driven engineering improvements.

In hard rock quarrying and mining environments, reliability is essential. When material flow stops, the cost is immediate, and often significant. For Total Rockbreaking Solutions (TRS), keeping rockbreaking systems operating safely and efficiently is less about headline-grabbing technology and more about smart, practical engineering decisions made on site.

As the exclusive Rammer dealer in Western Australia, TRS works closely with Sandvik’s global Rammer network, drawing on shared technical knowledge while adapting equipment to suit the harsh realities of local quarry and mining conditions. For TRS director Paul Ingleson, that balance between global expertise and local problem-solving is where real value is created.

“Rammer has a strong global dealer network, and a big focus is making sure everyone is trained the same way and sharing learnings from the field,” Ingleson said. “If something happens anywhere in the world, that information flows through the network so other dealers can learn from it and apply it locally.”

This knowledge and technical expertise have recently supported a series of sitespecific modifications carried out by TRS on a Rammer XL1200 rockbreaker boom system by relocating the RamLube II automatic hammer greasing system. The result is a safer and long-lasting asset life.

Protecting critical components

Hydraulic rockbreaker hammers rely on consistent lubrication to prevent excessive wear on internal bushes and tooling. In standard configurations, the greasing cartridge is mounted close to the hammer itself, where it is exposed to falling rock and debris.

“In mining and quarry applications, these hammers are often buried in rubble while they’re working,” Ingleson said. “That puts the greasing system in a vulnerable position, and if it gets damaged, lubrication stops, which shortens the life of the hammer wearing components.”

To mitigate that risk, TRS relocated the automatic greasing unit from the rockbreaker hammer to a protected position higher up on

the boom, routing lubrication lines down to the hammer.

“By moving it out of the danger zone, we’re protecting the lubrication system and making

Although the modification was developed for a specific customer, Ingleson said it has the potential to become a broader solution across other installations.

field about the success of this modification, it’s something we’d consider rolling out elsewhere.”

RETHINKING THE POWER PACK

TRS also completed a series of upgrades to the Rammer hydraulic power pack, focusing on serviceability, cleanliness, and fire safety, all critical factors in remote quarry and mining operations.

Rather than using a traditional exposed configuration, the hydraulic power unit was mounted inside a custom-built sea container, providing full weather protection while maintaining easy access for maintenance.

“Instead of removing covers to inspect or service the unit, technicians can walk straight into the container and see everything clearly,” Ingleson says. “It creates a much cleaner environment, which makes maintenance easier and extends the life of the equipment.”

The enclosed design also allowed TRS to integrate an automatic fire detection and suppression system, a key safety upgrade for hydraulic equipment operating in highrisk environments.

“If there’s a fire, the system automatically detects it and discharges foam throughout the enclosure,” Ingleson explains. “From a safety point of view, that’s a major improvement.”

Ingleson said these kinds of upgrades are about making equipment easier to look after, not just protecting it from damage.

“Serviceability is often overlooked, but it’s critical,” he says. “If equipment is easy to maintain and easy to keep clean, it gets maintained properly. That directly impacts safety, reliability and asset life.”

Local solutions, global backing

While the modifications were carried out locally, they reflect a broader philosophy within the Rammer dealer network: combining global engineering standards with real-world operational experience.

“Rammer is a brand owned by Sandvik, and every region has an exclusive dealer,” Ingleson says. “We’re the WA dealer, and Sandvik supports all Rammer dealers globally. That structure gives us access to shared technical knowledge, but also the freedom to adapt solutions for local conditions.”

For quarry operators, that combination translates into equipment that is not only robust but tailored to the realities of Australian operations.

As quarries continue to push for higher productivity with fewer unplanned stoppages, it’s often these behind-thescenes engineering decisions that deliver the greatest long-term returns.

“At the end of the day, it’s about keeping machines running safely for as long as possible,” Ingleson says. “If we can improve maintainability, protect critical components and extend service life, that’s a win for everyone.” •

• Walkers Hammers (VIC, SA, TAS),

• Groundtec (NSW), groundtec.com.au

• QLD Rock Breakers (QLD, NT and PNG), rdw.com.au/ qld-rock-breakers

• Total Rockbreaking Solutions (WA), totalrockbreaking. com.au

For more information, visit attachmentspecialists.com. au/rammer or rammer.com

BUILT ON SHARED GROUND

Lincom Group and Glendun Group have joined forces, proving the best relationships often take time to blossom.

Strong partnerships rarely happen by chance. They are built over time, through shared values, proven performance and a mutual understanding of what it takes to deliver on site. For Glendun Group and Lincom Group, that alignment has been clear from the outset.

For Glendun founder and managing director Cahal Carey, growth has always been about momentum.

“We’re in the hot seat,” Carey said. “We’re employing new staff, we’re getting new machines, we’ve got the right people in the right places. Yeah, we’re ready to go.”

From one 13-tonne digger to a national crushing fleet, the journey has been organic.

“The business originally started with no plan. It just grew organically itself… and I think it’s going to continue to grow organically, whether we want it to or not.”

That growth accelerated when Glendun entered the contract crushing and screening space.

“When we really got into the contract crushing and screening, we just set a benchmark that seemed to be higher than everybody else’s,” Carey said.

“We just continued to win jobs because of our reputation.”

THE MACHINES BEHIND THE WORK

Glendun’s journey with Powerscreen began last year with the arrival of its first Maxtrak 1300, a machine that quickly proved itself in the high-pressure world of contract crushing. Built for high-capacity secondary and tertiary crushing, it became a cornerstone of operations: consistent, productive and dependable in demanding conditions. That early success led to further investment, with two additional Maxtrak 1300 units joining the fleet. Each new cone crusher strengthened Glendun’s ability to scale, take on more complex projects and maintain control over throughput and product quality across a wide range of applications. More recently, a Maxtrak 1000 was added to enhance operational flexibility. Known for its versatility and efficiency, the unit complements the larger 1300s by allowing operators to fine-tune crushing speed and adapt quickly to different materials and site requirements. Screening capability also expanded with the addition of a Chieftain

2100X, supporting smoother production flow across operations. The latest milestone is the delivery of the Premiertrak 450, a powerful primary crusher that delivers performance in a compact, transport-friendly package.

With this combination of jaw, cone and screening equipment, Glendun can deploy a complete crushing circuit from primary reduction through to final product with speed and control.

“We can set up a full train in a quarry from start to finish within a week,” Carey said.

“With each of the quarries we work with, we can crush between 10 and 13,000 tonne every week. There are probably the guts of 140 pieces of equipment now… We have capacity to crush between 100,000 and 120,000 tonnes of rock every week.”

SETTING THE STANDARD

While equipment is critical, culture remains the foundation.

“The key for the success of Glendun for me has been the staff and the work ethic of the staff,” Carey said. “I can’t do it by myself.”

Glendun’s reputation in the contract market has been built on quality, reliability and

safety, values that closely align with Lincom’s approach from the supply side.

Just as importantly, the machines are supported by Lincom’s after-sales service, a consistent presence in Glendun’s operations.

From parts availability and servicing to technical advice when it matters most, Lincom’s team helps keep machines running and downtime to a minimum.

Strong supplier relationships remain essential as Glendun continues to scale.

“We’ve got some new machines off those guys this year and we’ve got some more coming again next year.”

With operations across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, the outlook remains ambitious.

“The sky’s the limit. Get the right people, have the right staff, look after them properly, we can do anything.”

Looking ahead, Glendun and Lincom are focused on building on what already works: investing wisely, maintaining equipment properly and continuing to deliver efficient, reliable crushing solutions. •

For more information, visit lincom.com.au

POWER PRECISION RELIABILITY

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Want to know more? Contact your Rammer dealer today!

SUPPORT FOR THE SHORT TERM

Onetrak is helping quarries undertake new campaigns and projects to provide a complete solution for different applications

Purchasing any heavy machinery is a serious investment, one that quarries might not be able to afford.

This can be especially true for shortterm projects, where extra capacity is needed, but a permanent solution isn’t necessarily required.

Onetrak business manager Heiner Guenzel said there is increasing demand for equipment in the Australian quarrying and mining sectors.

“When purchasing new equipment, customers need a financial plan, as it is a big expense,” he told Quarry. “That’s why rent to buy is a good option.”

“By renting, a company can instead make a short-term calculation and include costs in operational expenses, allowing them to take on more opportunities with less risk.

“After a certain amount of time, there is also the opportunity to purchase the equipment that has been rented.”

Onetrak started offering rental and rent to buy solutions to quarries, mines and contractors in 2019 and has continuously invested in its rental fleet ever since. The company works closely with its customers to find the right solution, using its range of Anaconda, Striker, and Hidromek equipment.

Every campaign and each customer can have its differences which is why Onetrak delivers a tailored approach for its customers.

Onetrak’s team puts together a package that can deliver exactly what the client is looking for, including conveyors, excavators, wheel loaders, crushers, screens, and more.

A key part of ensuring the client gets the right equipment for the job is to know the application. Onetrak sends its teams out to site to look at the application in person to ensure they can choose the right machinery.

It’s proven to be a successful business model, with customers ranging from small family-owned quarries to major operators in the sector.

Guenzel said the practice of rent to buy is a proven international model, especially in the United States.

“It’s a very common model because the customer has the chance to find out if the machine is the right fit for the application,” he said.

“They can check if the machine is correct, the service from the company is correct, the expertise from the supplier is correct, and then turn from renter into buyer with minimal risk.

“We’ve had very good feedback from original equipment manufacturer Anaconda, who has a lot of experience operating in this way.”

To support its rental program, Onetrak operates across eight branches across the country. Each branch carries important

components and wear parts for crushing and screening, along with a full fleet of trucks.

It also has a dedicated service team that is equipped to help quarries roll out new rental equipment.

Guenzel said each team has specialists that are highly experienced and can ensure the equipment is set-up and operating correctly.

“They know what to look for to help avoid any mistakes on site. It’s part of the package,” he said.

“We have our dedicated teams come out and train the customer’s staff on how to operate the equipment to get the best value for money.

It can also call upon support from Anaconda’s and Striker’s factories as well, if needed.

Guenzel said Onetrak has needed to significantly expand its rental fleet to keep up with the growing demand for the service.

“We’re seeing high demand from aggregate producers all around Australia, especially on the Central Coast in New South Wales and also around Brisbane,” he said.

“Our branch offices there are already serving our customers, and we are excited to continue growing.” •

For more information, visit onetrak.com.au

Australia s quarrying sector comes together on the Gold Coast for three days of expert insights technology showcases and unrivalled networ ing opportunities

a t o sha i ou s to s t ha t

What awaits you:

CPD points available

100+ exhibitors featuring the latest quarrying innovations

IQA National Awards celebrating excellence across our sector

Exclusive site visit to Gold Coast operations

Presentations from sector leaders and international experts

Welcome reception and gala dinner in a stunning coastal setting

he Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre provides the perfect bac drop combine professional development with Australia s premier destination for beaches dining and entertainment

BIG PLANS FOR PNG EXPO

With an expanded floorplan, conference program, and strong early interest, PNG Expo 2026 is already shaping up to be a must-attend event.

With quarrying and construction materials playing a growing role in Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure expansion, the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo 2026) is a key touchpoint event.

An expanded exhibition floor, strengthened conference program, and confirmed exhibitors including the likes of Komatsu, Metso, Lincom Group, Sandvik Rock Processing and more, demonstrate a promising event aligned with the needs of quarry operators, contractors and materials producers.

The PNG Expo will return to Port Moresby from 1–2 July at a time when demand for aggregates, hard rock, cement inputs and construction materials continues to rise. As new road, port, energy and community infrastructure projects move from planning into delivery, the event provides a timely platform for quarry suppliers, equipment manufacturers and service providers to connect directly with decision-makers shaping PNG’s next phase of development.

The event brings together suppliers, miners, contractors, government representatives and industry leaders from across the country and the broader region. The 2026 edition will feature a comprehensive exhibition floor highlighting the latest products, technologies and services supporting PNG’s mining, construction, infrastructure, energy and industrial sectors.

Structured networking opportunities will again be a central feature, giving attendees direct access to in-country decision-makers and service providers while fostering meaningful, long-term partnerships.

Prime Creative Media Show Director –Mining Events, Rebecca Todesco said in a statement that the event continues to play an important role in supporting sustainable development across the country’s resources industry.

“When industry, government and communities meet in one place, it creates

real opportunities for growth, collaboration and long-term success in the mining sector and across the country,” Todesco said.

“PNG Expo welcomes industry leaders, government representatives and local businesses to come together, share insights and be part of discussions that will help guide the future of mining in PNG.”

A new addition for 2026 will be on-site editorial coverage led by PNG Mining. Journalists will conduct interviews on the conference stage, spotlighting major projects, emerging technologies and operational challenges, while giving exhibitors added exposure beyond their stands.Event sponsor Tricab said the conference component is a major drawcard. Tricab general manager sales Australia and New Zealand Shane Plumridge said knowledge-sharing translates directly into practical, in-country outcomes.

“One of the key focuses of the expo is the conferencing,” Plumridge said.

“You learn so much from these discussions that translates directly into in-country knowledge to help better suit customers. Events like this give businesses access to best-in-class manufacturing capabilities and the opportunities to create long lasting business partnerships.

“There are challenges facing PNG’s market that others might not have to deal with, such as having key distribution routes and strong supply chains. It’s this that made us want to really get behind the project because it’s a key meeting place to do business.”

Exhibitor spaces are now available, and premium indoor stands are close to selling out. With demand strong and space limited, companies are encouraged to secure their position early.

As mining and resource projects continue to develop nationwide, PNG Expo offers a timely platform to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration and support safe, sustainable and resilient operations.

“We’re seeing more and more investment into PNG as a nation, particularly in the industrial space. We want to be at the forefront of that and make meaningful connections with local businesses,” Plumridge said.

With strong early interest, PNG Expo 2026 is set to be a must-attend event for those operating in or supplying PNG’s growing resources market. •

Secure your tickets now: https://pngexpo.com/attend

September 2026

EXHIBIT IN 2026. BE SEEN. BE HEARD. BE CHOSEN.

BULK EXPO GAINS TRACTION

Early Bird tickets are now available for a key bulk handling technical conference and expo in Melbourne.

On 16-17 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the bulk handling sector will come together for the industry’s only dedicated exhibition and conference, the Bulk Handling Technical Conference and Expo (BULK2026).

BULK2026 remains Australia’s only dedicated exhibition and conference for the bulk solids handling industry.

Momentum for the event continues to build following the announcement of a new partnership between BULK2026 and the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH), adding further depth to the technical program as organisers at Prime Creative Media finalise preparations.

Returning in 2026, the Bulk Handling Technical Conference will run concurrently with the Bulk Handling Expo, delivering an expanded forum of advanced technical content curated by ASBSH. The combined format is designed to encourage industrywide discussion, collaboration and practical problem-solving across all areas of bulk materials handling.

Prime Creative Media head of marketing –events Molly Hancock said the partnership with ASBSH represents an exciting development for the event and the industry more broadly.

“This is where engineers, operators, suppliers and managers can come together in the same space and speak the same language,” Hancock said. “Connections are made and insights are shared that would normally take multiple meetings or site visits to establish.”

BULK2026 lets the industry unite under the same roof, which is a feature that sets the event apart from anything else like it. From global equipment suppliers and engineering teams to operations, maintenance, and sitebased personnel, the expo creates a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Exhibitor interest is also gaining traction, with Kinder Australia confirming preparations are already underway. Sales and marketing manager Sam Veal said the event provides far more than a promotional platform.

“For us, it’s about contributing to broader conversations around reliability, safety

and performance across the industry,” Veal said.

With Kinder planning to unveil a new product in 2026, which Veal said is a “revolutionary for conveyor tracking,” the lead-up to BULK2026 is shaping up to be a significant period for the company.

Events like BULK2026 also provide a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with industry stakeholders seeking operational improvements.

“It’s a chance to communicate and educate,” Veal said. “It allows us to maintain dialogue with site representatives who are focused on optimisation, while also catching up with long-term customers and identifying new requirements.

“It’s a real melting pot for bulk handling, we meet people we’ve never connected with before, and that’s where new relationships start.”

In an environment where conveyor failures, dust generation and accelerated wear can result in significant operational and financial impacts, the timing of BULK2026 is particularly relevant.

These pressures position the event as more than a commercial exhibition, providing operators with the opportunity to evaluate new technologies, compare approaches and explore solutions designed to deliver longterm performance. Against this backdrop, experienced suppliers such as Kinder

come into sharper focus. A specialist in belt conveyor design, Kinder was recognised as Supplier of the Year at the 2022 Australian Bulk Handling Awards.

Veal said dust control remains a recurring challenge across the sector, and an area where Kinder’s solutions are designed to deliver measurable improvements.

“Our contactless skirting arrangements are designed as an ultimate dust-mitigation solution for bulk handling operations,” he said.

“Products like our Dustscrape system play an important role from a health and safety perspective, from managing silica dust in quarries to improving visibility at iron ore operations.

“We also provide conveyor health checks supported by a uniquely developed software platform, allowing us to identify hazards and productivity issues with the aim of optimising site performance and operator safety.”

While individual innovations will form a key part of discussions on the expo floor, BULK2026 ultimately serves as a broader industry platform, bringing together every decision maker in the bulk handling chain to advance performance, reliability and sustainability across the sector.

For a limited time only, attendees can grab a full Conference Pass for $155 AUD – a discount of over 60 per cent. • Get tickets before they’re gone at bulkhandlingexpo. com.au/attend

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BORAL ADVANCES LOW CARBON CONCRETE

In a major step forward in decarbonisation, Boral has achieved a major milestone on its Australian-first calcined clay concrete.

Boral has completed product development of what it describes as a range of binary and triple blend low-carbon concrete products incorporating locally sourced calcined clay, making it the one of the first Australian companies to achieve this milestone.

Concrete production, particularly cement manufacturing, is one of the largest contributors to embodied carbon in infrastructure due to both energy intensive processing and the chemical release of carbon dioxide. By partially replacing Portland cement with calcined clay, Boral has developed a lower carbon alternative that maintains strength, durability and workability while significantly reducing emissions.

The product has progressed from laboratory research through to large scale field trials at Boral’s Maldon cement operations in New South Wales. The work formed part of a broader collaboration under the SmartCrete Cooperative Research Centre with partners including the University of Technology Sydney, Transport for NSW and Calix.

Boral Head of sustainability and innovation, and project lead, Dr Ali Nezhad, said the results confirm calcined clay is ready for practical application.

“From the laboratory to successful field trials and full product development, our work demonstrates that calcined clay concrete is not just a concept, it works at scale,” Nezhad said. He added that the successful trials have generated strong industry interest in further collaborative projects.

While calcined clay addresses the cement component of concrete, Boral’s broader circular strategy extends deep into its quarrying and recycling operations.

Extending the life of virgin quarry resources is fundamental to this goal of long term sustainability. Boral has 14 recycling sites across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, with additional locations in Queensland set to come online in 2026.

Across those facilities, more than 95 per cent of incoming construction and demolition material is processed and returned to market. Consistency and quality are an important part of the process, which is why Boral has an extensive testing regime internally and externally. One example is Boral’s use of processed recycled glass sand in high grade compaction sand for Sydney Water projects. Following extensive testing and trials with project partners, the material is now approved as a regular component of supply across major Western Sydney infrastructure works.

Returned concrete is another key stream. Rather than sending surplus loads to landfill, Boral has invested in logistics systems that allow unused concrete to be recovered, processed and converted into recycled aggregates suitable for road base and, in

programs where minimum recycled content requirements are increasingly embedded in contracts.

For quarry operators, the emergence of calcined clay concrete and integrated recycling operations signals a shift in how resources are valued and managed. Supplementary cementitious materials such as calcined clay reduce reliance on traditional inputs, while recycled aggregates help conserve reserves and strengthen supply resilience.

Boral chief executive officer and managing director Vik Bansal said the company is taking a major step forward in its net zero journey.

“Our calcined clay concrete is a major step forward in our innovation journey and progress towards net zero,” Bansal said in the company’s announcement.

“It demonstrates our commitment

CIRCULARITY IN FOCUS

Industry stakeholders have weighed in after the Productivity Commission released its final report on the opportunities in Australia’s circular economy.

As regulations shift and virgin materials become harder to access, recycled materials have taken on a larger role within the sector.

The topic has been back in the spotlight after the Productivity Commission released its inquiry into Australia’s circular economy and the opportunities within it, specifically focusing on ways to improve productivity and efficiency.

The commission wanted to provide ways to measure progress in Australia’s circular economy and address existing barriers at the state, territory, and national levels.

“Nationally coordinated regulatory reform is key to driving progress on sustainable and efficient materials use,” commissioner Alison Roberts said upon the report’s release.

IN FOCUS

There are many examples of these practices in the quarrying sector. As the report highlighted, at the industry level, the circular economy has moved beyond a talking point to a reality, driven primarily by commercial necessity in many industrial environments, including quarrying.

The result in the past few years has seen:

•Diversified revenue streams, such as recycled materials, turn waste into a sellable product.

•Reduced operational costs, especially landfill costs.

•Improved usage of existing materials without increasing production costs.

•Increased competitiveness when tendering on projects.

“The Productivity Commission has recognised what our industry has consistently been saying for years. Australia can only unlock the benefits of a circular economy when outdated and inconsistent regulations are modernised to encourage innovation,” Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia chief executive officer Michael Kilgariff said.

“Our members are already applying circular economy principles at scale through

established material reuse, recycling and emissions reduction practices.

“What is now required is a regulatory and standards environment that supports the safe, effective use of these materials in construction and infrastructure.”

One of the key findings from the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the circular economy was that governments can support this transition through reforming regulations and strengthening product obligations. By streamlining regulations, including material standards and specifications, companies could produce more sustainable materials at lower cost.

“We are expected to spend $270 billion on public infrastructure in the next four years alone. Allowing greater use of recycled or less emissions-intensive materials in these projects could reduce the economic and environmental cost of this work,” commissioner Joanne Chong said.

The Productivity Commission recommended that the federal, state and territory governments form a “consistent position” on material standards and specifications by undertaking an assessment of the existing standards, including Australian standards and state infrastructure technical standards.

The report noted variances among states in the “allowable content” for infrastructure and construction projects, such as recycled materials.

For this reason, the commission recommended changes to standards that would encourage greater uptake of sustainable materials by replacing current standards and specifications with performance-based criteria or by unifying standards across the state and territories.

Of interest to the heavy industrial sector, the report examined the impact of repurposing heavy-industrial land, such as exhausted mines, for a broader range of uses. The commission noted that 240 mines are

expected to reach the end of their productive life between 2021 and 2040.

The Productivity Commission suggested that state and territory governments should review their regulatory frameworks and processes that guide mine closure and transition so the land could be re-purposed for a wider range of uses, including clean energy projects.

Kilgariff said the construction materials sector would greatly benefit from unifying some existing material standards and technical specifications.

“Moving away from overly prescriptive requirements and toward performance-based standards is critical to enabling the safe, durable and large-scale use of recycled and lower-carbon materials,” he said

“With significant public infrastructure investment ahead, even modest reforms to standards and procurement can deliver real productivity, cost and emissions benefits.

“Different rules in different states do not deliver better outcomes; it simply increases cost and delays for projects and businesses operating nationally.

“A coordinated, cross-jurisdictional approach is essential if Australia is serious about scaling up circular construction.”

To that end, the Productivity Commission has recommended that the federal government set up a Circular Economy Regulatory Reform Taskforce with state and territory governments to promote regulatory reforms and harmonisation.

“Circular economy practices thrive on collaboration and coordination. Government can help join the dots to develop new and innovative circular practices,” Chong said.

“While many Australians are seizing the opportunity to make better use of materials, overall our progress has been slow. With the right approach to policy and regulation, we can support progress towards a more efficient and sustainable economy.” •

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FUTURE LEADER

Mawsons quarry operator Tasha Crilly discusses her career journey and why she’s proud to have forged a career in the quarrying sector.

Supporting the next generation of quarrying professionals is a key part of the Institute of Quarrying Australia’s (IQA) recently launched national awareness campaign.

The campaign, known as That’s Solid, shines a light on the opportunities and plentiful roles available in Australia’s quarrying sector for school leavers and job seekers.

Aimed at encouraging more people to consider a career in the quarrying sector, That’s Solid includes resources, an interactive career quiz, and the ‘Find a Quarry’ directory, which lists quarries across Australia who are actively engaging with their local communities on workforce and career pathways. One of those quarries is Mawsons, the well-regarded quarry operation which has been supporting its local communities across Victoria and New South Wales since 1912. The company plays a major role in many regional areas by hiring local people and training local cadets throughout its quarrying operations. Two of Mawsons’ employees, quarry operator Tasha Crilly and marketing and promotions manager Rachel Whittaker, spoke to Quarry about Tasha’s career so far and why Mawsons is passionate about supporting its local community.

Can you tell us about your career prior to joining Mawsons?

Tasha Crilly: I graduated from high school in November 2022. My first opportunity was at the Bulla spoil facility in Sunbury as part of the West Gate Tunnel project, operating equipment such as moxies, compactors and dozers. In June 2023, I was given the opportunity to work interstate at the Goyder Wind Farm in South Australia, and when that contract finished up, I returned to Melbourne and completed sub-division work in a new industrial estate in Truganina.

After a slow end to 2023 and a slow start to 2024, I decided to move back to my hometown in Cohuna, which is when I saw an advertised position for a quarry operator at Mawsons Pyramid Hill Quarry, where I started full-time in May 2024.

Did you always have an interest in this type of work?

TC: Throughout high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had lots of people telling me I should go and join the police force, or I should go to university. I was really interested in psychology during high school, but I couldn’t make up my mind. I had an uncle who worked in the [construction] industry and he got me a start in Melbourne.

Mum and Dad said I couldn’t just sit at home, I had to find a job. So, I got started, and I loved it straight away, and it’s been very rewarding so far.

How did you find joining Mawsons and transitioning into the quarrying sector?

TC: I was struggling to secure full-time work, and it almost seemed impossible due to factors like my age and not having a lot of experience under my belt. When the position became available at Mawsons, I jumped at it straight away, and I was very eager.

I didn’t know much about Mawsons when I applied, other than they were a family-run business. My current role as a quarry operator is primarily operating the dump truck and sales loader. I’ve also been given the opportunity to operate other equipment, as well as being in the office and the weighbridge.

Do you think your skills from the other industries have translated into your role at Mawsons?

TC: I think they’ve definitely helped, as the experience I had and the tickets I had gained previously helped me secure my position with Mawsons. However, Mawsons does offer training to those without experience in the

industry and further training to those who do. There are no specialised skills needed to excel at Mawsons; however, I believe your character and willingness to learn will take you much further in the industry than any skill could. You need to be self-motivated, someone who is willing to give anything a try and be someone who is approachable. Having the skills to operate is one thing, but having the personality to back it up is heaps more important.

Since joining, how have you found working at Mawsons and being in the quarrying sector?

TC: Since joining Mawsons, I’ve been given countless opportunities to showcase skills and become a role model and mentor for women and younger generations in the industry. I am passionate about advocating for the amazing women in our sector and encouraging other women and young people to join.

What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the sector?

TC: If anyone is interested in joining, I would tell them to just have a crack and give it a go.

If you’re someone who’s able to show up to work every day, work hard and learn as much as you can, there’s no doubt in my mind that you can excel in this sector. So if you’re holding back from applying for a

Rachel Whittaker: We’ve been working really hard on letting people know that there’s more to Mawsons than just a career driving trucks. Tasha is a great example of the opportunities available within Mawsons, and we’re so proud of Tasha’s confidence over the past two years, which has allowed her to step up time and time again. She’s become

FIND A QUARRY | THAT’S SOLID

Mawsons is one of 160+ employers in the IQA’s free Find a Quarry directory - connecting students, schools and job seekers with local quarries across Australia. Get your organisation listed: quarry.com.au/thats_solid

GEOLOGY TALK FROM PIT TO PARK

A former limestone quarry in Knoxville has been transformed into a striking public landscape that celebrates its geological past.

Augusta Quarry, located in the United States’ Appalachian Mountains, opened in the early 20th century to mine limestone aggregate.

Like many extraction sites across East Tennessee, it supported decades of construction activity before gradually winding down operations in the 1970s.

The Aslan Foundation, a local philanthropic organisation focused on strengthening Knoxville’s cultural assets and liveability has driven a renewed vision for the quarry.

The foundation had already demonstrated its commitment to adaptive reuse nearby. In 2008, it purchased Loghaven, a 90-acre property containing historic 1930s cabins, and in 2014 commissioned Sanders Pace Architecture to rehabilitate the structures and expand the site as an artists’ colony.

Building on that experience, Sanders Pace partnered with landscape architecture studio Port to reimagine Augusta Quarry as a safe, accessible and ecologically sensitive public space. After a multiyear planning and design effort, the revitalised quarry opened in July 2025. The design approach respects the quarry’s geological character

rather than attempting to overwrite it.

Towering limestone faces remain the dominant visual element, their stratified layers telling a story of sedimentation and extraction. Instead of imposing heavy new construction, the architects introduced a series of carefully placed amenity pavilions, docks and trails that appear almost as contemporary insertions within a rugged natural amphitheatre.

The pavilions are clad in weathering steel, a material choice that resonates with both the site’s industrial past and its raw geology.

The steel’s oxidised surface echoes the warm tones of exposed rock while providing long-term durability in a demanding outdoor environment. Over time, the material will continue to patinate, reinforcing the sense that the structures belong to the quarry rather than sitting apart from it.

Timber decking and floating docks extend gently into the water, creating designated swimming and gathering areas that replace the previously informal and hazardous access points. Trails wind through the surrounding woodland, linking elevated vantage points with the water’s edge and guiding visitors safely through the steep

terrain. The circulation strategy is subtle but deliberate, balancing freedom of exploration with clear cues about where and how to engage with the site.

From a geological perspective, the project highlights how former extraction landscapes can evolve into places of education and appreciation.

The quarry walls, once blasted and cut for aggregate, now frame a civic space where the public can observe sedimentary layers up close. The transformation underscores a broader theme relevant to the quarrying sector: post-extraction land use is not an afterthought but an opportunity.

Importantly, the revitalisation addresses safety without diminishing the site’s character. By formalising access, providing durable infrastructure and clarifying circulation, the design mitigates risk while preserving the sense of awe that made the quarry attractive in the first place. The result is neither a manicured urban park nor a fenced-off relic, but a hybrid landscape where industry, ecology and community intersect.

In Knoxville, what was once a symbol of industrial exhaustion has become a place of renewal, proving that the geological legacy of quarrying can extend well beyond the final blast. •

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