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JANUARY 2026

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING AUSTRALIA

INDUSTRY LEADERS

JANUARY 2026

2026 EDITION

THE BEST OF THE BEST The IQA is bringing back its ambassadors’ program with a team of industry veterans and emerging leaders.

QUARRY

www.quarrymagazine.com

LEADING FROM THE FRONT Charlie Eaton discusses her career so far and why working at Multotec has been a great fit.

BUILDING INCLUSION First Movers co-founder Yasmin London spoke about building an inclusive environment in quarries.

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IN THIS ISSUE

JANUARY 2026

VOLUME 35, ISSUE 1

FEATURES 18 Keeping you going

A2B Crushing and Screening’s Mikey Parkinson and Brett Matusevicius reflect on a big year for their business.

24 Trusted industry experience

Astec Industries business line manager Adam Gordon discusses how the sector has changed over his four-decade career.

20 Evolution, not revolution

Learn what Kobelco has planned for 2026 and beyond.

28 On track for 2026

STAY CONNECTED

The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) has launched the new IQA Connect App.

THE BEST OF THE BEST

The IQA is bringing back its ambassadors’ program for 2026.

Paul Kerr discusses how the industry is ready to bounce back.

30 Invested in success

Darren Klonowski discusses SEW Eurodrive’s success in 2025.

32 Here for the long term

John O’Reilly shares insights into Metso’s vision for the Australian quarrying sector.

34 Sand of tomorrow

Bram Smith explores the future of manufactured sand.

38 Going for gold

Kyle Fredericks details the ripple effects of the upcoming Olympic Games for quarries.

40 Finding stability

Pickles’ James Chauncy outlines where the sector is headed.

BRINGING BULK HANDLING TOGETHER

Find out what’s in store for BULK2026.

JANUARY 2026

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING AUSTRALIA

INDUSTRY LEADERS

JANUARY 2026

2026 EDITION

THE BEST OF THE BEST The IQA is bringing back its ambassadors’ program with a team of industry veterans and emerging leaders.

QUARRY

www.quarrymagazine.com

LEADING FROM THE FRONT Charlie Eaton discusses her career so far and why working at Multotec has been a great fit.

BUILDING INCLUSION First Movers co-founder Yasmin London spoke about building an inclusive environment in quarries.

BUILDING INCLUSION

First Movers’ Yasmin London spoke about building an inclusive environment.

44 Blazing the trail

Caitlyn Hayes reflects on winning the Trailblazing Tradie Award in 2025.

46 A resourceful showcase

The PNG Expo returns in 2026, and anticipation is already ramping up.

EVERY MONTH 04 FROM THE EDITOR

10 IQA NEWS

06 FROM THE CEO

50 GEOLOGY TALK

08 FROM THE PRESIDENT

Quarry January 2026 3

EDITORIAL

BULK BUSINESS

uarrying requires a diverse range of equipment, from crushers, screens, excavators, and conveyors. While much of the machinery is designed and built for quarrying specifically, other industries have incorporated it into their day-today operations. The construction and earthworks industry use excavators, recycling companies use crushing and screening equipment, and mining companies use plenty of similar gear. Each industry has different ways of optimising equipment use to best fit their needs, and have learned to get the most out of the technology for their specific application. There is a lot of potential value from sharing these strategies, learning what works elsewhere, and finding ways to incorporate it into quarrying. That’s partially the goal of the upcoming Australian Bulk Handling Technical Conference and Expo (BULK2026). The show plans to bring industries that use bulk material handling equipment together to showcase the latest technologies,

innovations, and provide an opportunity to network with likeminded peers. It’s the only dedicated Australian event for bulk commodities such as concrete, sand, stone, grains, coal, iron ore, animal feed, or woodchips. Equipment like conveyors, silos, motors, dust control systems, weigh scales, level measuring products and more will be on display. In particular, the show will highlight the latest advances in the Internet of Things, automation, and artificial intelligence. Attendees will also be able to attend several networking events, offering the opportunity to meet with new potential clients and learn about new markets. It will also host the 2026 Australian Bulk Handling Awards, which celebrates the achievements of companies and individuals that have demonstrated innovative practices and superior performances across the year. BULK2026 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16–17 September 2026. William Arnott Editor

Published by:

EACH INDUSTRY HAS DIFFERENT WAYS OF OPTIMISING EQUIPMENT USE TO BEST FIT THEIR NEEDS, AND HAVE LEARNED TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE TECHNOLOGY FOR THEIR SPECIFIC APPLICATION.

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Quarry January 2026

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CEO’S REPORT

RESHAPING PERCEPTIONS AND BUILDING CONNECTIONS

s we step into 2026, I am excited to share initiatives launching this quarter that will reshape how Australia sees our sector and strengthen our community connections.

THAT’S SOLID: OUR NATIONAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Our first national public awareness campaign, ‘That’s Solid’, launches in February. The campaign’s tagline reflects the reliability and stability of our sector; a modern, relatable phrase that speaks to the solid foundations that quarries provide, not just in materials, but in opportunities for people and communities. The campaign features real stories from IQA members, an interactive career quiz, education resources targeting schools and communities, and connections to local quarries across Australia. Concurrently, we’re also launching a dedicated school to workforce hub on our website following our comprehensive 2025 research. The hub provides practical resources for students, educators, and employers including career pathway diagrams, comprehensive career profiles, work experience toolkits, and personal story videos. Together, the national public awareness campaign and the school to workforce hub create an integrated approach to addressing workforce challenges and reshaping public perceptions of our sector. THE 2026 NATIONAL CONFERENCE Australia’s quarrying sector comes together on the Gold Coast from October 6-8, 2026, for three

Quarry January 2026

days of expert insights, technology showcases, and unrivalled networking. The conference features more than 50 presentations, 100 exhibitors, the IQA national awards, site visits, and networking dinners. Pre-sale registration is now open. Our 2026 Safety and Health conferences are also confirmed: VIC (March 27), NSW (May 13-14), QLD SEQ (June 4), and QLD NQLD (July 29).

BUILDING ON 2025 MOMENTUM In early 2026, we’re launching our member survey to help shape the 20262029 strategic plan. Many initiatives from our last survey are now in place: our inaugural free IQA mentoring program, free professional development webinars, our strategic advisory partnership with William Buck, the redeveloped IQA website, and the IQA Connect app. Our IQA Connect member app launched in 2025 and is transforming how members connect and collaborate. If you have not downloaded the app yet, now is the time. IQA Connect strengthens professional relationships and knowledge sharing, allowing you to stay informed, share insights, ask questions, and engage with colleagues from anywhere in Australia. With so much in progress, I encourage all members to take advantage of the resources and networking opportunities available throughout the year. Your engagement drives our collective success, and I look forward to connecting with many of you at events in 2026. Jane Schmitt Chief Executive Officer Institute of Quarrying Australia

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

Educating and connecting our extractive industry

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

THE CAMPAIGN’S TAGLINE REFLECTS THE RELIABILITY AND STABILITY OF OUR SECTOR  A MODERN, RELATABLE PHRASE THAT SPEAKS TO THE SOLID FOUNDATIONS THAT QUARRIES PROVIDE.

• 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

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

CONVERSATIONS WITH MICHAEL CLOSE, PRESIDENT

ichael Close interviews Dodge Industrial’s Australian and New Zealand division manager Halden Engela. Dodge Industrial is an IQA FY202526 silver national sponsors bringing over 145 years of expertise in mechanical power transmission to support Australia’s quarrying sector. MC: Halden, what drew you to partner with the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA)? Halden Engela: The Australian quarrying sector is critical to the nation’s infrastructure development, and we’ve seen firsthand how operations here are embracing innovation while maintaining rigorous safety standards. The IQA connects professionals who are genuinely committed to advancing the sector, not just in their own operations, but collectively. That collaborative approach to problem-solving and knowledgesharing aligns with how we work. We’re here to support operators with technical expertise and engineering guidance, not just supply equipment. MC: You talk about looking at entire systems rather than individual components. What difference does that make in practice? HE: We often see operations facing recurring downtime or maintenance issues that stem from how components interact within the broader system. A bearing failure, for example, might actually indicate misalignment issues, environmental factors, or operational loads that were not anticipated. Our engineers work with operators to understand these challenges and address them.

Quarry January 2026

MC: The quarrying sector has an intense focus on safety. How does that influence equipment design and maintenance practices? HE: Safety drives design decisions from the ground up. Equipment that’s easier and safer to maintain also tends to be maintained more consistently, which improves reliability. Quarry operators do not compromise on safety, and that pushes us to innovate. MC: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for quarrying operations in the next few years? HE: Predictive maintenance is changing the game. Technology now allows operations to monitor equipment health in real-time and spot problems before they cause failures. That shift from reactive to proactive maintenance significantly reduces costly unplanned downtime. There’s also a growing focus on skills development. The sector needs people who can work with both mechanical systems and data. That’s where partnerships with organisations like the IQA become valuable, supporting professional development alongside technological advancement. MC: What are you hoping to achieve through this partnership? HE: The IQA community has incredible knowledge about what works in Australian conditions for quarrying. We want to be part of those conversations, contribute where we can, and learn from the expertise that exists in the sector. We’ve learned that the best solutions come from listening to operators and understanding their real-world challenges. Michael Close, FIQ President Institute of Quarrying Australia

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

Educating and connecting our extractive industry

www.quarry.com.au

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

THE AUSTRALIAN QUARRYING SECTOR IS CRITICAL TO THE NATION’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, AND WE’VE SEEN FIRSTHAND HOW OPERATIONS HERE ARE EMBRACING INNOVATION WHILE MAINTAINING RIGOROUS SAFETY STANDARDS.

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

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IQA NEWS

The blast safety seminar brought together quarrying and blasting professionals for high-level technical training.

The southern NSW region sub-branch held its end-of-year celebration at the heritage-listed Old Goulburn Brewery.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE IQA Blast safety under scrutiny at WA Seminar

Flyrock incidents and misfire management gaps are driving increased regulatory scrutiny across WA – a key focus at the IQA WA’s recent blast safety seminar in Perth. Held at the Aloft Hotel, the seminar brought together quarrying and blasting professionals for a day of high-level technical training and peer collaboration. The speaker lineup tackled three critical safety areas head-on. Brian Burke from Orica explored flyrock control strategies, including exclusion zone planning and managing energy scatter risks. Adrian Jurg from WorkSafe’s mines safety directorate delivered a sharp analysis of global incidents and prosecutions, drawing clear connections to WA operational contexts. Dan Kavanaugh from Goldfields Explosives rounded out the session with practical misfire management protocols — from prevention through to investigation and embedding safer daily practices. An afternoon Q&A panel gave delegates the chance to dig deeper into regulatory expectations and real on-site challenges, with thoughtful questions driving robust discussion. The seminar reinforced IQA’s commitment to building safer, more skilled quarrying operations across Western Australia.

SA branch celebrates year’s end

More than 100 members and guests packed the Pullman Adelaide on 7 November

Quarry January 2026

for the South Australian branch’s early Christmas celebration. The evening’s standout moment belonged to Mark Taylor (Cavpower), who received his Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying (FIQ) certificate and pin. In a gesture that brought the room to its feet, all FIQs present – including Honorary FIQ Peter Duffy – were invited on stage to welcome Taylor into their ranks. A fitting tribute to someone who’s championed the SA branch and its next generation for decades. The branch welcomed five new members, while long-service certificates recognised Kane Salisbury (10 years), Darryl Constable (30 years), and the legendary Peter Duffy (50 years). Comedian and mental health advocate Marc Ryan, ‘the beautiful bogan’, delivered the perfect blend of laughs and meaningful insights. “It’s evenings like this that remind us why we do what we do,” said IQA South Australia branch Chairperson James Rowe. “The support from our partners, sponsors, and companies who back their people to attend these events keeps our community strong.”

Vince Matthews awarded Fellow grade

Gunlake Quarry Manager Vince Matthews was formally recognised with the FIQ grade at the southern NSW region sub-branch’s end-of-year celebration, which drew a record 73 attendees. Matthews, a member since November 2005, received the honour during the annual

dinner at the heritage-listed Old Goulburn Brewery, following a site tour of Gunlake Quarry. The Fellow grade recognises his two decades of exceptional contribution to both operational excellence and the Institute, including his work on the southern region sub-branch Committee. As quarry manager at NSW’s largest independent concrete and quarry producer, Matthews helped showcase Gunlake’s unique 400-million-year-old ignimbrite deposit - a volcanic rock formation prized for its durability in high-performance construction applications. The operation, located 160km south of Sydney, employs 86 full-time staff and holds over 180 million tonnes in reserve. Gunlake Quarries managing director Ed O’Neil shared the remarkable O’Neil family legacy spanning five generations and dating back to 1852 in Kapunda, South Australia – one of the nation’s earliest mining towns.

NQLD branch wraps up year with trivia night

The IQA North Queensland (NQLD) branch brought the year to a festive close with its end-of-year Christmas trivia night on 7 November at the Townsville Yacht Club. Quarrying peers from across the region gathered to test their general knowledge – and their quarrying intellect. The evening featured spirited competition, with teams battling it out over rounds of challenging questions facilitated by trivia nights.

IQA NEWS

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

The South Australian branch welcomed five new members.

Attendees enjoyed nibble platters, a hearty main meal, and refreshments while networking with colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. The event was a highlight on the NQLD calendar, with even Queensland committee member Alan Schoenfisch making a special appearance while in the Townsville area. NQLD branch chairperson Paul Hooton led the evening’s festivities, with worthy winners walking away with fantastic prizes. A perfect way to celebrate another successful year of NQLD branch activities and connection across the quarrying community.

South Australian young members explore dust mitigation

IQA South Australian Young Member Network (YMN) members recently toured AdBri’s Sellicks hard rock quarry, gaining practical insight into operational best practice and dust management innovation. The site visit focused on AdBri’s continuous improvement initiatives, including recent upgrades to dust suppression systems and environmental controls. Participants explored key areas where targeted interventions have reduced airborne particulates – including deployment of ‘the turtle’ water cart relocated from another AdBri site, and focused suppression at high-activity zones like the sand tower and primary crusher’s enclosed shed. Discussions covered monitoring techniques, community engagement with nearby Sellicks Beach residents, and production-scale operations. The tour highlighted how innovation, planning, and

trial-and-error contribute to safer, cleaner, and more efficient output. National Women in Quarrying (WIQ) coordinator Carly Monaghan attended alongside sponsor Bio-Central, reinforcing the value of industry collaboration in developing emerging quarrying professionals. The event was coordinated by South Australian young member coordinator Elijah Thomson (Heidelberg Materials).

Central Queensland sub-branch takes aim at end of year celebrations

The IQA central Queensland (CQLD) sub-branch concluded 2025 in style on 31 October with a unique networking event at Rockhampton Clay Target Club. Members and guests traded their hard hats for ear protection, enjoying an afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie. Following spirited rounds of clay shooting,

attendees celebrated at Big Rock Brewery with pizzas and refreshments. Blair Parker claimed first place in the shoot-out, with Sam Hill and Fabian Sutton taking second and third respectively. Peter Huntingdon from Multotec praised the innovative format. “The Clay Target Shooting activity was an excellent choice, with participants enjoying themselves regardless of their shooting success,” Huntingdon said. “The format encouraged interaction and networking among attendees, which was highly effective. Overall, I would rate this networking event a nine out of 10.” Special thanks to CQLD sub-branch chairperson Sam Hill for hosting, and IQA Queensland engagement and events coordinator Bec Farnes and the sub-branch committee for delivering such a memorable event to close out the year.

Central Queensland sub-branch members enjoyed an afternoon of friendly competition while clay shooting.on 19 November.

Quarry January 2026 11

IQA NEWS

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

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ses The IQA central west NSW sub-branch delivered a standout event on 19 November. :

Central west NSW sub-branch barriers and breakthrough moments that years of geological history. r in quarrying onomic resonate sector-wide. Indigenous heritage, volcanic tuffs, coal champions diversity

Raylene Slade fromility Graymont emphasised seams and mass extinction events provided The IQA central west NSW sub-branch nced visi

delivered a standout event on 19 November, n bringing quarrying professionals together for a powerful day focused on maximising the value of diverse perspectives, with particular emphasis on women in quarrying. The event featured Dan Howard from the NSW resources regulator presenting on psychosocial risks, while Christine Ashcroft from MAAS Group challenged attendees to recognise and address unconscious bias in their daily interactions. The event’s innovative “In Her Boots” session saw five women – Emma Purser, Tace Lang, Lily Wilson, Kirsty Smith, and Rebecca Finlay – share unfiltered accounts of their careers in quarrying, exposing both

that site planning must evolve to support growing female participation, while Will Townsend reinforced that excellence demands diverse perspectives. The central west’s proactive approach signals shifting priorities across the Australian quarrying sector.

Hunter makes history with leadership handover at Geotrail tour

The Hunter branch closed 2025 with a twist; a geological adventure along Newcastle’s coastline. Members joined Phil and Cressida Gilmore’s Geotrail tour from Newcastle Nobbies to Bogey Hole, exploring 400 million

the backdrop for an unconventional branch networking experience. The evening marked a significant transition, with Darryn Bosch officially taking over as Hunter chair. Outgoing chair Greg Dressler was recognised for his leadership and service to the branch. National sponsor Tricon demonstrated mobile crushing and screening solutions with case studies showcasing real-world quarry applications, while event sponsor Crusher Spares hosted the 60-strong crowd for dinner at Newcastle’s Customs House. The format proved popular, combining technical content, networking and geology.

UPCOMING COURSES AND EVENTS Event

Date

Time

Location

Introduction to quarrying webinar

20 Jan

12-4pm AEDT

Online

Hazard identification webinar

21 Jan

11–12:30pm AEDT

Online

Quarry roads and onsite vehicle safety webinar

22 Jan

11-1pm AEDT

Online

Emergency Managment Webinar

23 Jan

10-11:30

Online

Managing difficult conversations webinar

27 Jan

11-1pm AEDT

Online

Critical control management webinar

28 Jan

10-2pm AEDT

Online

Contractor safety webinar

29 Jan

11-3pm AEDT

Online

Network and Women in Quarrying mastermind session

5 Feb

9:30-11:30am

12 Commerce Place, Larapinta

IQA stone and stories night

6 Feb

6-9pm

Perth

the full range OL 30 Jan 11-1pm Online Plant and equipment webinar m www.cjd.com.a Queensland branch factory tour, Young Member

Quarry January 2026

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IQA NEWS

The Institute of Quarrying Australia

STAY CONNECTED The Institute of Quarrying Australia has launched the new IQA Connect App to help its members stay up to date with each other and the latest sector events.

“IQA Connect has been designed around the needs of our members,” Schmitt said. “From accessing technical resources and professional development opportunities to staying connected with peers across the country, the app strengthens the value of IQA membership.

KEY FEATURES • Community forum: Join conversations, share experiences, and ask questions in the IQA community forum. Connect with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities across Australia. • New member welcome hub: A dedicated space to settle into the IQA with help from the IQA ambassadors. Use this forum for onboarding, introductions, and quick Q&A about IQA initiatives, events, education opportunities, and member benefits. • Member directory: Search and connect directly with other IQA members through the in-app directory. Find expertise, make introductions, and build a professional network. • News and updates: Stay informed with the latest sector news, IQA announcements, and sector developments. • Latest events: Browse upcoming events, conferences, and networking opportunities around Australia.

• Training and continuing professional development on demand: Access professional development resources and training materials whenever necessary. “As the sector continues to evolve, IQA Connect provides a digital platform that supports lifelong learning and professional growth,” Schmitt said. “We see this as a key tool in strengthening the quarrying community and supporting best practice across Australia.” IQA Connect is a major milestone in the IQA’s ongoing efforts to improve the resources available to its members across Australia. The organisation will update the platform with new features and enhancements based on IQA member feedback over the coming months so the platform is always a modern tool that can support professional growth in the sector. Since IQA Connect launched in October 2025, IQA members have been providing positive reviews for the digital platform. Other members are looking forward to using the free app throughout 2026, with glowing feedback on its performance. “The app looks great. I can’t wait to explore it further,” IQA Victoria sub-branch member Laura Bennie said. • For more information, visit quarry.com.au Image: IQA

he Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) has celebrated a major milestone with the official release of its new app, IQA Connect. The new app enables users to connect easily with fellow professionals in Australia’s quarrying sector and stay up-to-date with the latest events and training. “The launch of the IQA Connect app represents an important step forward in how we engage with and support our members,” IQA chief executive officer Jane Schmitt said. “It places learning, networking and industry updates directly in the hands of quarry professionals, wherever they are. “It reflects our commitment to modern, flexible ways of supporting our quarrying community at every stage of their career.” IQA Connect brings the latest conversations in quarrying into one central, easy-to-use platform, available for free on iOS and Android. Members can follow these simple steps to access IQA Connect: • Download IQA Connect (iOS or Android) • Log in with your IQA website credentials • Post in the IQA community forum The new IQA initiative is packed with features for IQA members to use, including ways to share insights, ask questions and network better than ever before.

The IQA launched IQA Connect in 2025.

Quarry January 2026

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PM1050-16TB Pugmills are working though out Australia, available in manual or fully automated adding cement.

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A new IMS-PM1200-20TB Track Pugmill with twin 10m3 feed hoppers has just commissioned to Braeside Quarry on the New England Highway Warrick in Qld, the options the PM1200-20TB offered Braeside improved product management with the twin feed hoppers blending fines into roadbase to make spec or having two different products available ready for moisture control and CTB. The PLC control and recording system can be operated from an iPad in a loader managing all aspects of the operation including loading PM1200-20TB Pugmill/Blender with twin separate BP1200-48TB Blender for witheach four unit 12m3and feed hoppers trucks and multiple trailers stopping when the required weight has been reached feed hoppers & twin powder option with dual electric power recording the ID number of each load.

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CHARLIE EATON MULTOTEC

LEADING FROM THE FRONT Charlie Eaton recently joined Multotec Australia as its business development manager for quarrying and aggregates in Queensland. She discusses her career so far and why working at Multotec has been a great fit. WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE SECTOR? Every quarry I’ve been to has been highproducing and still selling materials, especially as people start gearing up for the Olympics [in 2032]. We’ll see new road developments and infrastructure due to the Olympics, and housing is increasing as the population grows. WHY IS BEING INVOLVED IN THE IQA IMPORTANT TO YOU? Multotec’s involvement with the IQA was a major factor in my decision to join them. To see a company stand behind the IQA so strongly and do so much good for the industry was important to me. It makes it feel like it is more than just a job. It means you can proudly stand behind the company that you work for, and they stand behind you. When that happens, everything works. I recently went to an ‘In Her Boots’ event, and it allowed women the chance to tell their story of how they got into the industry. That information and those stories can really ignite a fire in women to see that they

Image: Charlie Eaton

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO JOIN MULTOTEC AND TAKE ON THE NEW ROLE? I like the industry and the people in it, the people at the quarries are phenomenal as well, and the move to Multotec has been fantastic. I wanted to be part of a company that invested in preventive maintenance and reduced downtime in quarries. Across the sector, I saw it as a real issue for operators. Customers were talking to me about issues such as wear on machinery, screen media, and liners. Through the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA), I went on a site tour at Multotec and saw their wear liner products and realised that quarries could use them to reduce the need to constantly replace things like chutes and rockboxes. I saw that Multotec had products that could address the types of issues customers were talking to me about, and how we could help customers understand when and how to fix them before they happen and prevent them from becoming catastrophic.

Charlie finds work-life balance by four-wheel driving on the weekends. Pictured here at Big Red in Queensland.

Quarry January 2026

can manage a quarry and do the things that traditionally weren’t talked about for us. Each year, more women are getting involved with the Women in Quarrying (WIQ) network. As they become more comfortable in the industry and realise they are welcome in it, the WIQ network can only get bigger.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM MULTOTEC IN 2026? We’re excited to grow further in the quarrying sector so that more operators can increase their productivity and reduce downtime. Multotec has really focused on the quarrying sector recently after being a major name in the mining sector. We want to continue that, and it is a big part of my new role with the company. We’re going to reach out to anyone we think our products will help. We’re looking forward to the IQA National Conference coming to Queensland and being hosted on the Gold Coast. Any chance to get together with everybody and celebrate the industry is always welcome. In terms of the WIQ network for Southeast Queensland, we’re excited to see it grow next year. There will be more fireside chats, and we have had interest from many different companies about being involved next year. To see people reach out to us and want to be involved with the WIQ network is fantastic. • For more information, visit multotec.com

Image: Multotec Australia

INDUSTRY LEADERS

Engineered to match. Proven to perform. A partnership which brings over two decades of minerals processing expertise and trusted screening solutions to the industry.

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INDUSTRY LEADERS

MIKEY PARKINSON & BRETT MATUSEVICIUS

A2B CRUSHING AND SCREENING

KEEPING YOU GOING A2B Crushing and Screening’s Mikey Parkinson and Brett Matusevicius reflect on a big year for their business as it grew in the quarrying sector. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW A2B CRUSHING AND SCREENING STARTED AND WHERE THE BUSINESS IS TODAY? A2B Crushing and Screening (A2B) started back in 2018, when founder Mikey Parkinson had a vision of offering a onestop-shop solution to the quarry, recycling and mining industries. We started our journey in the first six months, running out of a small storage unit and having a mobile office out on the road. Baby steps were always key at first, and now the rest is history. Now, we have our own setup with branches covering both the east and west coasts of Australia.

HOW WAS 2025 FOR THE BUSINESS? Seeing the continued growth of our new clients was great to see in 2025. It was terrific to have the trust of our existing customers with their repeat orders, especially in the wear parts and screening media side of the business. One of the big highlights has been our customers recognising us for delivering on the our philosophy: providing great service with quality, wellpriced products. We aim to reduce our customers’ running costs by keeping downtime to a minimum. Our customers have recognised this in their feedback to us, and it shows we are achieving our goals. Also, 2025 was the first year for our A2B branch in Western Australia; it was a year of building our name and understanding the market’s differences compared to the east coast of Australia. It was a great start for WA, where we focused on customer service, building relationships with our customers and understanding their needs.

It’s been a very positive year, and we look forward to building on what we have started.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2026, WHAT LIES IN STORE FOR THE BUSINESS? We are pleased to advise that the A2B Queensland branch has officially relocated to its new, larger premises. This marks an important step in supporting our continued growth and improving the services we provide. The new facility will support greater inventory capacity, enhanced operational efficiency, expanded service capabilities, and the ongoing provision of the high-quality parts and support our customers expect. In 2026, our primary focus will be on increasing stock options and growing our team to keep up with the growing number of inbound enquiries we have recieved. We are excited about the new products we will be offering and immersing ourselves more in the quarrying and mining industry. We would like to thank our amazing staff for being part of our journey, and to our existing clients for their continued trust. Our position as a one-stop provider is made possible through the ongoing support of our Australian and global suppliers together with our valued customers. For more information, visit a2bcs.com.au Images: A2B

HOW CAN A2B CRUSHING AND SCREENING ASSIST IN THE QUARRYING AND MINING INDUSTRY? We can assist all mobile and fixed plant operators with their requirements for everyday spare parts, wear parts and screening media. Our commitment is to put our customers first by providing outstanding service that leaves a lasting impression. We believe in providing a fast, reliable, and honest service, which is what our team at A2B prides itself on in every interaction. Ultimately, we exist to help operators avoid unnecessary downtime

and aim to get them back up and running immediately. With our impressive range of stock, we ensure all items can be delivered straight from the shelf to sites with a matter of urgency, just as our name suggests.

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Quarry January 2026

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INDUSTRY LEADERS

MARK JOHNSON KOBELCO

EVOLUTION, NOT REVOLUTION HOW HAS KOBELCO SEEN THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY CHANGE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS? Chris Wolf: From both the data we track and the conversations we have with quarry operators, the quarrying industry has remained steady. While broader construction activity has softened in some segments, quarry production has remained comparatively stable. We’re hearing that demand for aggregates continues to be strong, driven by population growth and ongoing infrastructure needs. Operators tell us utilisation is up, and machine availability and overall reliability is critical. Maintenance planning and total cost of ownership (TCO) continues to be a core focus for quarry operators. For equipment, that really comes down to maintenance

Images: Kobelco

Quarry sat down with Kobelco general manager of marketing Chris Wolf and general manager of product Mark Johnson to discuss industry trends and learn what the company has planned for 2026.

Kobelco’s XD Series machines were developed directly in response to quarry customer feedback.

and repair expenditures, component longevity and fuel consumption costs. These priorities remain front-of-mind for quarry customers and are a key driver of product development at Kobelco.

Kobelco equipment has been trusted within the Australian quarrying sector for many years.

Quarry January 2026

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES IN THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY AND HOW IS KOBELCO ADDRESSING THEM? Mark Johnson: As utilisation increases, machine durability becomes even more critical. Our job is to deliver equipment that minimises downtime and maximises productivity for heavy-duty applications. Kobelco’s focus on structural durability, illustrated by the launch of Kobelco’s Extreme Duty (XD) excavators in the 38-tonne and 50-tonne classes, demonstrates its commitment to delivering machines built for the long haul and the high duty cycles that quarries expect. Effective maintenance planning via GEOSCAN telematics and K-Assist remote support tools give quarry operators clearer visibility of servicing needs and machine behaviour, while improving reliability over the long term.

CHRIS WOLF KOBELCO

These tools give customers an insight into how the asset is operating, how much fuel it’s using, how much CO2 it’s outputting, and how often it’s travelling. It’s also important for us at Kobelco to find new methods that can reduce operating costs. Fuel efficiency, wear protection, and simplified serviceability all contribute to lower TCO. Kobelco’s high durability, strong reliability, high resale value and benchmark fuel efficiency, combine to delivery real world TCO savings in our quarry class machines. Labour shortages will continue to impact the quarry industry. To address this industry pressure, Kobelco has announced its K-DIVE system as a key technology that will be available in the future to facilitate remote machine operation. This technology will help to attract and retain the next generation of operators, by allowing them to operate excavators in remote or potentially hazardous environments, from anywhere in the world.

WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT TAKEAWAY FOR KOBELCO IN 2025? CW: Quarry customers continue to prioritise low TCO, reliability and equipment versatility.

Customers want equipment they can trust day in, day out. They want machines that deliver predictable maintenance cycles, long component life, and the flexibility to handle different materials or attachment needs. We will continue to develop machines and tools that improve the productivity and efficiency of our customers. We continue to hear from our quarry customers that fuel efficient machines are a key requirement for their operation. Kobelco already has a strong reputation for exceptionally low fuel consumption across the range, and quarry customers have responded very positively to that.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU IN 2025? MJ: It isn’t so much of a surprise, but rather a comment on the industry, that the quarry segment of our business has remained stable and resilient this year compared to other market segments. Looking ahead, we expect quarry operators to be even more demanding of machine quality and reliability. With more recycled aggregates entering the market, versatility and durability are becoming more important than ever.

INDUSTRY LEADERS

CW: As Mark said, the fundamentals of the quarrying industry remain constant. It’s about evolution, not revolution, and I think that Kobelco products continue to build a solid reputation for low total cost of ownership. We expect more of the same in 2026 and beyond. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re optimistic. Quarry output remains strong and infrastructure pipelines continue to support steady demand for aggregate, which requires productive, low-TCO machines, like Kobelco excavators.

HOW IS KOBELCO HELPING THE INDUSTRY GROW? MJ: We’re constantly taking on board customer feedback, particularly from high-utilisation quarry operators. Our XD Series machines were developed directly in response to that feedback. They deliver improved durability, lower operating costs through fuel efficiency, and longer component life. We’re also investing in tools that support better lifecycle planning, continuing to enhance data tools like GEOSCAN and K-ASSIST, which support smarter maintenance planning and help reduce unplanned downtime.

Machine availability and overall reliability is critical for quarry operators.

Quarry January 2026 21

INDUSTRY LEADERS

Kobelco is investing in its dealer network to support the quarrying sector.

WHAT DOES KOBELCO HAVE PLANNED FOR 2026? MJ: While we don’t have major new quarryspecific models releasing in 2026, we’re focused on strengthening support for the existing range and consolidating our position in the market. We’re continuing to support our dealer network to ensure strong aftersales service, reliable parts availability and consistent customer support. Our national market share reflects that commitment, and we plan to build on it further. CW: Kobelco has been the highest selling heavy excavator brand by unit volume in Australia for the last three years, so we’d like to secure that market position once again in 2025, and build on that success into the new year. WHERE DOES KOBELCO THINK THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY IS HEADED IN THE NEXT FIVE TO 10 YEARS? MJ: I think we are going to see more emphasis on sustainability. Sustainability is a key driver of the quarrying industry. We anticipate an increased demand for recycled aggregates and technology that improves fuel efficiency and reduces demand on fossil fuels. I think environmental pressures from the governments around quarries are forcing them to rethink the equipment that they buy in terms of its emissions outputs.

Quarry January 2026

I think the future of the industry will be a lot more environmentally aware and conscious, and OEMs will need to balance productivity, emissions, and overall value proposition. CW: Building on that, I would say that predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making will continue to grow in importance. Operators want machine data that helps them make smarter maintenance decisions, improve productivity and reduce cost per tonne. Equipment manufacturers today continue to deliver improved fuel efficiency, so there’s no doubt that within the next five to 10 years, suppliers will continue to deliver innovations

Kobelco equipment is known for its durability and reliability.

that allow the machines to be even more fuel efficient and less reliant on fossil fuels. CW: Quarrying remains one of Australia’s most essential industries, underpinning the country’s infrastructure projects and economic growth. Kobelco is committed to delivering unmatched reliability, low fuel burn, and durability that supports higher production targets in quarries around Australia. We build excavators that help deliver lower TCO and reduced cost per tonne, which are the metrics that matter most for quarries.• For more information, visit kobelco.com.au

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*Average fuel consumption as reported by telematics data from similar size class Kobelco excavators working in Australia and New Zealand. Data reported includes only machines with over 10 hours per month, including data from all work modes.

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INDUSTRY LEADERS

ADAM GORDON ASTEC AUSTRALIA

TRUSTED INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE Astec Industries business line manager Adam Gordon discusses how the quarrying and aggregates sector has changed over his four-decade-plus career. YOU HAVE HAD AN EXTENSIVE CAREER IN THE QUARRYING SECTOR. CAN YOU SHARE WITH US WHAT THE INDUSTRY WAS LIKE WHEN YOU STARTED AND HOW IT HAS CHANGED? When I entered the industry in the mid-1980s, it was a period of rapid modernisation. At that time, government departments, road crews, and other stakeholders began demanding higher product specifications. This meant tighter requirements for stone shape, quality, and gradings - standards that have only become more stringent over the years. To meet these expectations, the industry had to evolve quickly. Crushing equipment was at the heart of this transformation. Crushers were, and still are, expected to deliver better particle shape, higher yields, and greater volumes of highvalue, sellable product. That drive for improvement has been a constant theme throughout my career. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAIN TRENDS YOU’VE SEEN TAKE HOLD IN THE INDUSTRY? Several trends have come and gone, but two stand out as game-changers: safety and efficiency. Safety has become a top priority across the sector. It’s not just about having the correct protective gear on. It spans equipment design, maintenance procedures, and operational practices and its rise in importance has been significant. For example, our Astec jaw crushers feature double-acting hydraulic cylinders. If you have a jam in the crushing chamber, it is easier and safer to clear it. The operator can power it up and run a cycle through the jaw crusher a few times and the blockage can be cleared without exposing anyone to the crushing chamber. This is a significant safety improvement for operators and just underlines how far safety has come in the industry.

Quarry January 2026

The second major trend is efficiency. Today, producers and manufacturers alike must deliver higher-quality products at lower costs. When I started, demand for materials far outstripped supply, creating an imbalance. Over time, as modern plants came online, production capacity began to exceed demand. Now, the focus has shifted: it’s not just about volume but about producing superior material with better shape. This shift has driven a relentless pursuit of efficiency in quarrying operations.

HOW HAVE THESE TRENDS PLAYED A ROLE IN THE EVOLUTION OF QUARRYING EQUIPMENT? Tracked equipment provides a perfect example of how efficiency has reshaped the industry in recent years. Take the introduction of mass performance flywheels in crushing equipment: these systems combine stored energy with momentum to maintain speed, delivering more output per litre of fuel. It’s a significant leap forward compared to older designs. Back in the 1980s, crushing technology relied heavily on brute horsepower - burning large amounts of fuel to sustain power. That approach was practical at the time because fuel was relatively inexpensive. Today, with rising fuel costs and sustainability pressures, efficiency is no longer optional, it’s essential. Another major driver of change has been tightening product specifications. Historically, standards from road authorities changed roughly every 15 years. Then it dropped to 10 years, and now updates occur every four to five years. These shorter cycles have also accelerated innovation in crushing equipment design. Modern specifications demand cleaner, more refined products with improved shape and durability.

Attributes like abrasion resistance have become critical, pushing manufacturers to develop smarter, more adaptable machines. In short, evolving standards and efficiency requirements have transformed quarrying equipment from fuel-hungry workhorses into precision-engineered systems focused on performance and sustainability.

HOW DO THESE CHANGING FACTORS INFLUENCE HOW ASTEC DEVELOPS ITS CRUSHING EQUIPMENT? When it comes to designing production equipment, some principles never change. Every time a rock passes through a crusher - regardless of type - there is a loss in yield. The key is to achieve the required shape, size, and gradation as early as possible in the process. Doing so delivers significant benefits to the customer: reduced horsepower and fuel consumption, lower production costs, and improved aggregate yield. That combination translates into greater efficiency and competitiveness in today’s demanding market. This philosophy drives Astec’s approach to equipment development. Every improvement we make whether in crushing technology, energy efficiency, or material handling - helps our customers become more competitive and accelerates their return on investment. It’s a win-win: customers gain productivity and cost savings, while we deliver solutions that meet evolving industry standards. Modern crushing units from manufacturers like Astec exemplify this progress, enabling operators to produce a higher-quality material at a lower cost while still meeting tighter specifications. WHAT TRENDS DO YOU THINK WILL BECOME PREVALENT MOVING FORWARD? One of the most significant trends emerging in quarry operations is how we handle waste.

G M

Images: Astec

Astec has a wide range of crushing and screening solutions available for quarry operators.

If you take, for example, the conversion of crusher dust into manufactured sand. This shift makes perfect sense in today’s operating environment. Natural sand resources are becoming increasingly scarce, while many quarries have large stockpiles of crusher dust. By investing in technology to transform this by-product into a high-value material, operators can unlock substantial revenue. Astec’s high frequency screens has seen great success in Australia and New Zealand with customers turning once surplus crusher dust into high value manufactured sand. Crusher dust might sell for around $2 per tonne, but when processed into manufactured sand, it can command $25 to $30 per tonne.

For quarries with extensive reserves, this represents a potential massive opportunity particularly for smaller operations looking to boost profitability. Recycled materials are also gaining traction. Governments at multiple levels are prioritising sustainability in procurement and tender processes, favouring suppliers who incorporate recycled content. For quarry operators, demonstrating environmental responsibility not only supports resource conservation but also strengthens their competitive position in winning contracts. This trend is driving technology innovation across the industry. Operators are asking: ‘How can we maximise the value of every tonne we produce?’.

GT165 MOBILE SCREEN PLANT

As equipment manufacturers, our focus is on helping our customers achieve that goal - whether that’s through advanced crushing systems, improved yield, or smarter material handling. Even a one per cent improvement in yield can translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional revenue for quarry operators. Looking ahead, we can expect to see continued emphasis on performance optimisation, resource efficiency, and profitability improvements. These factors will shape the next generation of quarrying technology and redefine what success looks like in the industry. • For more information, visit astecindustries.com

Meet the ASTEC GT165 Tracked Scalper Plant Engineered for unmatched efficiency and mobility, the ASTEC GT165 Tracked Scalper Plant delivers powerhouse performance right where you need it. With a massive 10.5 cubic yard hopper, dual-deck vibrating screen, and hydraulic fold-out conveyors, it’s built to handle serious volume with precision and speed. Whether you’re processing rock, soil, or recycled materials, its robust Cat Tier III diesel engine and track-mounted design mean you get maximum output with minimal downtime, even in the toughest terrain. Get the job done faster, cleaner, and smarter with the GT165.

BUILT TO CONNECT 1300 278 322 astecindustries.com

IQA

THE BEST OF THE BEST

Carly Monaghan of SLR Consulting.

he Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) has announced that its ambassadors’ program is back for another year, following a successful launch in 2025. The program was established to support new and existing IQA members and to strengthen engagement throughout the sector. “Our ambassadors play a critical role in helping engage our membership base and providing support at a grassroots level to grow our numbers,” IQA chief executive officer Jane Schmitt said. “We have seen increasing member numbers over the past 12 months and this is in no small part thanks to the tireless work of our IQA ambassadors. As they settle into their role, we are confident they will be a great support to new members.” The IQA ambassadors will work with the organisation at all levels to help grow the membership base, increase awareness about the IQA within the sector and provide direct feedback to enhance its other initiatives. To be selected for the program, nominees had to be current and active members of the IQA in good standing and passionate about the IQA’s mission. Schmitt said that the ambassadors have been instrumental in helping the IQA. “The quarrying and aggregates sector is a welcoming community, filled with passionate and talented people who really care for the sector and its future,” she said.

Quarry January 2026

Image: ABC Training and Consulting

Image: Prime Creative Media

Image: SLR Consulting

The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) is bringing back its ambassadors’ program for 2026 with a team of sector veterans and emerging leaders.

Kayasand’s Frank Grech is an IQA ambassador in 2026.

Dean Olzard is an IQA ambassador in 2026.

“We’re extremely proud of our IQA ambassadors. Being part of this important program underlines their commitment to the sector, and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together. We have a series of exciting opportunities coming in 2026, including our national awareness program, ‘That’s Solid’, and the IQA National Conference at the Gold Coast in October. We thank the IQA ambassadors for volunteering to support the IQA’s endeavours.” New IQA members can now connect directly with the 2026 Ambassadors through the IQA Connect app. The app’s new member welcome hub forum brings new members and ambassadors together, allowing members to connect one-on-one with ambassadors, ask questions, seek guidance, and tap into the experience of these IQA veterans. You can download the IQA Connect app via your app store and log-in using your IQA website credentials. The IQA Ambassadors for 2026 include: • Blake Ardrey – SLR Consulting operations manager (QLD) • Greg Dressler FIQ – Heidelberg Materials Australia quarry manager (NSW) • Tylah Drochmann – Resources Victorian DEECA quarry approvals manager (VIC) • Charlie Eaton – Multotec Australia business development manager (QLD) • Jason Egan – Lantrak product development manager (QLD)

• Steve Franklin – Eltirus chief executive officer and founder (QLD) • Frank Grech – Kayasand national sales manager (QLD) • Clayton Hill – SLR Consulting technical director (QLD) • Nick Lahman – Texcel sales and marketing manager (QLD) • Harry Lewis – The Neilsen Group concrete and quarry operations (QLD) • Richard Lightfoot – Casconsult P/L director (VIC) • Francis Lourey – Boral production manager for Peppertree Quarry (NSW) • Malcolm McDonald – Trainsafe director and trainer (NSW) • Carly Monaghan – SLR Consulting senior environmental consultant (VIC) • Mark O’Brien – Tenement and quarry specialist (SA) • Dean Olzard – ABC Training and Consulting general manager (QLD) • James Rowe – SLR Consulting technical director and growth lead (SA) • Allan Schoenfisch – Advanced Engineering Group key account manager (QLD) • Thomas Sherd – Adbri quarry manager (NSW) • Tegan Smith – SLR Consulting regional sector leader (QLD) • Michael Wilmott – Agile Screening national sales manager (VIC) • For more information, visit quarry.com.au

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INDUSTRY LEADERS

PAUL KERR ONETRAK

ON TRAK FOR 2026 OneTrak national manager Paul Kerr spoke with Quarry about how the industry is ready to bounce back after a tumultuous 2025.

HOW HAS ONETRAK NAVIGATED THIS? We’ve been using the time to consolidate. We’re moving to a ‘value add’ system, developing a ‘rent to buy’ system to assist people with their uncertainty. These rental programmes assist with building confidence for an industry that can’t quite justify large capital expenditure investments. Our focus has been not just been about selling equipment but trying to build the full value proposition – from giving advice, helping with site optimisation, providing client training, and more. The idea is to allow clients to see the value early on. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON FROM 2025? If you look after your clients, they’ll stick with you. In a tougher market economy, it becomes more important to look after those key relationships. It’s not a lesson we’ve necessarily just learned, but over 2025 its importance has really been highlighted. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR? We’re coming to a point where it looks like people in the quarry space are looking forward to the year with more optimism. There’s a few more projects coming on board. There’s a bit more infrastructure starting to happen and a lot of the local councils and state governments are starting to get their budgets in order, which is helping the baseline. I think we’ll see an increase in foreign investment which will make it a little

Quarry January 2026

bit easier for people to expand and to invest into their own businesses. By mid to late 2026 as the confidence and investment grows, I think it’ll be a selfsustaining uplift in the in the economy.

WHAT IS A KEY CHALLENGE THE INDUSTRY IS FACING? Nearly every quarry is struggling with staffing – with retention of skilled staff in particular. They might have enough work, but if you don’t have enough people, you can’t get it done in time. That puts an inordinate amount of pressure and the potential for burnout onto the staff that are staying. People are under a lot of pressure. It’s something the industry has been facing for a few years now, but I think it’s escalating rather than diminishing. WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO SUPPORT QUARRIES THAT ARE STRUGGLING WITH STAFFING? We are focused on improving original equipment manufacturer offerings to support quarries. This means making maintenance easier, improving reliability, OneTrak is also investing in our internal stafffing to better support quarry workers. Not having the correct skill set or the right mix of skills, particularly when it comes to maintenance, can lead to costly mistakes and lost productivity. We’ve found that by giving training, we can take a bit of that sting out and help to avoid these issues in future. We’re also

developing our own internal training systems to help clients.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE QUARRY INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? The quarrying industry doesn’t rapidly change in any way shape or form, but I think we’re going to start finally seeing a little bit more automation like ticketing and load sales. We’ve got a very stable industry that’s on the periphery in the administration side. It’s going to be heavily affected by technological change, and I think that clash of cultures and change is going to make it difficult for some of the operators. One of the fantastic things about the industry is that there is no end to quarrying – it’s the only viable way to get the materials we need. We will start seeing is a lot more automation coming into equipment – everything from the process trains to mobile crushing and screening equipment. I also think we’ll see the cost of transport reduce as the supply chain becomes more automated. Regional advantages will begin to shrink as technology allows us to move material from further afield at more costeffective rates. • For more information, visit onetrak.com.au

Images: OneTrak

WHAT WAS 2025 LIKE FOR THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY? I think 2025 has been a tough year for the whole market. There are certain areas where government spending has been below par, creating a bit of shortage. Changes in international politics has also led to a drop in confidence and a tightening of belts as people start becoming more risk averse. The industry isn’t sure what is going to be happening in the long term, which has impacted overall development.

OneTrak aims to build a full value proposition.

DARREN KLONOWSKI

INDUSTRY LEADERS

SEW EURODRIVE

INVESTED IN SUCCESS SEW-Eurodrive general manager for marketing and sales Darren Klonowski discusses the company’s success in 2025 and future plans. WHAT WAS A LESSON YOU LEARNED IN 2025? Being resilient as a business and flexible in our offerings to customers so they can get what they need and be supported by our service offerings. That’s why we have invested heavily over the last seven years in new facilities to increase our support to customers. We started with our Mackay service centre and then Newcastle and Melbourne, we’ve opened our new Wingfield and Bundamba facilities and by the end of next year, we’re progressing with a plan to open one up in Perth. Our new facilities are supported by dedicated staff, delivering faster response times to our local customer base. It’s part of our investment commitment to the Australian industry, so we can continue providing superior quality, service and delivery that SEW-Eurodrive is known for. HOW IMPORTANT IS THE QUARRYING AND AGGREGATES SECTOR? Overall, this year, the sector has been a little bit subdued.

Image: SEW-Eurodrive

WHAT WERE THE MAIN HIGHLIGHTS FOR SEWEURODRIVE IN 2025? From a business perspective, this year was about consolidation. Over the past 10 or so years, we’ve experienced significant growth, so this year was more about consolidation and remaining on an upward trend, which we successfully achieved. Last year, we opened our new Wingfield facility in South Australia including a dedicated service centre for our large industrial gearboxes. Recently, in October 2025, we officially opened our new Bundamba facility in Brisbane. The event was well-attended by dignitaries, employees and local customers of SEW-Eurodrive. We also hosted several Oktoberfest events around Australia as a show of appreciation to our customers. SEW-Eurodrive prides itself on its facilities and how they operate. As part of this, we had factory tours to showcase our facilities, and some sites held training seminars to introduce our customers to our wider product range.

SEW-Eurodrive has a wide range of solutions for quarry operations.

Quarry January 2026

There is some activity, but we have also seen some of it being postponed. As a result, many quarries have preferred to focus on maintenance rather than making new investments. That’s where SEW-Eurodrive can come and support quarry operators because we can service our products and third-party products, especially those large industrial gear units. Our advantage is that our service centres are close to customers, allowing us to respond quickly and meet their needs.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM SEW EURODRIVE IN 2026? We’re hoping to see a continued uptick in business. We’re really geared up with our inventory and service offering to service key industries, including quarrying and aggregates. We have some unique solutions we can offer the market, such as our right-angled gearboxes with TorqLOC hollow shaft mounting system. This makes assembly simple and significantly improves removal of the drive even after long periods of operation. These also include motor integrated brakes and backstops, special coating to withstand exposure to the elements, labyrinth seals to control contaminant ingression, and an optional extended three-year warranty. The quality and robustness of SEWEurodrive’s product range have been proven over almost 100 years. It has evolved alongside the industry, and we have the technical and service capabilities to support it. We’re seen as one of the market leaders, particularly in Australia. We have an extensive stock holding locally, which is the biggest in the country. This will grow further with the opening of a new Perth facility. The quality of our product is well-known and we’re heavily focused on providing excellent customer service both pre-andpost sale as we support our customers across the lifecycle of their equipment.• For more information, visit sew-eurodrive.com.au.

Driving the world

Driving the Australian Quarry Industry since 1982

We offer more than just a product, we offer complete solutions. Our nationwide network supports the quarry industry with geared-motor service facilities in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Mackay, Adelaide, Newcastle and Melbourne.

Services Include: • Consulting • Installation & startup support • Inspection & maintenance • Fast repairs & spare parts • Condition monitoring • Retrofit & upgrades

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Product portfolio includes: • Helical/bevel-helical gear units • Planetary gear units • Crusher & mill drive packages • FleXeDrive - Standard Drive Package • DriveRadar® IOT Suite Predictive maintenance • Custom Drive Solutions

JOHN O’REILLY

INDUSTRY LEADERS

METSO

HERE FOR THE LONG TERM Metso business development manager John O’Reilly shares insights into Metso’s plans for the Australian quarrying and aggregates sector. WHAT WAS A MAJOR TREND YOU NOTICED IN THE INDUSTRY IN 2025? There are always common industry trends, but one thing that stood out was that customers wanted to get more value from their existing machinery and equipment. That can look like upgrading crushers or improving processes, but the ultimate goal was to unlock more value from their operations. Given things have dropped off in the southern states and are steady in other states, even when it is improving in Queensland, we’re seeing customers are really thinking outside the box when it comes to optimising their plants. This has enabled those customers to reach new levels in unlocking value from their plants. HOW DOES METSO PLAY A ROLE IN THIS? We can help customers in several ways to optimise their plants. We obviously have new machines, but you can also retrofit new parts onto older models, for example, which transform your HP crusher into a HPe crusher without needing to buy a whole new crusher. Buying parts instead of a new crusher can also help businesses use operational expenditure rather than capital expenditure, which can be harder to get approved. We also offer many training and optimisation services. We’ll look at your plant and give you some ways to improve it, regardless of whether it’s our equipment.

Images: Metso

HOW WAS 2025 FOR METSO? It was an exciting year for Metso. We had Anita Waihi come back on board as a sales support specialist, which helped rebuild our team here in Australia with experience. We also had some exciting product launches in the country, one of which was the high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) crusher. We brought in a portable version of that into Brisbane and had it demonstrating at a couple of quarries on different materials. It really showed how it can produce high-quality manufactured sand, and the demonstrations were very successful. The technical crushing seminars we ran in the second half of the year were another highlight. It allowed us to showcase new products and developments in crushing and digital technology. That was an excellent chance for our customers to engage with our senior experts on matters related to crushing as well. We also had a lot of training sessions throughout the year across Australia, which were hosted by our process and training engineer Glenn Oldfield. It was a one-day, entry-level event focused on crushing and screening, and we had at least 300 people attend over 12 sessions. They were free events and not Metsospecific, but we wanted to help increase industry knowledge and expertise.

Metso held a series of crushing and screening training courses in 2025.

Quarry January 2026

Metso has increased its presence in the Australian quarrying sector.

Our focus is on making the customer more profitable, increasing their product yields, and providing a high level of service.

HOW IS METSO POSITIONED FOR 2026, AND WHAT KEY DEVELOPMENTS CAN WE EXPECT? We’re going to continue growing our team here at Metso Australia. We want to get the right people into the right places to support our customers, authorised service agents and distributors. This will allow our customers access to the right stock and support to service their crushers. Having the support located in the country is important, and by investing in our team, we can have the right people there with our customers to get them going again. We want to continue building our stock of equipment and parts. We’ll be relocating Metso’s East Coast store from Sydney to Brisbane in January, and we’ll be expanding inventories for our service agents and distributors. Metso sees Australia as an important country. All the major quarrying companies work out of here; there’s good business to be had in Australia for those companies. We see Australia as a stable country with a lot of development going on, and it is a safe place to invest your money and get a return on your investment. We’re here for the long term in Australia. We will be providing more support, more parts, and more training to ensure that the industry thrives.• For more information, visit metso.com

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INDUSTRY LEADERS

BRAM SMITH KAYASAND

SAND OF TOMORROW Quarry spoke with Kayasand chief executive officer Bram Smith about the future of manufactured sand and how quarries can benefit. have gone up rapidly, and labour availability is also a real challenge. It’s a really changing environment for the quarries, which is why we’re seeing them taking a much more sophisticated approach. It’s become a noticeably more sophisticated industry, with a much greater focus on operational efficiency, utilisation, and longterm resilience. Across Australia and New Zealand, quarries are pushing harder to maximise uptime, minimise unscheduled maintenance, and extract more value from their equipment. That same mindset is now being applied to the aggregate products: how do you sell everything you make? How do you avoid discounting? And, critically, how do you deal

with the large stockpiles of crusher dust that many sites are carrying? All of this is happening while costs continue to rise. Compliance expectations are increasing, energy and labour are significant pressure points, and skill shortages remain challenging. The environment is changing quickly, and the best performers are those thinking ahead: Modernising processes, improving utilisation, and positioning themselves to be more competitive in a tighter operating landscape.

HOW IS KAYASAND HELPING QUARRIES TAKE THIS SOPHISTICATED APPROACH? Kayasand is a relatively new company on the scene, with a new technology that was Images: Kayasand

HOW HAS THE INDUSTRY CHANGED OVER THE PAST YEAR? It’s becoming a much more sophisticated industry, with a greater focus on utilisation. Quarries are looking to maximise their uptime and minimise unscheduled maintenance to get the best value out of the equipment that you’ve got. We’re also seeing quarries looking to get better utilisation of their products – how can they sell everything that they make, eliminating byproducts and avoid selling material at a reduced cost? How do you maximise the utility of everything that’s being produced on the quarry? That’s done against a backdrop of growing compliance requirements, operating costs

Kayasand’s plants can process crusher dust and turn it into a premium product

Quarry January 2026

INDUSTRY LEADERS

developed in Japan for manufacturing high quality engineered sand for concrete. It was developed out of a need for a manufactured sand alternative, because Japan was phasing out dredging of natural sands. Although they needed to move to manufactured sand, the quality of that sand wasn’t high enough to completely replace natural sand. With our technology, we’re able to get a complete replacement of natural sand and concrete. Traditionally, crusher dust is seen as a byproduct that you can’t help but make. We don’t see that as a byproduct – we see it as an opportunity. By using our plants, you can process crusher dust and turn it into a premium product that can completely replace other sands in concrete and create a more sustainable building material at the same time. Kayasand brings a technology that was originally developed in Japan to address a very similar challenge. Around 2000, Japan was rapidly phasing out dredging of natural sands, and the concrete industry needed a consistent, high-quality alternative. Traditional manufactured sands weren’t good enough to fully replace natural sand, so Kemco developed a way to engineer sand precisely. By controlling the shape, grading and fines they were able to create a reliable high-grade product and completely remove the need to use natural sand in concrete. Dredging went from about 40,000,000 m3/ year to under 7,000,000 m3/year. We’ve taken that technology and adapted it for Australian and New Zealand conditions. What many quarries see as a quarrying byproduct, we see as an under-utilised asset and an opportunity. Using our plants, quarries can engineer their crusher dust into a premium, consistent and to-specification concrete sand. It’s a way to reduce waste, create a more sustainable building material, and unlock a new highvalue revenue stream.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES FACING THE QUARRY INDUSTRY? A lot of quarries, especially in Australia, it’s sort of feast or famine when it comes to water. They either have too much water or not enough, and for processes that are highly dependent on water that can become a real issue. Regulatory scrutiny is also a big factor and as urban encroachment continues, there will be more need to be cognisant of the public’s perception.

Engineered sand can completely replace other sands in concrete and create a more sustainable building material.

One of the biggest challenges is the amount of unsold or under-valued fine material sitting on quarry floors. At the same time, many quarries in Australia face the classic feast-or-famine relationship with water – either too much or not enough. For processes that rely heavily on washing, that variability can create production bottlenecks or increase operating costs. Regulatory scrutiny is also intensifying. As urban areas expand, quarries are operating closer to communities, and expectations around dust, noise, environmental impact and traffic movements are all rising. This means operators need solutions that are cleaner, quieter and more efficient, while still maintaining profitability.

HOW IS YOUR TEAM HELPING TO OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES? These challenges are guiding our approach. Part of our vision for the future is that quarries would not need to use any water for washing aggregates. A fundamental part of our technology is the fact it uses a dry processing method. Our plant operates under a negative pressure, so they don’t emit any dust. Our customers are quite strict on making sure that dust is controlled – it’s a big driver for them. Labour availability affects how we design our plants. Our plants need to be fully automated so they can operate without supervision. Essentially, an operator can start

it, and then it’ll stop itself, or continue running fully autonomously. It is also important to minimise maintenance to make servicing the plants as easy as possible. These industry challenges have shaped our approach from the outset. A core part of our vision for the future is quarry processing that does not require water to wash aggregate. In fact, our technology uses a fully dry process. This eliminates the need for settlement ponds and removes a major operational and environmental constraint. Dust control is another critical factor. Our plants operate under negative pressure, meaning they don’t emit dust. They are also quiet. Increasingly important for quarries located near populated areas. We also design our plants with workforce constraints in mind. Automation is essential so our systems can start, run and shut down autonomously, with minimal intervention. Maintenance and servicing are kept as simple as possible to reduce downtime. At a time when labour availability is tight, this level of automation and ease can materially change operating efficiency.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED IN 2025? One of the key lessons for 2025 is the industry moves fastest when change is framed around performance and economics, not just sustainability. There’s been a real push towards sustainability, but you need to

Quarry January 2026 35

INDUSTRY LEADERS

Kayasand’s goal is to support quarries in turning low-value byproducts into high-value engineered sand.

maintain or increase the profitability of the quarry. People are not just going to do stuff because it increases sustainability. It’s got to bring performance and economics benefits as well. The industry responds most effectively when change is framed around performance and economics, not just sustainability. Sustainability matters deeply. Its expectation is only going to increase but quarries must remain profitable. Technology adoption accelerates when it improves concrete performance, reduces operating costs, or increases quarry yield. When performance and economics align with environmental benefits, that’s when you see real momentum.

WHAT EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT? From our perspective, we’re really motivated by washing without water and unlocking 100 per cent utilisation, so that everything that’s

made on the quarry can be sold at a premium price. Water processing areas, the settling ponds for example, take up a large footprint and they have a high maintenance. We’re excited about technologies that fundamentally change what’s possible on a quarry. Washing without water is a game changer because it removes the dependency on water supply, the need for large settling ponds, and dramatically reduces the footprint and maintenance requirements of a site. We’re also focused on unlocking 100 per cent utilisation: turning every tonne extracted into a saleable product. With the right processing, crusher dust no longer needs to sit in stockpiles or be sold cheaply. It can be turned into a premium product that improves concrete performance and reduces environmental impact. Add to that automation with plants that require minimal onsite supervision and maintenance. You begin to see what the future quarry looks like: cleaner, quieter, more efficient and much more productive.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR 2026? For us, we’re excited about getting the V7120 plant operational at Bass Point, quarry in New South Wales. We’re also getting new designs for other plants to be built in 2027. We’re also excited about getting more of these plants out there showing what they can do. A major milestone for us in 2026 is getting the V7-120 plant operational at Bass Point Quarry in New South Wales. It’s a significant opportunity to demonstrate sand engineering at scale in partnership with one of the region’s largest producers. We’re also increasing our presence across Australia and progressing new plant designs for 2027 and beyond. The 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

F 36

Quarry January 2026

Securing a sustainable supply of concrete sand for construction

consistent quality

lower emissions

washing without water

great shaping

Dust-free process

precise screening

Engineered sand makes structurally stronger concrete with less cement. More sustainable and economical, it is proven to replace 100% of natural sand in concrete.

Sand engineering plant and technology for quarries

Frank Grech | National Sales Manager Mob +61 409 123 364 info@kayasand.com 18 Mexted Place, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand | PO Box 104, Albion Park, NSW 2527, Australia

KAYASAND.COM

INDUSTRY LEADERS

KYLE FREDERICKS KLEEMANN

GOING FOR GOLD Kleemann sales manager for crushers and screeners Kyle Fredericks told Quarry about the ripple effects of the upcoming Olympic Games. HOW HAS THE INDUSTRY CHANGED OVER 2025? The demand for aggregates and quarry materials has increased over the past 12 months. On the supply side, there’s more recognition of quarrying as critical to the national infrastructure capacity. There has also some regulatory changes in Queensland which allows regional local governments to extract limited amounts of resources up to 10,000 tonnes without a full environmental authority, under certain conditions. It gives local councils the ability to maintain their local roads. They don’t have to go to the state national level to get funding. The industry is also starting to consolidate. Smaller quarries are being swallowed up by bigger players. Larger firms vertically integrate them and improve their own efficiencies. HOW HAS THE UPCOMING OLYMPIC GAMES AFFECTED THE INDUSTRY? Demand is increasing in Queensland with the upcoming Olympics. There’s a massive push for infrastructure building in the lead up to the games. There’s a renewed emphasis on infrastructure-driven demand, especially in the public sector infrastructure projects, such as roads, transport, utilities, houses, and housing. This is helping boost the demand for quarry products. I’ve also seen a call for streamlined approvals and strategic long-term planning. Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia has been advocating for a heavy construction materials plan to manage demand, safeguard resource reserves and speed up approvals for new quarries or expansions. However, in other states, things are slower after excessive growth over the COVID-19 period. WHAT CHALLENGES ARE FACING THE INDUSTRY? Getting approval for new queries or new reserves remain slow. Often the process is fragmented across multiple level of governments. Queensland for example, has delays of no less than three years for simple

Quarry January 2026

Kleemann aims to produce highly efficient crushing and screening equipment.

changes and up to a decade for access to new rock reserves, creating potential supply bottlenecks. Despite the infrastructure demand increasing, suitably located permitted quarries, especially near growth areas, may struggle to keep up. Long distances increase cost, increase emissions, and material supply risk. Workforce pressures are also a massive challenge. Pretty much everyone is experiencing a skill shortage in adjacent sectors. The broader construction sectors are facing a looming shortfall of skilled workers, trades, labourers, and engineers. I personally feel that there needs to be a massive push within the sector. I think we’re losing people to simple jobs because there’s more money in jobs where you don’t have to get dirty.

HOW IS KLEEMANN HELPING ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES? We’re trying to manufacture and produce more efficient crushing and screening equipment for the industry. We offer a full diesel electric option, where you can plug into grid power or solar power or even wind farms. It’s a matter of reducing carbon emissions and providing solutions that can reduce the cost per tonne for quarries and operators out there. Our main objective is to find the most environmentally friendly drive concept for every application in quarrying. It comes with its challenges especially in Australia

– you’re dealing with vast areas with very minimal infrastructure.

WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON FROM 2025? Demand can change rapidly, so acquiring an aggregate supply must be managed strategically. In general, the cost to actually produce rock is also a lot more expensive. There are lessons to be learnt of how to do things better and more efficiently. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HAVE IN STORE FOR THE INDUSTRY? In the near term, there’s going to be a tightening of supply of quarry materials. Especially as major infrastructure projects ramp up. This could lead to fast tracked approvals for new quarries, increased consolidation in the industry and expansion of existing quarries. Some jurisdictions may implement strategic quarry reserve planning. In the next maybe 12 to 18 months there’s going to be massive infrastructure projects and spend nationally. It’s going to require more innovation in how materials are sourced, processed, and transported. There could even be an increase in demand for recycled materials or composites to mitigate environmental impacts in these large projects. • For more information, visit wirtgen-group.com

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INDUSTRY LEADERS

JAMES CHAUNCY PICKLES

FINDING STABILITY Pickles national sales manager James Chauncy outlines where the industry is headed for 2026. HAS PICKLES SEEN ANY NEW TRENDS EMERGE IN THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY? From an asset breakdown perspective, we’ve seen an increase in demand for large mobile jaw crushers. Because they’re more expensive brand new, the supply isn’t yet there for them, but if someone can get their hands on a secondhand model, it can be a lot more affordable. The difference is that there hasn’t been as much of a demand for smaller jaw crushers and cone crushers than there’s been for much larger ones. There’s a much bigger supply in the used market for larger equipment. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES IN THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY AND HOW IS PICKLES ADDRESSING THEM? Like everything, the cost of living affects all industries, whether it’s everyday purchasing or a major equipment investment. The other thing is the weather. Southeast Queensland during the first quarter of the financial year and the fourth quarter, the May to October period was extremely wet and that made it very diffuclt for earth movers to go ahead with road building and infrastructure projects. Obviously, we’re not in control of the weather conditions and we’re not in control

Images: Pickles

HOW HAS PICKLES SEEN THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY CHANGE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS? I think that the quarrying industry is heavily dependent upon infrastructure works, major mining tracks, and other elements which cause the sector to fluctuate as it’s quite project driven. There’s also a constant stream of road maintenance, so quarrying products might be used for subdivisional or property development works. We’ve noticed that there has been some ups and downs amongst different states. In Victoria, their economy has been hurt over the last 12 months, but we’ve seen Queensland really thrive driven by a few key components as well. As an example, there’s been some great mining services in Central Queensland and some major roads developments. We see supply and demand go up and down. Demand obviously goes up when someone in a local quarrying area picks up a contract and they don’t have the equipment and aren’t ready to buy, so they’ll be looking on the second-hand market which is where us at Pickles come into play. We’ve got a constant stream of crushing and screening equipment that goes through our auctions, and we aim to find a home for them.

of the cost of living, but what we can do is help customers find the right price point specific to them and find the right machine for the right buyer.

WHAT WERE SOME IMPORTANT LESSONS PICKLES LEARNT IN 2025? We’ve found over the past six months that the market has picked up modestly, which has been quite positive. Prior to this, for 18 months the quarrying industry has been in a difficult period. There was far lesser demand, interest rates are high, and recently we’ve had a couple of interest rate cuts since which has certainty helped, so I think the used market has strengthened recently and is finding stability. Previously the industry was a lot more volatile post and during COVID, and we’re finding the market beginning to blossom. WHAT ARE PICKLES LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2026? The quarrying industry has been very good to us at Pickles, and we really enjoy servicing it. We’ve got good relationships from major contractors through to owner-operators, and we like to strengthen our connections with everyone. Our big aim is to make sure we’ve got a close relationship with our customers who want to buy recycled gear and equipment, and we want all clients to know that we can help source what they need and help them divest surplus equipment transparently and efficiently. I think I’m quite buoyant and positively optimistic about the future of the quarrying industry. There’s a lot happening in the renewable side of the sector, so there’s things to look forward to. HOW DO PICKLES THINK THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE IN 2026? I think people are much more deliberate and value-focused in purchasing decisions. What I think we’re starting to see is that customers are making more of a conscious effort to determine what product they want to buy, and why they’re buying it. •

Pickles aims to build close relationships with its customers who want to buy recycled gear and equipment.

Quarry January 2026

For more information, visit pickles.com.au

A so vi a O in la a

C + le

AGGREG

Aggregates Business is a go-to source for up-to-date news and views on the American aggregates and building materials sectors. Our wide-ranging features line-up includes in-depth articles on the latest loading, hauling, and crushing and screening machines. Contact: Les Ilyefalvy +61 423 177 966 les.ilyefalvy@primeglobalpublishing.com

AGGREGATES US0725 FP.indd 1

AMERICA

MAY/JUNE 2025 | Vol.1 ISSUE No.3 | www.AggBusiness.com

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World of Asphalt/AGG1 is a big hit in St Louis p8

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TECHNOLOGY INFORM North America is optimising AI for building materials p14

SAND PRODUCTION Weir responds to the big sand shortage p10

CRUSHING Underground quarrying in Kentucky with a Metso HRC 8 p20

MARKET REPORT North America remains the land of aggregate opportunity p14

INTERVIEW The NSSGA’s Michele Stanley pursues a stronger industry future p22

www.aggbusiness.com

/ /2025

EVENTS

BRINGING THE BULK HANDLING INDUSTRY TOGETHER Ahead of the Bulk Handling Technical Conference and Expo, Quarry sat down with Siobhan Rocks to learn exactly what’s in store. WHAT CAN ATTENDEES EXPECT AT BULK2026? We’re returning to a technical conference format as our point of difference this year. When we ran the previous BULK2024, it was primarily an exhibition, so we had a great number of exhibitors demonstrating their products. But in 2026, we are getting back to what we think is the most important thing for a bulk handling event, which is to focus on the technical conference. We are being guided by the Australian Society of Bulk Solids Handling and TUNRA Bulk Solids, who are going to curate the program. BULK2026 is really about the content first, supported by the exhibition. We felt it was important to bring of bulk handling experts together in an event where they can learn about the latest innovations and feel a sense of community within the sector.

WHY SHOULD THE QUARRY SECTOR ATTEND? Despite being a bulk handling event at its core, we are working alongside associated sectors like grain and quarry because we know the bulk handling industry is integral to construction, quarrying, and aggregates. HOW WILL BULK2026 COMPARE WITH PREVIOUS EVENTS? It’s really the reintroduction of the technical conference that will take centre stage in 2026. We are providing people a reason to come that’s going to deliver great professional development opportunities. So, we’re focusing on professional development as well as the presentation of technical papers so that attendees can see the solutions and innovations that are being applied within the industry. Images: Prime Creative Media

WHAT IS BULK2026? On September 16-17 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Bulk Handling Technical Conference and Expo (BULK2026) will once again bring the biggest names, brightest minds, and the most innovative technologies under the same roof. The event is really about industry experts coming together and taking part in an amazing technical conference. Because we’ve got all those industry experts under one roof, and a number of exhibitors, attendees can learn about all the latest innovations in the field and be exposed to the latest products to make their operations more efficient. Whether it is grain in New South Wales or coal in Mackay, BULK2026 is about giving insights into the industry and showcasing the latest and greatest technology that is available.

BULK2026 is an invaluable opportunity for the bulk handling community to connect at the premier technical conference and expo.

Quarry January 2026

ONTRAC

BULK2026 will be colocated with MEGATRANS.

WHAT ABOUT BULK2026 EXCITES YOU THE MOST? We’re really excited to have the event colocated with MEGATRANS. Despite being different events, we know that supply chain logistics and the bulk handling communities are really interconnected and important sectors within Australia.

We are also excited to change what we’re doing from a networking perspective. For the first time ever, we are going to have a dedicated network evening, so there’s even more of an incentive for people from different sectors, such as quarries, to attend and build their professional networks in other key sectors like bulk handling.

BULK2026 is more than just an event. It’s an opportunity for people in the quarry sector to learn about new innovations and technologies, and to network and build strong relationships with people who can help each other strive for greatness. • For more information, visit bulkhandlingexpo.com.au

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INDUSTRY LEADERS

CAITLYN HAYES KOMATSU AUSTRALIA

BLAZING THE TRAIL Caitlyn Hayes discusses her career with Komatsu Australia so far and reflects on winning the Trailblazing Tradie Award in 2025. Komatsu offers a lot of technical training courses you can take to upskill yourself, and other diploma courses the company can put you through to further develop your skills. I am always looking ahead. I am in a field service role now, but I’ve also started my training and assessment qualification. Previously when I was in Brisbane, in a workshop environment, I had the opportunity to mentor many of the new apprentices when they were in our workshop which has led me down this path. When I started, I had to go through a lot of trial and error and think outside the box to work out different ways to do things, so I could still do the job and now to be able to pass that on to apprentices and help them with their questions, it’s really rewarding.

The training qualification means that if I want to step into that role or a technical training role in the future, I’ve got that ready to go. It’s one of the benefits of working with Komatsu as well, there are so many different places you can move to within the company. Whether you want to be on the workshop floor or out in the field, like I am now, or if you want to transition to a training role, there’s that ability within Komatsu.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ENTERING THE INDUSTRY? If its something that interests them, I would tell them just to have a go. The worst that can happen is you decide you don’t like it, and you can go and try something else. I would also say don’t be afraid to get involved and ask lots of questions. Image: Komatsu Australia

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT THE INDUSTRY? I enjoy that the industry is always changing, so it’s really fulfilling — there’s constantly something new to do and more to learn. I’ve been lucky to work with great crews everywhere I’ve been. Every time you go to a new site, it can feel like you must prove yourself. Like there’s a barrier or a bit of resistance initially, but once you’re in and everyone sees you’re there to do your job, everyone welcomes you. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve either been one of the first female apprentices they’ve had or the first female fitter, so it’s been a learning experience for them and for me as well. If you’re willing to apply yourself, there’s always an opportunity to move and upskill yourself.

Hayes said the award win was a major milestone in her career so far.

Quarry January 2026

INDUSTRY LEADERS

Hayes currently works for Komatsu in Western Australia.

No one ever expects you to know everything. The only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask. There is an opportunity to learn if you’re willing to put in the effort.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGE IN THE INDUSTRY? When it comes to being on-site, so many things are set up predominantly for men. Quite often there’s been no previous consideration of ‘hey, females might be coming into this space, and we might have to adjust some things to cater to that’. I think small things like having a separate bathroom facility that is clean and accessible and correctly fitting personal protection equipment are important considerations. Also, when you go to the site, a lot of the time, as a female, people automatically assume you’re an apprentice or unskilled worker. A lot of people don’t seem to realise that qualified female technicians are working in our industry. After that four-year apprenticeship is up, you are qualified. HOW DO YOU REFLECT ON WINNING THE TRADIE TRAILBLAZER AWARD IN 2025? I wasn’t expecting to win; I was just happy to be there with all the other tradies from different backgrounds. Winning the award made me realise how much I had actually

Hayes is qualified as a diesel fitter and auto electrician.

Hayes has worked with Komatsu across Australia.

done in my career and how many barriers I had to break being the first at so many things in my area and industry. From being the the first female at my previous employment as an apprentice, to completing my dual trade as a diesel fitter and auto electrician, through to now being the only female technician in my team.

It’s made me reflect on how many people have been on that journey with me since the start and recognised those things as well. Getting recognised for that has been a whirlwind, but it’s also pretty exciting and I can’t wait to see what else lies ahead. • For more information, visit komatsu.com.au

Quarry January 2026 45

STEVE FRANKLIN

INDUSTRY LEADERS

ELTIRUS

NAVIGATING THE UNKNOWNS Eltirus founder Steve Franklin outlines the value of taking nothing for granted in a quarry. HAVE ANY NEW TRENDS EMERGED OVER 2025? I think we are seeing a greater focus on mental health issues with an emphasis on encouraging people to seek help through the RU OK program and the broader campaigns that groups like BeyondBlue are promoting. While I think these are important, my concern is that we are not doing enough to address the reasons why people are struggling – its one thing to offer a cure, but perhaps much better to focus on prevention. While many companies will have statements of values and the like, they can be scant on the ground. I think we would all do well to remember (and apply) the Golden Rule of “do to others as you would like them to do to you” – I am sure we would be a much happier (and healthier) society if this was the case.

HOW IS YOUR TEAM OVERCOMING OR HELPING OTHERS OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES? We have been active in bringing people from the mining industry into the quarry and cement industry with the view that this is critical to upskilling the industry. WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON FROM 2025? To not take it for granted that people know what we do or the value that we can bring to their operations through our services. In many

Images: Eltirus

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES FACING THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY? Resource management will become increasingly important with time. Quarry resources exhaust and must be replenished either through expansion or identification of new sites.

With increasing demands regulatory demands on producers and on the companies that support them, the gap between professionals entering the survey, geological and mining engineering space and the requirement for them will continue to expand, with the quarry industry being the likely losers (to the mining industry). Some tremendous work has been done by the IQA and members this year to highlight the value of the industry to young people – this is critical and more needs to be done to continue this great work and focus attention on the need for what we do.

cases we see people who “don’t know that they don’t know” and are still stuck in old ways.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU ABOUT 2025? I have spent a lot of time overseas this year and it has been an ongoing revelation to me that what I might take for granted in terms of our consulting capability is far more advanced than what we are seeing in other markets. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2026? We have been very active in building an international market for some years and it has been very rewarding to see that coming to fruition with several remarkable projects coming on-line in the new year. WHAT INNOVATIONS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR? We have talked about Strayos, the AI drone platform and it is interesting to see them tied up with Trimble now – watch this space, I think big things will come from this. HOW ARE YOU HELPING TO GROW THE INDUSTRY? Continuing to push the boundaries of quarry resource management through our research and development activities, bringing technical professionals into the industry, helping to drive down costs and solving difficult resource problems. WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE PLANNED FOR 2026? Hiring, research, local and international expansion. HOW DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE OVER 2026? I see it becoming more cautious and cost focussed. OVER THE LONG TERM, WHERE DO YOU THINK THE QUARRYING INDUSTRY IS HEADED? As an essential part of the infrastructure industry, quarrying has a bright future. •

Strayos, the AI drone platform, can be used to assist quarries.

Quarry January 2026

For more information, visit eltirus.com

As the only national quarrying publication and the official journal of the Institute of Quarrying Australia, you’ll always be up to date with the latest developments in industry news, technology and events with Quarry Magazine. It’s quick and easy to subscribe to our monthly print issues, our annual Suppliers Directory and our weekly eNewsletter. Don’t miss out!

SUBSCRIBE NOW www.quarrymagazine.com or email: subscriptions@primecreative.com.au

INDUSTRY LEADERS

YASMIN LONDON FIRST MOVERS CO

BUILDING INCLUSION First Movers co-founder Yasmin London spoke to Institute of Quarrying Australia members about building an inclusive environment in quarrying operations. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE QUARRYING SECTOR IN AUSTRALIA? I think that quarrying is such an exciting sector, especially when focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion and on creating environments for absolutely everybody. There is so much potential in these areas of the sector. WHAT IS ONE LESSON YOU WOULD LIKE BUSINESS LEADERS LEARN? I am a big believer that, in life, we’re conditioned to wait. We’re conditioned to wait until we’re certain, wait until we have permission. But, if there is one thing I’ve learnt in life, it is that the leaders and organisations make history; they don’t wait. Sometimes, pauses are legitimate; there could be a safety concern or operational complexity that needs more consideration. However, often it may not be about operational complexities, but it is about old habits, outdated hierarchies and cultures of silence. They are the people and groups that are first to give something a crack. They go before they feel ready, before they have every answer, and before the path is clear. These leaders know that the path is created by people willing to take the first step and make the first move. I like to call these people ‘first movers’, and first movers understand that if we want things like innovation and a better world, then someone has to be prepared to go first.

Yasmin London has been a keynote speaker and MC at several well-regarded events around Australia.

Quarry January 2026

HOW CAN THIS BE APPLIED TO THE QUARRYING SECTOR? In quarrying, this can look like a whole gamut of actions that are easy to implement. It could be prioritising adjustments to physical facilities and work environments. It could be calling out casual sexism and jargon. It is about how, in the quarrying sector, we can push against the status quo and encourage people to move into different areas, as they may flourish and be the best person for the job.

Images: Yasmin London

INDUSTRY LEADERS

Yasmin London has become a successful public speaker and CEO since transitioning from the police force.

The changes around the workplace don’t always need to be big, but we must start acting and making them. Change happens when we act, and it only takes one person to turn a moment into a movement for the betterment of the industry.

HOW CAN PEOPLE LOOK TO BECOME ‘FIRST MOVERS’ IN THEIR WORKPLACES? There are five key pillars that I’ve recognised in people who are ‘first movers’. The first one is that they are constantly looking to fuel their own growth. They are always looking for ways to improve their skills. They ignite courage because they understand that confidence is a result, not a prerequisite, because courage comes first. We gain confidence when we act. They reframe relationships. They look at ways to achieve great outcomes through the lens of connection rather than control. They are looking for ways to shape the current status quo. They refuse to repeat patterns of behaviour that don’t serve people any longer. They go and tell their story. Visibility is not vanity; it is valuable because of the legacy you will leave. The gap between where you are and where you want to be is shaped by one thing: courage. I encourage anyone reading to think about the one courageous act you can do today.

It could be as a colleague, in your relationships or at home, as a parent or partner.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BUILD AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE CULTURE? I am a fan of the saying that “control creates compliance, connection creates change”. You don’t shift systems by tightening your grip; you do it by deepening your connection and creating an inclusive workplace. When we get it right and build an inclusive workplace culture so that people feel they matter and their voices are genuinely heard, we start to see positive outcomes. This includes higher retention rates and more diversity in senior leadership roles.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TIPS FOR ATTRACTING AND RETAINING DIVERSE TALENT IN A MALEDOMINATED INDUSTRY? This can be challenging, as there are many different strategies which could help in this important area. One of the most effective approaches is for senior leaders to set public targets and key performance indicators for inclusion metrics. Then it really becomes tangible, and we have seen this successfully applied in the other sectors including recently in the finance and construction sectors. The data shows that companies are more likely to achieve a gender balance in their workforce when public targets are attached to their senior leaders as it creates accountability to that goal.

CAN WORKERS CREATE CHANGE WHEN THEY DON’T HAVE A SENIOR LEADERSHIP POSITION? My advice is to start conversations with people. Start conversations with your colleagues about how they feel about work and ask them about their lived experiences in the workplace. Sometimes it doesn’t need to be a structural change; sometimes the power is in showing people that you’ve thought about this and that this issue matters to you. This demonstrates you want to be part of creating an inclusive workplace culture.

HOW CAN MIDDLE MANAGERS DRIVE INCLUSION INITIATIVES? The answer to this lies in role-modelling positive behaviours in the workplace. For middle manager, this could include changing your language and workplace jargon to be more inclusive. Language is an important first step and an easy way to adjust what you’re already doing to create a more inclusive workplace. They are not major things, but these onepercenters and small tweaks can go a long way toward building an inclusive workplace in the quarrying sector. •

Quarry January 2026 49

GEOLOGY TALK

Image: JIAWEN/stock.adobe.com

A DINOSAUR HIGHWAY

The research team included members from the Universities of Oxford, Birmingham, and Liverpool John Moores.

UK researchers have uncovered new dinosaur footprints within the “dinosaur highway” of Oxfordshire.

K researchers have broken new ground and made a striking discovery at the famed Dewars Farm Quarry. The Oxfordshire site made headlines originally in 2024 as researchers uncovered a new dinosaur track, which featured in the BBC’s documentary Digging for Britain. Now, researchers have taken the next step and expanded the track site, which has uncovered new areas containing dinosaur trackways, leading the area to be dubbed Oxfordshire’s ‘dinosaur highway’. The research team included members from the Universities of Oxford, Birmingham, and Liverpool John Moores, as well as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH). Together, the team uncovered 200 additional footprints, comprising four trackways, which were documented using 3D models created from aerial drone photography.

Quarry January 2026

It builds on previous work by the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham, which co-led the 2024 dig, which featured more than 100 people across the project. “Most of what we know about dinosaurs comes from their skeletons, but footprints and the sediments that they are in can provide valuable additional information about how these organisms lived and what their environment looked like over 166 million years ago,” University of Birmingham professor of palaeobiology Richard Butler said. The operators of Dewars Farm Quarry, Smiths Bletchington, and the local team led by Dewars Farm and Duns Tew quarry manager Mark Stanway, and his staff supported the dig. The week-long dig focused on a large section of the area, featuring 80 sauropod prints that were up to one metre long, and ran north-to-south across the site.

This led to the discovery of three other trackways, one of which was a continuation of a discovery from 2022, which the researchers believe could be significant when fully excavated in future digs and excavations. Other key works included systematic sampling of the sediments, which are undergoing further analysis to discover more information about them. “We were delighted to be welcomed back to Dewars Farm quarry earlier this year, to continue excavating and discover more dinosaur tracks,” University of Birmingham professor of micropalaeontology Kirsty Edgar said “This site in Oxfordshire is the largest dinosaur track site in the UK, and arguably now the largest mapped dinosaur track site in the world when we consider finds dating back to the 1990s on the same surface nearby.” •

We’ve expanded the floor plan but spaces won’t last The Stanley Hotel and Suites Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

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