Quarry Southern Africa January 2017 | Page 34

living in close proximity to the operation , sometimes as close as 150 to 400m , in contrast to a coal mine where they can be kilometres away . As blasting specialists , it is also easier for us to test new methods and equipment on quarries . The big miners blast nearly every day , which makes it difficult to test new methods and equipment . A quarry tends to blast only once a month or once every second month , so testing and adjusting blasting techniques are possible . This also makes training of blasting equipment easier . We have an excellent relationship with the quarry industry .
You will also join the Board of the Institute of Quarrying next year . What will your role entail ? I am to formally take on the role of chairperson at the Institute in April 2017 . We represent individual members of the quarry industry , and some of our main aims are to share learning around safety and health , as well as training current and future members . At the moment , the average age of our members is 48 , so a big challenge in my capacity as chairperson would be to determine how to bring the youngsters in . Many experienced quarrying professionals are in their 50s and will go on early retirement . We will be losing those skills if we don ’ t go on an active drive to attract young people to the industry . in mind that it will have an effect on the conventional quarrying market .
Secondly , the rise of electronic detonators has drastically improved blasting accuracy . We are now introducing new software programmes that allow us to calculate the frequency of blasting waves . Traditionally , on a detonator we fired a single hole ; we are now going one step further and designing a blast according to the frequency thus reducing further the blasting impact on our neighbours . Electronic detonators have reduced the risk of damage to property , which remains one of quarry managers ’ biggest technical challenges .
The control of blast frequency with electronic detonators is supported by the fact that we now have GPS technology installed in the new generation of electronics . We can identify , in space and time , exactly where the detonator is and that helps tremendously . With GPS , you have detailed information , down to the exact depth of the hole , so you can make accurate estimates . Prior , we didn ’ t know exactly where the detonators were situated . GPS also enables us to have a 3-D view of the entire operation , which is linking nicely with drones .
With drones , you can now completely digitise the surface of the quarry . You could take an aerial video or picture and determine exactly where the holes are in relation to the face . Drones will play an integral part in improving quarrying safety by preventing unplanned face movement and the potential of flyrock . The trend is that new technology is bringing operations alive in 3D . Globally , the world is moving towards legally enforcing these technologies — many blasts today have to be co-ordinated by making use of drones , for example .
Are some quarries in South Africa applying drone technology ? Yes , a few are using it already and it is reportedly a great tool , especially if you have many people on the doorstep .
What strategies have the Institute identified to bring young blood into the system ? Many youngsters are not interested in the practical aspects of quarrying ; they look at desk jobs such as finances and business degrees instead . We are trying to bring young minds into the industry to offer new thinking outside of the box . At AEL we have encouraged them to visit our factory to get them interested in explosives and give them a hands-on experience of how interesting and challenging blasting could be as a discipline . We also aim to strengthen our link with the Engineering Council of South Africa ( ECSA ) to streamline the process of standardising qualifications and continued professional development .
Top view design
What are some of the key trends that you are witnessing in the industry ? The international trend is in recycling . The push around the world is to reuse building rubble , which , in effect , reduces the percentage of virgin stones . In South Africa , we have to get our heads around that . We tend to tear things down and dump it at a landfill . We should be asking the question of how do we recycle the rubble , bearing
Profile sectional view
32 _ QUARRY SA | JANUARY 2017