ASSOCIATIONS – ASPASA
the NWA and NEMA where environmental
pollution/degradation may have occurred on
the mining land as a result of an unlicensed —
or even a licensed — activity.
Nico Pienaar of Aspasa.
Ethically obtained aggregates
key to sustainability
Green building cannot truly be sustainable
unless the aggregates used in these
construction projects are procured from
quarries that uphold strict sustainability
and environmental policies.
In South Africa, the most reliable
means of ensuring ethical supply is to deal
with Aspasa member quarries, which are
required to uphold strict environmental
requirements and pass annual audits based
on ISO14001 standards. Furthermore, these
aggregates are obtained from sources
where suitable geological deposits occur,
rather than being randomly excavated near
construction sites.
Procuring materials from these companies
also ensures stable and sustainable jobs
for workers who are employed within
the confines of the law and in a safe
environment.
A healthy and profitable formal
aggregates industry is essential to the
construction industry and adds value
to the entire construction supply chain.
Apart from government legislation, Aspasa
represents the only formal regulation of the
industry, without which the industry would
probably become swamped by roadside
operators and unscrupulous operators who
pay scant attention to any laws or standards.
“Aspasa is seeking to move the
entire aggregates industry towards true
sustainability, while still ensuring that it is
able to meet the demands of the industry,
as well as the overall development plans
of the country. It is true that we cannot do
without aggregates and for this reason we are
working tirelessly with the industry to ensure
that we are able to extract and produce
aggregates in the most sustainable manner,”
says Nico Pienaar of Aspasa.
“We are working tirelessly
with the industry to
ensure that we are able
to extract and produce
aggregates in the most
sustainable manner.”
Seven pillars of sustainability
Aspasa measures sustainability according to seven pillars:
1. Regulating, raising awareness, and training member companies
to work safely in pursuit of zero harm to all employees,
contractors, subcontractors, and visitors.
2. Realising that quarrying is a temporary land use and minimising
damage to the environment. At the end of the land use, ensuring
that it is returned to being a fully functioning ecosystem, or is
rehabilitated in line with future land use objectives.
3. Promoting a circular economy in which maximum efficiency
is sought in all stages of the lifecycle of the quarry. Including
optimal extraction, production, and transport in the closest
possible proximity to the end-user market. To support the local
economy, to recycle, and to make use of all available resources
as far as is possible.
4. Working within the confines of legislation and ensuring
consistency of enforcement of the law and a level playing field
among members and non-members. Working with legislators
to modernise legislation, cut red tape, and promote a profitable
and thriving industry in support of the country’s future
development goals.
5. Promoting responsible extraction of minerals and working
with interest groups, research centres, universities, and other
interested parties to overcome environmental challenges in
areas that may be deemed sensitive.
6. Encouraging social participation and open lines of
communication with surrounding communities and other
stakeholders. To leave a legacy that empowers the community
and its people.
7. To develop communication tools and public relations
training for staff so that stakeholder concerns can be raised,
documented, and dealt with in a transparent manner. n
QUARRY SA | NOVEMBER 2017 _ 35