The turbulence of the past nine months has inspired the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and its regional branches to adapt and adopt new technologies to continue to connect with over 3,500 members, delivering regular virtual networking opportunities and providing online access to continuing professional development (CPD).
Sarah Fry

Recent Posts
How IQ Branches Continue to Connect
[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 29, 2021 8:00:00 AM / by Sarah Fry posted in West of England Branch, CPD, IQ Community
A Helping Hand from IQ
[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 30, 2020 10:00:00 AM / by Sarah Fry posted in IQ Community, IQBF
There’s no denying that the global pandemic has significantly disrupted lives in many ways. According to analysis from the Centre for Mental Health, at least half a million more people in the UK may experience mental ill health as a result of COVID-19.
International IQ Caernarfon Award Recognises Diversity
[fa icon="calendar'] Nov 30, 2020 12:00:00 PM / by Sarah Fry posted in International, IQ Community
Awareness days dedicated to women working within STEM industries are now well-celebrated and firmly established across the globe. However, workplace gender segregation in the 21st century continues to be an ongoing issue. Now, pioneering work around workplace diversity by Komatsu Australia has been recognised by the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) in its prestigious, annual Caernarfon Award.
Rising to the challenge
[fa icon="calendar'] Oct 30, 2020 12:00:00 PM / by Sarah Fry posted in Industry, University of Derby, Membership, Careers
Last month Martin Riley, senior vice-president of Tarmac, became new President of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), succeeding his predecessor Phil Redmond. In a recent Zoom interview with QM, he spoke about a global vision for IQ, the key priorities for the professional body and the challenges facing the minerals extractives sector in the post-pandemic world.
Delivering value through content
[fa icon="calendar'] Sep 30, 2020 8:30:00 AM / by Sarah Fry posted in CPD, Skills Wheel, Membership
One of the many benefits of being an IQ member is access to advice, best practice and industry resources. These resources exist in different formats and include everything from textbooks to factsheets, videos to webinars through to industry articles and case studies.
Explosive findings cut costs for quarrying
[fa icon="calendar'] Sep 1, 2019 9:00:00 AM / by Sarah Fry posted in University of Derby, Knowledge and Innovation
Progress in business is often measured by increased profitability. How that progress comes about can be the result of technological advances, improved operating practices, smarter deployment of resources; the list is endless. But the common theme that flows through these incremental gains is invariably innovation, something in which the mineral products and quarrying sector excels.
Smiths Bletchington Gill Mill Quarry - Innovation in Action
[fa icon="calendar'] Aug 1, 2019 8:00:00 AM / by Sarah Fry posted in Skills Wheel, Knowledge and Innovation
Knowledge and innovation drive the quarrying and mineral products industries. Discovering smarter ways of doing things is at the heart of the sector’s search for meaningful performance improvements that deliver a real difference to the bottom line.
Fifty years young: IQ Southern Africa celebrates its half century
[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 1, 2019 12:45:00 PM / by Sarah Fry posted in International, IQ Community
The Institute of Quarrying Southern Africa (IQSA) celebrated reaching a landmark in its history at this year’s annual conference and exhibition, held in Durban from 11th to 12th April 2019.
Leading by example - investing in competence
[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 1, 2019 11:19:00 AM / by Sarah Fry posted in Leadership, CPD, Membership
Leadership. There are many discussions and activities across the quarrying and mineral extractives sectors around the term, but what does it actually mean? And how is it best to deliver it within an organisation? There is no single right answer for showing leadership but a constant theme in all cases is the need for those in leadership positions to lead by example.
Creating future leaders at Hollowford
[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 1, 2019 12:20:00 PM / by Sarah Fry posted in Leadership, University of Derby, Careers
An ageing workforce is an ongoing challenge for the mineral extractives industry, with the average worker in the sector aged 55[1] . So, how is the sector developing the next generation of young talent and creating future leaders?