Industry Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

There’s a lot of talk in business around the subject of personal effectiveness. But what do we mean by the term? And why is it so important? It’s a key part of the Institute of Quarrying’s (IQ) Skills Wheel, a tool that helps identify the full range of competencies for the modern professional working in the minerals extractive and quarrying industries.

There has never been such a focus on driving up standards and professionalism at all levels across the mineral extractives and quarrying sector - from apprentices to chief executives, from multisite international operators to independent local producers. It’s a commercial imperative at a time when standards of health and safety practice are under the spotlight.

The history of commercial quarrying activity in Devon and Cornwall stretches back to the late medieval period. It’s a unique region with an extensive variety of workable minerals. Businesses operating there also have to contend with a variety of unique challenges associated with Devon and Cornwall’s standing as one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations. Health and Safety onsite and beyond the gate is top of the agenda for local operators, with companies committing time and resource to knowledge development in this key area.

The quarrying industry has done much to improve health and safety over the years but there is no room for complacency – there remains much still to be done. Knowledge, understanding and practical application of key regulations and standards affecting the quarrying and mineral extractive industries across all those working in the sector is central to meeting the aim of zero harm.

The Tower of London has stood tall over the centuries as all around it has changed. The scene of so much history, it provided a fitting backdrop for the first IQ Fellows Lunch, at which the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) unveiled its ‘Creating Future Leaders’ vision and celebrated the IQ Student Awards 2018.