Industry Articles

It has been over two years since the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) held its last prestigious Fellows Lunch and Student Awards in-person event. That’s two years since senior industry figures were able to get together and network face-to-face and two years since high-achieving students from the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products received public praise for their outstanding achievements.

Getting the Most Out of IQ Membership

The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has over 2,800 UK members, representing all aspects of the minerals extractive and quarrying industries from health and safety to geology, explosives and sustainability.

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).

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.

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.

The IQ branch community network has been a benefit of IQ membership from the earliest days of the Institute’s history. By 1920 there were certainly already branches operating in both North and South Wales along with the West, North and Midlands regions of England.

Operators across the mineral products and quarrying sector share many recruitment challenges. These include replacing an ageing workforce, skills retention, and presenting the sector as an attractive choice for today’s school, college and university leavers.

On the face of it, minerals extraction may appear a relatively simple and straightforward process to the unversed. Reserves are identified and applications are made for the go-ahead to remove the earth’s natural riches. But, as we all know, the process is considerably more complex, wrapped up in a rich mix of consultations, legislation and an equal measure of negotiation, all of which can take years.

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.

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.