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.
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.
When Adrian Wilkinson and Adrian Charters, the directors of Land and Minerals Consulting Ltd (LMCL), took the decision to attend the Institute of Quarrying’s (IQ) Centenary Conference last year, little did they realise that within six months their business would be one of the lead adopters of IQ’s Centennial Pledge.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is one of those things in business that often forms part of a wider conversation. It is raised at annual reviews, explored as a means of enabling promotion or introduced as an incentive to keep staff onside. The reality is CPD is so much more; it is embedded in everyday working life, an invisible force that drives us onto bigger and better things in our careers.
In today’s fast moving digital age of social networks, email, video conferencing and mobile phones, it’s often easier to Tweet, message or Skype than it is to make time for face-to-face meetings or attend events. But feedback from members of the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) point out the important role that IQ’s branch meetings play in connecting people working in the mineral extractives and quarrying sector.
Shotfirer. Surveyor. Geotechnical engineer. Quarry manager. Technical development manager. These are just a few of the job roles that are fulfilled by the increasing number of women now finding opportunities to start and progress their careers through continuous professional development in today’s quarrying and mineral extractives sector.
Setting off for the UK on our 10,500-mile IQ centenary quarrying odyssey at the end of April 2017, we left Australia behind bathed in late-autumn sunshine, arriving in the UK as spring took hold. Our group of 17 members of the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) have quarrying in our blood. A few of us arrived early and enjoyed a couple of days of leisure before the start of our intensive 12-day study tour, organized in partnership with our UK colleagues at the Institute of Quarrying (IQ).
A case study on the alternative journey a career in quarrying can take you.
Paul Clark is General Manager at Arabian Explosives (AREX) in the United Arab Emirates. He has come a long way, both professionally and geographically, since starting out his career in a small market town in South Yorkshire in 1988.