The ‘Stonecrushers Ball’ organised by the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) Northern Ireland branch is an industry highlight for many. The annual event was the perfect setting to celebrate the Northern Ireland winners of the IQ Excellence Awards.
Our regional focus this month looks towards Northern Ireland. Craigantlet-based Stuart Wickie, Shotfirer and Explosives Supervisor atOrica BQS Ltd,has been put forward asthe Institute of Quarrying’s (IQ) Member of the Month.
Northern Ireland is a strong quarrying region with a very diverse geology. Craigantlet, in County Down, is blessed with a large deposit of High PSV gritstone and with its proximity to the Docks in Belfast, there is a lucrative supply line to the south of England and beyond.
Twenty three members of the Branch enjoyed a very successful field trip in September. A visit to Dalradian Gold mine was followed by a trip to Aughey Screens, Monaghan.
Northern Ireland is one of the most diverse geological areas in the world for its size. The province has Lough Neagh at its centre with various rivers flowing into and out of it, the Upper and Lower Bann being the main river originating in the Mourne mountains, flowing through Lough Neagh to the north coast where it enters the North Atlantic ocean. Sand for the contracting and construction industries is dredged from Lough Neagh.
