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NSSGA to host MSHA regulation webinar July 30
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) is set to host its July AGG1 webinar, “How to Comply with MSHA’s Recent Increased Fatality Prevention Initiative” July 30 at 1 p.m. Eastern. The webinar takes place in conjunction with the Mine Safety & Health Administration’s (MSHA) recently announced aggressive fatality prevention initiative, which it started in response to what it views as an increase in fatalities. As a part of the initiative, MSHA is increasing its regulatory focus on daily and effective workplace examinations, training and pre-operational equipment checks. According to NSSGA, MSHA will focus in particular on task training for both miners and supervisors. The webinar will review the MSHA mandates on work place examinations, pre-operational inspections, and supervisor and task training. It will cover MSHA’s “Rules to Live By” standards as well as the use of protective equipment. In addition, it will offer recommendations on how operators can improve inspection standards to ensure compliance with MSHA requirements. The event will be presented by Brian Montag and David Raphael… Keep Reading
Sandvik introduces new circular stroke inclined screen
Sandvik Construction introduced its SK2462 screen, which is a part of the company’s new range of SK&SC screens. According to the company, the new screen allows users to accurately and efficiently screen material during the secondary or tertiary stage of the process. In addition, it’s able to perform in both wet and dry operating conditions. Sandvik’s line of SK&SC screens are available in sizes ranging from 1.5- to 3 m wide and 4- to 8 m long. The screens, which come in two, three or four deck versions, have modular, welded designs, which enable ease of installation and maintenance, reports the company. The screens, according to Sandvik, are easy to fit to an existing plant and can easily adjust to local requirements. They include a range of options including wear protection, washing and dust encapsulation. The screens also feature an adjustable inclination angle and wide range of stroke parameters for enhanced flexibility and versatility. Finally, the vibration mechanism of the screens can be removed and installed as a fully assembled… Keep Reading
Cat trucks take on new life as moving driving range targets
The sixth installment of Caterpillar's “Built for It” trials relates perfectly to the recent U.S. Open. Cat trucks take on new life as moving targets in a driving range. The greens, which were built in three days, were installed in the dump bodies of Cat equipment, including a 793F haul truck. “I would say we probably used every piece of machinery here at Tinaja to build this golf course,” says Bill Olson, senior demonstrator instructor for Cat in Tinaja Hills, Ariz. Watch this video as golf pros Erimo and Marimo Ikeuchi attempt to put one on the trucks' greens. https://youtu.be/LzWwwd__E-E Keep Reading
27 states sue EPA over waters rule
According to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), 27 states have filed lawsuits alleging federal expansion over state waters. The challenges say the Waters of the U.S. rule violates the Clean Water Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana filed a joint complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, claiming the rule is unconstitutional. Ohio and Michigan filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, alleging the expansion of jurisdiction includes dry land. Montana, Alasksa, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, saying the final rule would harm states as regulators of the waters and lands. Finally, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern… Keep Reading
Xylem launches microsite to address industry challenges
Xylem launched a microsite designed to help mining professionals address water accessibility, transport and quality challenges. The resource, which showcases the company’s range of system solutions and application expertise, aims to provide information on solutions to support open pit mines, underground mines and material processing. “Global mining operators require reliable service, high-quality products and fast response from their solutions providers,” says Nate Maguire, Americas director of industry and agriculture for Xylem’s Applied Water Systems business unit. “Our advanced technologies and experience in the industry enables us to deliver on these needs across myriad mining applications and in a highly efficient manner.” The company’s portfolio features a number of brands, including Godwin, Goulds Water Technology, Flygt, Lowara, MJK, SonTek, YSI, Wedeco and A-C Fire Pump and Leopold. Its products cover the mine exploration, development and operation phases. The site addresses topics such as submersible water, packaged biological treatment, leaching, open pit dewatering, grinding mill, fire suppression, floating water monitoring, environmental monitoring, source water and underground dewatering. “The new online resource was… Keep Reading
EPA, DOT propose fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty trucks
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are jointly proposing standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that would improve fuel efficiency and cut carbon pollution. According to DOT, the proposed standards are expected to lower carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1 billion metric tons, cut fuel costs by about $170 billion and reduce oil consumption by up to 1.8 billion barrels over the lifetime of the vehicles sold under the program. In addition, the proposal includes separate engine standards that focus on engine efficiency and allow for direct measurement of engine emissions. The agencies are also proposing efficiency and GHG standards for trailers for the first time. The EPA’s trailer standards would begin to take effect in model year 2018 for certain trailers, while NHTSA’s standards would be in effect in 2021, with credits available for voluntary participation before then. “Once upon a time, to be pro-environment you had to be anti-big-vehicles,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This… Keep Reading
FMI Q2 Construction Outlook forecasts 5 percent growth
According to FMI Corp.’s Q2 Construction Outlook, construction activities are expected to grow at 5 percent in 2015, a decrease from the Q1 2015 outlook’s 8 percent forecast. Despite this, the Q2 outlook reports the highest total for construction put in place since 2008. “Construction spending continues to build on the rapid growth experienced in the industry last year,” says Chris Daum, senior managing director and president of investment banking at FMI Corporation. The report forecasts construction activities across 17 sectors, including residential, non-residential and non-building groups. The sector with the highest growth prospect is manufacturing, which is expected to grow 17 percent in 2015. In addition, commercial construction is expected to grow 13 percent in 2015 to $64,999 billion and 7 percent in 2016. Construction for the amusement and recreation sector is expected to grow 9 percent in 2015; office construction is expected to grow 11 percent in 2015; and residential construction is expected to see an 8 percent growth in 2015. The report also forecasts growth in lodging… Keep Reading
World demand for construction machinery to advance through 2019
According to World Construction Machinery, a study conducted by The Freedonia Group, world demand for construction machinery is forecast to advance 3.9 percent per year through 2019 to $218 billion. The Asia/Pacific region, Central and South America, and the Africa/Mideast region are expected to register above average gains moving forward as construction spending continues to increase in developing countries, says the study. More than two-thirds of all addition construction equipment demand generated between 2014 and 2019 will be coming from China. The study also reports that continued growth in construction activity and significant investment in large surface mining projects will help Central and South America recover from the sales declines registered between 2009 and 2014. “Demand in the region had dropped largely due to declining sales in Brazil, which purchased a significant amount of new construction equipment in the intervening years in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics,” says analyst Lee Steinbock. In addition, construction machinery demand in the Africa/Mideast region will advanced… Keep Reading
Construction jobs increase in 40 states in past year
Construction firms added jobs in 40 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) between May 2014 and May 2015, reports the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA). In addition, construction firms added jobs in 28 states and D.C. between April 2015 and May 2015. California added more construction jobs – a total of 46,600 jobs for a 6.9 percent increase – between May 2014 and May 2015 than any other state, says AGCA. Florida added 28,200 jobs for a 7.2 percent increase in jobs; Texas added 20,300 jobs for a 3.1 percent increase; Washington added 18,100 jobs for an 11.6 percent increase; and North Carolina added 15,600 jobs for an 8.8 percent increase. Idaho added the highest percent of new construction jobs during the past year – 4,200 jobs for an 11.6 percent increase – followed by Washington; Michigan with 15,100 new jobs for a 10.7 percent increase; and North Carolina. From May 2014 to May 2015, 10 states decreased the number of construction jobs, with West Virginia losing 4,200… Keep Reading
