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Download the Pit & Quarry app for iPad
Pit & Quarry readers can now access the magazine on the iPad after downloading our free app from the App Store. In addition to displaying the current issue of Pit & Quarry, iPad users can access archived issues of the magazine, as well as the latest aggregates industry news. Search for "Pit & Quarry HD" at the App Store to download the app, or click here to download directly. Keep Reading
Nominate a leader today for the 2013 Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame
Pit & Quarry established an industry Hall of Fame in September to pay tribute to the pioneers of the past and present-day industry leaders. Now, nominations are being accepted for the inaugural class online here. Aggregates producers, manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, associations and allied trade representatives are all eligible for induction to the Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame. A neutral board comprised of various industry segments will review all nominations and determine which individuals earn induction to the Hall of Fame. The inaugural class of the Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame will be inducted in March 2013 at the AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo in San Antonio, Texas, where Pit & Quarry will host a black-tie dinner with video presentations and an award ceremony honoring the inductees. Keep Reading
Three metal/nonmetal mines cited in September impact inspections
MSHA issued 150 citations and 10 orders during special impact inspections conducted at three metal/nonmetal mines and 13 coal mines during the month of September. The three metal/nonmetal mines MSHA inspected were Pioneer Natural Resources USA Inc.'s Glass Rock Operation in Ohio; Heidelberg Cement's Waco Plant in Texas; and Molycorp Inc.'s Mt. Pass Mine & Mill in California. Thirty-six of the 150 citations issues across categories were to these three mines. One of the 10 orders issued for the month was to Pioneer Natural Resources. The monthly inspections, which began in April 2010 following the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine, involve mines that merit increased agency attention and enforcement due to their poor compliance history or particular compliance concerns, including high numbers of violations or closure orders. "As part of our overall strategy to improve compliance in the nation's mines, and because of the egregious nature of some of the coal dust-related violations our inspectors have encountered during past impact inspections, I've instructed our enforcement personnel to give… Keep Reading
Volvo Group donates $100,000 to hurricane relief
The Volvo Group is contributing $100,000 to support Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts by the American Red Cross, the city of New York and the city of Allentown, Pa. Specifically, the Volvo Group is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross, $25,000 to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and $25,000 to the city of Allentown. The New York City donation will help meet immediate needs for food, water and supplies and support long-term relief and restoration projects. Allentown will use the donation to replace the severely damaged roof of the Mack South Fire Station. Keep Reading
Industry promotion discussed at Ohio trade show
The Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) hosted its annual meeting and trade show Nov. 15-16 in Columbus, Ohio. About 500 manufacturers, dealers and producers attended the event, which featured more than 50 exhibitors. A few educational sessions were available to attendees, including one featuring a panel of schoolteachers who discussed a program that introduced them and their students to the aggregates industry. The program, Project Stone, is hosted by Wright State University in partnership with OAIMA, which encourages producers to contact their local school district to get teachers involved. Project Stone is funded through a state grant and OAIMA. There is no charge to the teachers participating in this project, and all teachers receive a stipend. Part one of the 2012 project included a two-week summer inquiry-based field trip and laboratory experience. The field trips served as an opportunity for teachers to collect samples for their classroom, take photographs and use collected materials to develop their own inquiry-based classroom activities. "Our industry is [poor] on public relations," says… Keep Reading
Ground control, lighting to be discussed at safety seminar
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is hosting its 17th annual underground stone safety seminar Dec. 4-5 in Louisville, Ky. The seminar will include presentations on ground control and improved lighting for use in rib and roof examinations. The workshop on Dec. 4 will address bolting and scooping in underground limestone mines. The afternoon session that day features a hand and finger safety workshop. On Dec. 5, MSHA's Mike Davis will provide and update on health and safety issues. MSHA's Sandin Phillipson will discuss constraints related to pillar width and height selection. Dave Newman of Appalachian Mining and Engineering will deliver a presentation on proper back selection as the critical first step in ground control. Several other presentations are planned for later that day. Click here for a safety seminar registration form. Keep Reading
Tecweigh names Sarow national aggregate manager
Tecweigh has hired Rich Sarow as national aggregate/mining manager. Sarow has 26 years of experience in the in-motion weighing industry, most recently serving as regional sales manager at Schenck AccuRate. In addition to the aggregate and mining markets, Sarow will focus on growing business in the asphalt, cement, concrete, frac sand and precious metal markets. Keep Reading
Telsmith breaks ground on parts distribution center
Leaders from Astec Industries, Telsmith and the city of Mequon, Wis., broke ground Nov. 13 for construction of a 33,760-sq.-ft. facility. The facility will handle worldwide parts distribution for Telsmith products and be located next to the company's existing manufacturing facilities in Mequon. Telsmith currently operates a 14,000-sq.-ft. warehouse within its manufacturing facility. Plans are in place to expand manufacturing operations into the existing warehouse space once the new Telsmith parts distribution center opens next spring. Keep Reading
Nonresidential construction index rises slightly
FMI's Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) is up less than one point from last quarter to 55.5. FMI panelists attribute the uptick in nonresidential construction to optimism over the national and local economies. Still, FMI's panelists are hesitant about the economic strength of their own businesses because of a reduction in backlogs, the continued rise of material costs and lower productivity. Keep Reading
