Features
Mind shift: Using telematics for data management
Machine hours, location and health. Fuel consumption and idle time. Emissions. Payload. The number of areas telematics covers grows with each new generation of the technology. Aggregate producers are among those positioned to benefit from telematics, but the amount of… Keep Reading
Who’s responsible?
Suppose someone orders a miner to do something the miner says is unsafe. What happens if the miner refuses and is then disciplined or discharged? Perhaps there was neither a safety hazard nor a violation. Or, maybe there was a… Keep Reading
Help wanted: Industry response to the labor shortage
Demand for aggregate workers is on the rise as retirements pile up. A job ad on Craigslist or Monster generally won’t attract the candidates aggregate producers seek to fill highly technical positions within their quarries. Not by a long shot.… Keep Reading
People. Planet. Prosperity.
The success of Fairmount Santrol can be attributed in large part to its treatment of employees, neighbors and the environment. Fairmount Santrol, one of the nation’s longest continuously operating mining organizations, is a leading provider of high-performance sand and sand-based… Keep Reading
Economics Pulse: Construction materials update
The second quarter of 2015 was largely positive for the construction materials sector. Summit Materials is performing well in the public market place, stock performance has improved and volume indications are on the rise owing to the private sector. The… Keep Reading
Automated fuel management
New advanced fuel-management services have been designed for ease of use and understanding, with an array of benefits to the end user. Unstable oil prices have always placed a level of uncertainty behind the fuel management process. Unpredictable fuel prices… Keep Reading
View from above: Obtaining volumetric data
Using a drone and low-cost camera, producers can make accurate volumetric computations. Volumetric data is a critical piece of information for aggregate operations. Yet economical, accurate and timely collection of such data remains elusive for most operators. Several major developments… Keep Reading
Safety and morale
Mine operators rarely express appreciation for government regulation. Over the years, though, proactive management of mine safety and health, as well as related compliance with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requirements, has increased dramatically. MSHA safety and health standards… Keep Reading
Virtual reality: Plant simulation software
Plant simulation software aids in plant management, and bridges the gap between theoretical and actual production capability. When asked about their operating plant’s capabilities, most aggregate producers either know exactly how much material the plant makes, but don’t know what… Keep Reading
