Features
The year ahead
Since 2008, when the bottom fell out of the economy, the North American aggregates industry has been on a slow and steady climb back to profitability. With most signs pointing in a positive direction, the industry heads into 2015 with… Keep Reading
Unique retrofit
A producer successfully incorporates modern replacement parts into a 20-year-old log washer. Seeking out replacement parts that aren’t genuine factory replacement parts can be a risky move if producers don’t prioritize quality. But for Lloyd Gerbrandt, manager of Butler Brothers… Keep Reading
The pattern of violations game
An order from William Moran, a Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission judge, dismissing MSHA’s pattern of violations (POV) charges against Brody Mining contains some rather interesting language. “Imagine, if you will, a contest of any sort,” Moran writes.… Keep Reading
P&Q Roundtable & Conference part two: Solution searching
Participants discussed highway funding, energy costs, Tier 4 emissions regulations and more at the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference in Cleveland. The roundtable event was divided into two sessions, with different participants in each. Following is an abbreviated… Keep Reading
Equipment focus: Talking tread
A conversation with mining tire experts on tire performance, technology advancements and safety developments. Tire pressure monitoring. Durability. Selection. Safety. These are just a few topics Pit & Quarry recently discussed with Roger P. Best, manager of Bridgestone Commercial Solutions’… Keep Reading
2014/15 State of the Industry
Large industry mergers lead the news as the aggregate industry’s outlook continues to climb. The North American aggregates industry is in good shape based on recent aggregate production trends and predictions of near-term construction growth. And the nation’s two largest… Keep Reading
Reading their lips
As we detail in our State of the Industry report beginning on page 14, things are looking up for the aggregates industry heading into next year. Construction starts are on the rise, and aggregate production numbers are up, as well.… Keep Reading
Mine fatality causes and prevention
Here’s a breakdown of the fatal U.S. mine accidents this year through Sept. 30: Coal mines ■ Four underground employees on foot were crushed by equipment in operation. ■ Two employees were killed by unblocked equipment they worked on. ■… Keep Reading
New life
A giant excavator at a Vulcan Materials operation gets a new engine with a little help from a California agency. The 13-year-old diesel hydraulic Hitachi EX2500-1 excavator working at Vulcan Materials’ Reliance sand-and-gravel pit in Irwindale, Calif., easily met air-quality… Keep Reading
