Quarry Faces: March 2026

The Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA) hosted its Operations, Health and Safety Seminar at the Toronto Airport Marriott in January. OSSGA says a record 39 exhibitors participated in the event, which drew more than 350 industry professionals for education and networking. The association presented a new lineup of speakers covering a variety of topics – including Provix’s Steve Widomski (left) and Polydeck’s Alex Caruana. The two shared how AI is making its way into their equipment offerings and what’s potentially ahead for the industry.

Greenwood Aggregates was among the producing companies on hand for the OSSGA seminar. Attending on behalf of the company were (from left) Brad Smeltzer, Ray Price and Ross Scully. Greenwood Aggregates is located in Orangeville, Ontario, and has been family-owned and operated for more than 80 years.

During the seminar, OSSGA recognized its 2025 Property Enhancement and Safety Innovation Award winners – operations that go beyond basic site requirements to create spaces that are safe, well-maintained and visually appealing. Amrize Canada was among the award recipients, earning recognition for its Brantford, Goodwood and Sharpe’s Lane sites. Accepting on behalf of Amrize Canada’s Sharpe’s Lane Quarry was Fares Dhaouadi (left), who is pictured alongside Walker Aggregates’ Maurice Guimont.

Also in January, the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) hosted the 52nd Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique in Reno, Nevada. P&Q caught up with several exhibitors at the event hosted at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino – including BME, a bulk mining explosive and blasting technique supplier. Pictured from BME are (from left) Scott Scovira, Grant Small, Tom Dermody and Lollitta Pitso.

Brunner & Lay was represented at the ISEE event, as well, with (from left) Bryan Gist, Larry Sager and Jeff Sutterfield in attendance. Brunner & Lay produces pneumatic and hydraulic tool accessories for the construction, mining and demolition industries.

Kovai Drilling Applications was yet another exhibitor at the ISEE event, with Hari Rajagopal (left) and Guru Sundaresan representing the company. Based in California, Kovai manufactures down-the-hole hammers and drill bits.

Larmee Equipment & Supply, which specializes in rock drill sales and service, had a presence in Reno, as well. Pictured representing the company are John Hall (left) and Rob Graham. The company, which is the exclusive distributor of Soosan America rock drills, is based in Kentucky.

Strayos also participated in the 52nd Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique. James Kenney (left), Daniel Castro (center) and Ravi Sahu were on hand from the company, which offers image processing and AI solutions that are designed to improve safety, efficiency and productivity on jobsites.

Daniel Gutierrez (left) and Gregory Scott were also present at the show, representing Caterpillar. According to Cat, its newest rotary blasthole drills integrate Cat designs, components and technologies.