Sponsored by:

2008 Quarry Academy Wrap Up

Helping Move the Industry Forward by Giving Back

Sharing best practices with customers and reducing their energy footprints through value chain management is the goal of the Quarry Academy, a key part of the alliance between Sandvik Mining and Construction North America and Dyno Nobel.

This year’s academy was a huge success. In conjunction with the Colorado School of Mines, the classes were held in November and marked the third time quarry owners and managers have gathered to learn how to make their operations more efficient, more profitable and more competitive.

The 2008 Quarry Academy offered attendees interactive classes and workshops on a variety of topics taught by a team of subject matter experts with over 300 years of combined national and international experience in quarry and mining operations.

The title for this year’s program was entitled, Reducing Quarrying Costs in Challenging Economic Times Through Process Improvement and Enhanced Expertise. The three-day program kicked off with a look at the history and current environment of the quarry industry presented by Bill Hissem, Senior Applications Engineer for Sandvik Mining and Construction LLC in North America.

It was followed by a look forward presented by well known futurist David Houle. Houle is regarded as one of the thought shapers in the area of alternative energy and author of the book, “The Shift Age.” Both presentations underlined the importance of taking a broader view of the current practices of the quarry industry and what steps are needed to assure its sustainability in the future.

Several factors are impacting the quarry industry including: the current economic situation, the slow-down in the construction industry, the shrinking skilled labor pool, the volatile energy prices, increased public and regulatory expectations, and increased competition. These factors are forcing quarry managers and operators to change their traditional way of doing business.

Each attendee was given suggestions for improvement tailored for their operations. John Watson, general manager of drilling for Dyno Nobel, explained, “It’s about taking an in-depth look at the total process, or the value chain, that makes up a quarry operation-- from planning to drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, crushing, screening and sizing— and then finding that optimal economic zone.” He points out that sometimes more money spent on one step in the process may reduce the overall costs.

A prime example comes from a customer who received on-site assistance from Sandvik and Dyno Nobel. This visit allowed Sandvik and Dyno personnel to instill practices taught at the Quarry Academy, putting them into a real life application for a customer. Through improved drilling and blasting techniques, the right particle size for their production was achieved with a small increase in blasting costs. However those costs were more than made up for in the end due to a reduction in cost per ton. The new techniques also carved the production time from three months down to two months on subsequent contracts because of increase productivity. Other benefits of using good drilling and blasting practices include less wear and tear on equipment which in turn reduces maintenance costs and down time. An added benefit of using good blasting practices is the reduction of fines, improved air quality, and a reduction in maintenance problems.

In addition to lectures and workshops, attendees received hands-on training using Sandvik’s state-of-the-art drill training simulator. A field trip to a local quarry allowed attendees to witness a demonstration on the capabilities and benefits of using electronic detonator timing for increased blast control and risk reduction. The emphasis during the three day session was to understand and manage each step in the rock production process so that quarry operators and others in the industry can learn to minimize costs and maximize profits in their businesses.

Another highlight of the academy was an interactive feedback mechanism or ‘clicker’ that allowed attendees to respond to questions posed on a number of subjects throughout the conference and answered in real-time. In addition, time was set aside for focus groups where attendees were able to share what’s on their minds with industry experts.

Joe Antonelli, Vice President – Business Development Sandvik Mining and Construction, said, “It’s not often enough that we get the opportunity to hear directly from such a wide and select group of customers about how they prioritize their challenges and limitations. Their feedback about training needs and how that should best take place was invaluable.”

By sharing best practices and by listening to the attendees, Dyno Nobel and Sandvik will be able to better serve their customers. John Watson, wrapped up by explaining, “We tap the knowledge and experience of experts in the field who share what they’ve learned. It’s our way of giving back and moving the industry forward.”

The strong alliance between Sandvik and Dyno Nobel is proven in their commitment to host the Quarry Academy. They not only teach about best business practices and operation techniques during these sessions, Sandvik and Dyno Nobel welcome the opportunity to discuss these practices with you all year round. Should you like further assistance in optimizing performances and profitabilty in your quarry operation please do not heistate to contact us. We are ready, willing and able to help you implemement these practices and achieve maximum results out of your operation.

Quarry Academy in the news….read more about what has been written on the Quarry Academy at: