Branch
Report:
23rd January 2008
Branch Members Paper
The January meeting of the South Wales
Branch was the Members Paper Presentation evening. There were four
entries, representing a variety of topics.
The papers were judged by a panel
chaired by Anthony Morgan, Deputy Chairman, Institute of Quarrying, and
assisted by Andy Shakeshaft, Chairman West of England Branch, and Phil
Redmond, South Wales Branch.
Hugo Pettingell gave details of work he
has carried out on a system to reclaim grit stone dust for use as a fine
material in concrete production. This is relevant to the Bristol Channel
with pressure on the sand dredging industry which provides the vast
majority of fine aggregate in South Wales. Dredging licences are currently
being reviewed and it is likely that larger ships will be required to
dredge further out from the shore. This will increase the cost of the
aggregate. Mr Pettingell explained that it is possible to recover a fine
aggregate from material which currently is currently produced in large
quantities with little value.
Stan Curtin, Quarry Manager, described
the ways in which Bardon Aggregates at Cwm Nant Lleici Quarry, Pontardawe,
have worked with the local community to establish a relationship to the
benefit of both. He gave examples of ways in which this can be achieved by
assisting in regeneration projects with provision of materials. Bardon
also hold regular formal and informal meetings with interested groups to
keep them informed of their plans and to listen to their concerns. This
was further illustrated with a video presentation, which included local
residents giving details of Bardon Aggregate’s assistance and commitment
in the area.
Morgan Evans, Foreman, Hanson Aggregates
explained how he eliminated a hazardous situation in a new asphalt plant.
Material blockages in the system required a worker to enter a confined
space, not only involving costly plant downtime, but serious safety
issues. After consulting the manufacturers, with a negative response, and
with his own increasing concern, he considered how to improve the plant
himself. With the installation of an inspection hatch at the point where
the blockage occurred the material could be removed without entry into the
plant, and entry into a confined space. He illustrated his presentation
with photographs of the plant before and after his improvements.
Jesus de la Mora is a Management Trainee
with Cemex. He gave an illustrated presentation on his programme of
training in the UK and Europe. This has been a very much hands on
experience, but has fully covered all aspects of the industry, from sand
and gravel pits to hard stone quarrying. Jesus has had the opportunity to
look at the commercial operations as well as the production of
material.
In announcing the winners, and presenting
the prizes, Anthony Morgan congratulated all the speakers on their
excellent presentations.
Morgan Evans was declared as the winner
of the first prize, and Hugo Pettingell received the second prize.
Branch Chairman, Glyn Cullen, thanked the
panel for their adjudication and congratulated the members for the
standard of their presentations.
From l
to r: Hugo Pettingell, Jesus de la Mora, Glyn Cullen, Morgan Evans and
Stan Curtain
