Modern Quarrying July-August 2016

GLOBAL AGGREGATES FOCUS

GAIN (the Global Aggregates Information Network) is a coalition of the major international aggregates associations across the world. Founded in 2010, the organisation held its first meeting in Brussels; the second took place in Charlotte, NC in 2012; the third in Brussels in 2014; with the last meeting hosted by Aspasa in Somerset West in April this year. Global aggregates industry under

some 7,0 t/capita, despite recent setbacks in the mining sector. CCAA sets out to dif- ferentiate itself from the mining sector, using extensive communication media emphasising the strong environmental stewardship of the aggregates industry. It is notable that in Australia, the aggregates sector now has a strong position in the marketplace due to growing off-shoring of the cement sector due to carbon taxes. China Jixian Han, secretary-general of the China Sand and Stone Association (CAA), says the ‘new normal’ of only 7,0% pa eco- nomic growth in China, the level of 2015 output of aggregates remaining at about 15-billion t, even though those of cement and concrete had declined about 5,0% and 12%, compared to 2014. Driven by the 13 th five-year economic develop- ment programme requiring major further investment in infrastructure, the outlook for the aggregates sector looks bright for the next 15-20 years. The Silk Road project, linking China to Europe, will link 4,4-billion people on its route. The continued growth of the aggre- gates industry has driven huge technical innovation in machinery suppliers and increases in the output of the 100 major national producers, who are now required to meet world-class operational standard. In parallel, older smaller operators were being closed down, despite the fact that they comprise 63% of the market. There is increased focus on high- er-quality aggregates for use in high- strength concretes, as well as in manufactured sand replacing natural sand. Recycling of demolition materials is also being strongly promoted with the objective of recycling 30% of those mate- rials in urban areas by 2020. The CCA is confident of a good future for aggregates in China. Latin America Jaume Puig i Canal, treasurer of FIPA (Federacion Iberoamericana de Produc- tores de Aridos) outlined the strong bonds that exist between Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Central and South America. There

A ttended by representa- tives from Austria, China, the United States, Latin America and Europe, with input from Canada and New Zealand, the aggregates industry was under the spotlight. Many issues common to various global regions were identified – with some regions having dif- ferent approaches and solutions – mak- ing the exchange of experience and best practices extremely valuable. Several areas were identified for follow-up, all of which will assist in strengthening the industry globally. In all countries represented, aggregate pro- duction tonnages are now either stable or increasing, which bodes well for the industry as a whole. The purpose of GAIN is to openly share experienced and industry best in the interests of promoting the greater good of the aggregates industry glob- ally. Interestingly, on a global scale, GAIN members represent 60% of the global aggregates production of 40-billion t, from around 400 000 quarries and pits worldwide, estimated to employ in the region of 3-million people. South Africa According to Aspasa director Nico Pienaar, post the decline after the Rugby World Cup in 2010, the SA aggregates sector is now growing with a production of some 130-million t, equivalent to 2,5 t/capita, driven by ongoing needs for housing, road, rail, electricity and water infrastruc- tural development. The quarrying industry falls under mining legislation and is heavily regu- lated. A large issue is illegal mining and quarrying, which negatively affects both industries. Other challenges include electricity, water and skills shortages,

the latter despite 30% unemployment. Despite these challenges, the future pros- pects for the economy and the aggregate industry in SA look bright, and Aspasa is optimistic for the future. United States Mike Johnson, president and CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), says his organisation represents 90% of crushed stone and 70% of sand and gravel produced in the US. The US market declined from3,1-billion t in2006 to1,96-bil- lion t in 2010, and in 2015 had risen again to 2,28-billion t, equivalent to 6,7 t/capita, drivenmainly by private construction. NSSGA is focused on advocacy through communications with all stake- holders, particularly the politicians. The recent success in promoting the FAST (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation) Act, should provide a further industry boost up to 2020. NSSGA’s top priorities are advocacy, both legislative and regulatory; commu- nications with all stakeholders; and mem- bership education and events. Its core message is to highlight what the industry does and its importance. Johnson says America’s future is tied directly to the suc- cess of the aggregates industry. Australia Ken Slattery, CE of Cement, Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), says the CCAA, which notably represents 90% of the combined cement, concrete and aggregates industries, aligns itself with the construction industry in Australia. CCAA’s strategic priorities include the industry licence to operate; market devel- opment; technical leadership; and mem- ber engagement. Uniquely, the country has enjoyed 23 years of continuous growth, now using

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MODERN QUARRYING July - August 2016