Construction World September 2015

“It also tackles legislation that is specific to the types of equipment found on these sites, covers relevant health, safety and environmental issues, as well as defining taxation, royalties etc in a different light compared with mainstream mining. With our own set of rules and regulations we can also begin addressing issues that affect our industry head-on rather than adapting our response to an industry that is similar, but not the same. “For example, we can formulate sector specific skills development plans and work with government departments at all levels to eradicate illegal mining. More importantly we can work in parallel with Government and the construc- tion industry to ensure the success of future construction and infrastructure projects on a national and local scale,” he says. Towing the line Coffee concludes that in the past two decades since the formation of Aspasa,the association has actively worked with all role-players to establish acceptable working codes and best practices. It has also taken safety, health and environmental ethics on its quarries to world-class standards and has implemented annual audits to ensure members comply with its ownstrict guidelines as well as complying with all legal and statutory requirements. “As a key role-player in the mining industry, a member of the Chamber of Mines executive committee and active role-player on various Government and industry panels, we believe that the time has come for us to define our own sector with our own rules designed to protect and promote companies and individuals within the quarrying industry. First launched to the industry in July 2014, PPC’s Cement and Concrete Cube continues to offer users a subject-specific, neutral platformwhere they’re able to source and share information, and interact with like- minded people.“C3 was conceptualised to close some of the collaboration and communication gaps we had noted in the industry,” explains Hanlie Turner, PPC’s technical information services’ specialist. “Its interactive interface speaks directly to the need for electronic information sharing and networking, driving practical conversations where groups can leverage collective experience and knowledge.” Industry uptake supports this assertion – with over 1 200 registered users on the platform. C3 has driven a number of key conversations over the past year, with posts around innovation and creativity generating the most engagement.“The trend is towards shorter, catchier content for day-to-day interaction, while more technical content is accessed when a specific need for in-depth information is identified,” notes Turner. The Cube has attracted members from across the sector, including the likes of John Sheath, CEO and Director of the Concrete Society of Southern Africa, and Johan van Wyk, general manager of the Southern Africa Readymix Association. Both note C3’s ease-of-use as one of its key features. Users are able to join multiple interest groups. This has seen the growth of groups around subject matter including innovation, architectural concrete, C3 A – Z and energy. The ease of searching for content across the Groups remains one of the strengths of C3. Current – and future – users can look forward to the continued evolution of the Cube.“We’ve already received requests for an App that will facilitate greater interactivity, much like Twitter and Instagram,” says Turner. “We’re committed to updating and refining C3 to respond to this type of request, as well as to keep abreast of leading social and electronic media trends.” > REFLECTING ON ONE YEAR OF INDUSTRY INNOVATION A year since its launch in 2014, PPC’s Cement and Concrete Cube (C3) remains a true triumph for the industry. Designed to facilitate greater collaboration and information-sharing, the Cube’s interactive interface speaks to user trends and needs.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2015