44 / 72
42
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JUNE
2016
Quarrying statistics reveal that
per capita we need this amount in
order to continue our daily lives
with shelter and access to public
infrastructure. At about 3 tonnes of aggre-
gates per person per annum South Africa
ranks low compared with developed countries
such as Canada (13,9 tonnes), Finland (14,9
tonnes) and Australia (7,5 tonnes). We are on
par with other developing countries such as
Brazil (3,8 tonnes) and Russia (3,9 tonnes) but
lag behind China (11,1 tonnes) by a consider-
able margin.
These and other interesting facts came
to light as aggregate associations from across
the globe met in Cape Town to discuss the
state of the global industry recently. The
Global Aggregates Information Network
(GAIN) brings together world authorities,
including the Aggregate and Sand Producers
Association of Southern Africa (Aspasa), to
share information and issues facing quarry
operators the world over.
Close to home
“Few people realise the important role
that aggregates play in our lives and even
bemoan the fact that quarries need to
operate anywhere near their neighbourhoods.
Yet it was revealed that transporting these
civilisation building materials over distances
longer than 50 km can have an escalating
effect that can drive construction prices far
beyond viable prices,” says Aspasa director
Nico Pienaar.
He explains that aggregates make up
approximately three quarters of the mass of
any traditional construction project including
our roads, bridges, ports, railways, harbours,
hospitals, public and private buildings, as well
as our homes and other essential infrastruc-
ture. “If we stopped producing aggregates
today, we would revert back to a similar state
as the stone age, without buildings, glass or
many of the other commodities that drives
technology and civilisation today.
“Through organisations like GAIN and
regional associations such as Aspasa we
are however striving to become responsible
citizens and are working towards becoming a
completely sustainable industry that causes
minimal harm to the environment and that
enhances the livelihoods of the communities
within our surroundings.
Progressive industry
“South Africa has some of the toughest
health, safety and environmental protection
AGGREGATES
KEY
to civilisation
>
ROADS AND BRIDGES
legislation worldwide and Aspasa members
are audited annually to ensure that they
comply with these and our own strict
requirements. That is why it is so important
for Government, municipalities, construction
company owners and all those involved in the
construction chain to get involved and ensure
that they support the part of the industry that
actually cares about communities’ wellbeing
and the sustainability of the entire construc-
tion industry,” adds Pienaar.
Nico Pienaar of Aspasa.
South Africans need approximately 9 kg of sand and
stone per day in order to function and live unimpeded
in our modern society.
Interesting facts from GAIN
Developing regions typically use 3-4
tonnes per capita, while developed regions
with low economic growth and flat terrain,
typically use 4-8 tonnes. Developed
regions, with rugged terrain and high to
medium-growth typically use 8-12 tonnes
per capita. Developed regions with rich
economies, rugged terrain and severe
climates typically use up to 16 tonnes
per capita.
Producer
Billion
tonnes BNT
Worldwide production
40
China
15
India
5
Americas
5,2
Europe
2,6
Africa
3,3
Oceania
1,7
Aggregates associations from across the globe gathered in Cape Town recently to dissect
issues facing the worlds’ sand and stone suppliers and pave a path towards more sustainable
exploitation of a dwindling resource.
Members of the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN) represent aggregates
associations of diverse countries and focusses on improving supply, as well as issues that may
threaten the industry. Despite a seemingly endless supply of sand and stones underfoot and
around us, only certain materials are suitable for the purposes of building and construction
and these are being rapidly depleted in urbanised areas.
The result is that crucial building materials either need to be transported over long, costly
distances, or suitable land resources need to be identified and excluded from development
plans in order to ensure that materials are available to develop surrounding areas. These were
some of the major concerns debated by the network at the recent Cape Town conference.
Global aggregates bodies meet
Global aggregate usage.