Construction World June 2016

ROADS AND BRIDGES

AGGREGATES KEY to civilisation

South Africans need approximately 9 kg of sand and stone per day in order to function and live unimpeded in our modern society.

Global aggregate usage.

Producer

Billion tonnes BNT

Worldwide production

40 15

China India

5

Quarrying statistics reveal that per capita we need this amount in order to continue our daily lives with shelter and access to public

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.

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Americas

5,2 2,6 3,3 1,7

Europe

Africa

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

Oceania

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.

Nico Pienaar of Aspasa.

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Global aggregates bodies meet

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.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD JUNE 2016

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