Modern Quarrying July-August 2015

ON THE COVER AT THE QUARRY FACE WITH BREW LSKLOOF

be very proud of Brewelskloof,” he says. “This is a flagship operation and as far as I am concerned, as long as I am here, it will stay that way. It has come a long way and our values form a major part of every aspect of our culture and performance.” As a manager, he says he believes in mutual respect and teamwork.“Respect is key, work safety and customer relationships, and work performance are a driving force behind my philosophy as quarry manager.” Editor’s note: Shortly after our visit to Brewelskloof, Afrimat published its provisional consolidated finan- cials for the end ended 28 February 2015, announcing that the aggregate operation increased its contribu- tion to earnings through a pleasing recovery in the markets it supplies. According to Afrimat CEO Andries van Heerden, the year was further underpinned by increased government spend on road maintenance and smaller service delivery projects, which Afrimat, due to its extensive geographic footprint was able to benefit from. See full report on the Afrimat website. Certainly on the West Coast, Afrimat is extremely busy and the current business climate is expected to continue with moderate market growth. This is a company that lives up to its vision, to be the most respected construction materials and industrial min- erals supply company in Southern Africa, a respect it has earned. MQ

Brewelskloof workshops.

Journey to the present • 1963: Prima established • 1965: Lancaster established • 1973: Lancaster Precast established • 2003: Empowerment transaction between Mega Oils and Prima • 2006: Afrimat formed from merger of Lancaster and Prima; Afrimat listed on Main Board of JSE in ‘Construction and Building Materials’ sector • 2007: Acquired Malans Group and Denver Quarries • 2008: National footprint into Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga • 2009: Afrimat BEE Trust acquires 15,8% interest in group; large-scale infrastructure contractors secured; BEE shareholding increased to 26,1%; acquisition of Blue Platinum Quarry • 2011: Diversification into industrial minerals with acquisition of Glen Douglas dolomite quarry • 2012: Diversification into clinker market with acquisition of SA Block Group • 2013: Acquisition of 50,7% stake in Infrasors Holdings Limited

Report and photographs by Dale Kelly

The mine has a zero tolerance approach towards defects or deviations from standards and specifications. Picture shows 19 mm roadstone material.

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MODERN QUARRYING

July - August 2015