Modern Quarrying Q2 2023

Fatheema Brovko from the Mine Health and Safety Council.

Director of ASPASA, Letisha van den Berg.

Industry veteran, Neil Garden.

Roytec Global’s Michael Marais.

University of Johannesburg’s Professor Theo Venter.

Van den Berg also explained that it supports research projects by obtaining members’ inputs. It is also involved in the development of young industry members through IQSA. “In short,” said Van den Berg, “ASPASA aims to ensure that the voices of small surface mines are heard on all accessible platforms.” Stemming: friend or foe AECI’s Maida Ntuli gave a fascinat ing presentation about stemming. “Stemming, in general, is an inert material that is used to confine the explosive energy that is generally placed just above the explosive column with the aim of containing that energy long enough so that energy can break the actual surrounding rock instead of losing it. So, if it’s insufficient, energy is lost prematurely,” said Ntuli. “This is where venting occurs. It generally reduces the distribution

With population growth comes the increased detrimental impact on the environment. ASPASA’s environmental and industry audits play a vital role.

programmes which can assist members to navigate through complex regulations. A crucial focus of ASPASA is to reduce the risk of accidents or environmental harm. This it does through its safety, environmental, blasting and technical audits through which it aims to ensure compliance from its members.

and Government to influence leading practices, standards and legislation to suit small surface mines. These liaisons are with MINCOSA, MHSC, SADPO, SANRAL, SABITA, CASA, and the DMRE. As such, ASPASA can give guidance on environmental and safety protocols, permit requirements, and training

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 2 | 2023