Modern Quarrying Q4 2018

morphology, hydro-meteorological conditions, vegetation and loads from equipment, among others. This allows for the design of an optimal engineering solution, choosing the most appropriate products for the right mine or quarry conditions. “Once a possible hazard is identi- fied, we go in to assess the hazard in question. Once a clear understanding of the problem is gained, designs will be done to mitigate the problem at hand. It is important for experienced installers of these solutions to install the proposed solutions as most of the work is extremely dangerous and technical,” explains De Beer. Most of the solutions are installed at heights which implies major safety hazards. Therefore, using an experi- enced, accredited installer is highly advised. Maccaferri also provides training on the installation of its prod- ucts and can also conduct site visits for that extra peace of mind. “We have a dedicated corporate rockfall team at our head office, constantly working on improvements and new developments while pro- viding support to all our subsidiaries across the world. Our products are well-known for their high quality at competitive prices. With more than 70 subsidiaries operating in five continents and an on-site presence in more than 100 countries and almost 3 000 employees, we have technical staff at hand able to assist and provide our clients with the best solutions, no matter where in the world they are,” says De Beer. Maccaferri’s South African team takes care of all South African and sub-Saharan African clients. With a manufacturing plant based in Durban, the company is able to manufacture locally and deliver products with short lead times. Targeted approach Designing a quarry to enable safe product extraction is a fundamental principle of any extractives opera- tion. Rockfall problems should be addressed with a targeted approach, as each specific site requires an analysis of its particular natural and anthropogenic risks. With that in mind, Maccaferri offers a wide range of products to cater for the varying conditions of each operation. Products that are suited to the

Maccaferri’s Steelgrid HR System is ideal for drapery on high walls, containing rock detachment, and provides surface stabilisation on areas prone to slippage.

Steelgrid’s punch resistance, tested in accordance with UNI 11437, shows a greater improvement with average increases of 20-40% compared with double twist meshes.

HEA Panels are used within rockfall protection works where high strength and puncture resistance at very low strain are required.

H aving previously concentrated on the mining sector, leading global rockfall protection specialist, Maccaferri is expanding its market reach to include the local quarrying sector. The company has operated in South Africa for over 60 years, but with a specific footprint in the mining sector. It has already completed some major rockfall protection projects on some local mining operations. Maccaferri has recently installed rockfall solutions at De Beers’ Voorspoed and Venetia mines. Further local projects include Foskor Mine, Letseng Diamond Mine, Jwaneng Diamond Mine, Orapa Diamond Mine, Sefateng Mine, Motae Mine and Mogalakwena Mine (Anglo American platinum mine), to name a few. The focus has now turned on quarries, according to Juan-Louis de Beer, Area Manager Technical Specialist: Rockfall at Maccaferri. “Our solutions are installed all over the world. No matter the size of the operation, we will be able to provide a solution,” he says. “Rockfall protection is of utmost significance at mining and quarrying sites as any damage to infrastructure or people, resulting from a rockfall event, may cause a shutdown, which has a massive cost implication.” From consultation to installation When designing rockfall solutions for open-pit operations, Maccaferri takes into due account a series of parameters, including subsurface geology, slope

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QUARTER 4 - 2018 MODERN QUARRYING