Sensitive quarrying required

Aggregates and sand from quarries and borrow pits are essential to keeping the country's construction industry supplied. However, careful environmental care needs to be exercised when operating these as they are often situated close to built-up areas or near to roads and railway lines to ensure quick and easy supply. As a result community concerns need to be handled carefully and sensitively in order to ensure a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship exists throughout the lifecycle of the operation.

Director of the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (Aspasa), Nico Pienaar, says if these quarries are operated correctly there should be little cause for concern. Aspasa members especially are required to work within the confines of the country's stringent environmental legislation, as well as uphold strict standards imposed by the association relating to safety, health, environment ISHE and About Face programmes.