Pit & Quarry articles from September 2004

Pit & Quarry archives from September 2004

From the road.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)
September 1, 2004... A drill rig reaches to the sky at Lafarge North America's Marblehead Quarry in Marblehead, Ohio. The mammoth operation, which sits nears the banks of Lake Erie, blasts three times a week. Pit & Quarry staff took photos during a recent visit.

Stock watch.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 1, 2004... STOCK WATCH (AT PRESS TIME) THIS MONTH LAST MONTH Cemex SA f 28.35 29.65 Eagle Materials f 64.61 70.72 Florida Rock Industries d 44.18 41.08...

Essential economics.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... New construction starts increased 1 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $565.1 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Nonbuilding construction (public works and electric...

Democrats.(top news)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Democrats approve party platform, calling for a commitment to "vigorous federal highway and transit initiatives.

Vulcan Materials, Martin Marietta Materials and Lafarge North America announce positive 2004 second-quarter financial results.(top news)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Vulcan Materials, Martin Marietta Materials and Lafarge North America announce positive 2004 second-quarter financial results.

Knife River Corp. acquires the assets of Becker Gravel Co. Inc.(top news)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Knife River Corp. acquires the assets of Becker Gravel Co. Inc.

A study conducted by The Leadership Institute in Arlington, Va., finds that NSSGA's political action committee, RockPAC, was ranked 116.(Top News)(National Stone Sand and Gravel Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A study conducted by The Leadership Institute in Arlington, Va., finds that NSSGA's political action committee, RockPAC, was ranked 116 out of 892 business and association PACs.

Environmental Protection Agency.(Top News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A federal court approves a request by the Environmental Protection Agency to extend, by three months, until Oct. 29, the deadline for completion of a criteria document to be used in the possible revision of air quality standards for particulate...

Survey says.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Survey says Does your aggregates company utilize Spanish-language training materials? Yes 27% No 73%

What's with MSHA?(Mine Safety and Health Administration's domestic policy)
September 1, 2004... Another month, another report about MSHA that has people up in arms. A recent policy change, apparently adopted without public comment or input, denies mine operators, miners and their families, and the press access to MSHA inspectors' notes...

Hydraulic power unit.(Brand new: just released to the market)
September 1, 2004... Roberts Electric Co. offers the pressure-compensated Hydraulic Power Unit, designed to increase control and versatility of high-torque conveyors, pumps, winches, grinders and crushers. The product automatically delivers exactly the amount of...

Cone crusher feeder.(Brand new: just released to the market)
September 1, 2004... FMC Technologies offers the Syntron cone crusher feeder, an innovative, cost-effective alternative to the "feeder-plus-rotary-distributor" set up commonly used to ensure uniform material feed to cone crushers. The new cone crusher feeder comes...

Lab crusher.(Brand new: just released to the market)
September 1, 2004... Stedman's Model GS1209 lab size crusher is designed for small production rates or laboratory applications (either delumping or uniformed cubical processing.) This affordable, laboratory-size machine makes crushing easier and more economical....

Knife River Corp. buys Iowa producer.(Stockpile: the latest industry news)(Becker Gravel Co. Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Knife River Corp. announced that the assets of Becker Gravel Co. Inc. and a related company have been acquired in a cash purchase. Becker will become an operating division of Fred Carlson Co., a Knife River subsidiary. Financial details of the...

Vulcan announces sharply higher second quarter earnings.(Stockpile: the latest industry news)(Vulcan Materials Co.)
September 1, 2004... Vulcan Materials Co. announced record second quarter net sales of $739 million and record net earnings of $88 million, or $0.85 per diluted share. In the prior year, net earnings for the quarter were $56 million, or $0.55 per diluted share....

Events.(Stockpile: the latest industry news)
September 1, 2004... October 4-6, 2004 NSSGA Environment, Safety & Health Regulatory Summit Alexandria, Va. 800-342-1415 www.nssga.org October 5-7, 2004 NSSGA Noise & Dust Workshop San Jose, Calif. 800-342-1415 ...

NSSGA announces Environmental Eagle Award winners for 2004.(Stockpile: the latest industry news)(National Stone Sand and Gravel Association)
September 1, 2004... Five aggregate-producing operations were selected from nearly 50 applicants to receive the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association's Environmental Eagle Gold Award for Excellence in recognition of their superior performance as environmental...

Conserving conveyor energy: aggregates operations should look at conveyor use for ways to reduce energy.(Special report: energy issues)
September 1, 2004... Pit & Quarry will be exploring energy issues in a series of articles in upcoming issues.--Ed. We've all seen increases in energy costs. When these increases appear as negative variances on financial reports, managers begin to look for ways...

The answer is blowing in the wind: a Montana gravel pit is exploring new ground with a plan to build a wind farm for electricity.(Special report: energy issues)
September 1, 2004... Great Falls, Mont. has been known for years as The Electric City based on a historic abundance of hydropower where the mighty Missouri River tumbles 500 ft. through town. Big Sky Country also has big wind, and now a local gravel operation is...

Finesmaster saves 200 tons per week.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Eureka Sand and Gravel, St. Louis, was losing about 200 tons per week of saleable sand from its concrete and mason sand screws because fine sand was being carried off to settling ponds in overflow water. Further, the company was absorbing...

Track-mounted plants are custom-designated.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)
September 1, 2004... Grasan's new line of large, track-mounted primary crushing plants will each be largely custom designed and built to meet customer needs and specifications for high-production aggregate applications. The first plant, designated KRHT1515E,...

Cat milestone.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)(Caterpillar Inc.)
September 1, 2004... Caterpillar recently produced its 5000th mining truck. Fittingly, the largest and newest of the Caterpillar mining trucks, the 380-ton-capacity 797B, is number 5,000. Caterpillar reaches the milestone only 20 years after producing its first...

Prevent material spillage with simple maintenance.(Conveyor Talk)
September 1, 2004... Material spillage is a costly proposition. Add it up--tons of lost material per year, additional labor for cleanup, significant safety risks, and excessive wear and damage to conveyor components caused by resulting belt mistracking. Yet,...

Clamshell gates in operation at large North American quarrying facility.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... One of the world's largest aggregate operations is using Pebco clamshell gates in its North American facilities. Since 1995, 41 of these specially designed units have been purchased for this limestone quarry facility. These totally...

Speed monitor/encoder.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)
September 1, 2004... 4B Components Ltd. offers the Rotech heavy-duty speed monitor/encoder. An inductive sensing device in the body of the encoder detects a steel rotor. One pulse is created for each rotor so the unit can be connected directly to a PLC/computer or...

Living large: 3M Co.'s Wausau, Wis., quarry purchases a new haul truck and learns that larger capacity equals increased productivity.(Hauling)
September 1, 2004... 3M Co.'s Wausau quarry in Wisconsin provides the Midwest with materials for colored roofing granules. While some things haven't changed much at the quarry over the years, one thing that has changed is the advanced capabilities at the quarry to...

Set in stone: Boxley Materials uses a new secondary breaker to break a production record.(Secondary Breaking)
September 1, 2004... As a company with 20 locations and more than a century of experience, Boxley Materials Co. knows a thing or two about setting records. The drive to constantly improve the company, which consists of nine quarries, eight ready mix facilities, two...

In the eye of the Hurricane: for Crowder-Gulf, a portable plant is key to rebuilding sand dunes torn apart by Hurricane Isabel.(Portable Plants)
September 1, 2004... When Hurricane Charley hit Florida last month, it stole the headlines. For many it was a grim reminder of Hurricane Isabel, which, on September 12, 2003, tore a path of destruction through Cape Hatteras, N.C., with winds up to gale force 10....

Rising to the challenge: J.E. McAmis tackles 1.2 million cu. yd. of excavated sand using versatile stacking conveyors to load barges.(Material Handling)(J.E. McAmis Inc)
September 1, 2004... Maintenance dredging, environmental remediation, and the expansion and protection of coastal waterways, ports, inlets, levees and beaches are essential to economic and social health. Yet these activities can have many effects on public...

Welcome to the show: the biggest industry show of the year features products, seminars and more.(MINExpo International)(Illustration)
September 1, 2004... 2004 MINEXPO INTERNATIONAL Following is a list of companies exhibiting at this year's MINExpo show. The list is the most current available as of press time.--Ed. 3B6 Sistemi Elettronici Industriali 4920 3D-P ...

Breaker systems.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... The MBS Series of rock breakers from Breaker Technology Inc. (BTI) offers an on-plant, road-to-operations, permanent solution to portable and mobile crushing applications where safety and productivity are essential. The boom systems are...

Material handlers.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... Caterpillar announces the new M325C MH and M325C LMH wheeled material handlers. The new C-Series machines offer improved performance through increased horsepower and hydraulic flow. A new cab and interior layout promotes efficient operation....

Rubber/ceramic liners.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... Durex Products Inc. has engineered its Dur-X-Line of rubber/ceramic Liners for wear resistance in highly abrasive aggregate and mining applications. Delivering six to 16 times the wear life of AR 400 plate, plain rubber or urethane liners,...

Belt cleaner.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... FMC Technologies' Link-Belt Scavenger conveyor belt cleaner eliminates carryback before it can cause expensive maintenance problems or safety hazards. This newest addition to the FMC Link-Belt equipment family features revolutionary...

Ethernet modules.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... Schenck Weighing Systems now offers an Ethernet Fieldbus Module with its Disocont and Intecont Plus controls for bulk-solids metering equipment. The modules are easily installed on a network using standard RJ-45 Ethernet connectors. Screw...

Underground transport.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... Normet Corp. of Finland has developed a completely new underground management and transportation vehicle. The Normet RBO features an electronically controlled 95 kW engine from Caterpillar or Deutz. The RBO cabin is FOPS and ROPS approved. Ease...

Weighfeeder.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... The Siemens-Milltronics Weighfeeder 800 is a medium- to high-capacity weighfeeder for macro ingredient additive. It is designed for industrial applications such as mining, cement, chemical processing, pulp and paper, and other heavy-duty...

Portable jump conveyors.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... New portable jump conveyors from Superior Industries are designed to be a highly portable and efficient method of connecting screens, crushers and washing equipment to a stacking conveyor. Available in lengths from 50 ft. to 100 ft., and in...

Ceramic wear compound.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... Duraline LLC has introduced its fast-set Duraclad ECS C-301FS ceramic beaded wear resistant epoxy. The company says this wear lining material is formulated to allow quick-cure, short-downtime repairs in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. It is a...

Wheel loader.(MINExpo 2004: products showcase)
September 1, 2004... Komatsu America Corp.'s WA900 wheel loader features the new Advanced Joystick Steer System (AJSS), which integrates steering and transmission control functions into one handy, seat-mounted lever. At MINExpo, Komatsu will also feature the 830E...

Flexco.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #4239 Flexco says three new products help make its SR Scalloped Edge fasteners easier to install than ever--even on the latest high-tension belting. And that can help producers keep downtime to a minimum. * Easier, faster...

Godwin pumps.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #6059 The latest additions to the Godwin Dri-Prime HL Series of high head pumps include the HL160M and HL130M single-stage pumpsets capable of heads to 600 ft. The HL160M model is an 8-in. x 6-in. unit that pumps maximum flows to...

Rockwell Automation-Dodge/Reliance.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #7563 Rockwell Automation-Dodge/Reliance offers a new line of motors specially designed to meet the challenging demands of mining applications. Available in large, medium and small AC models, this new line of Reliance Electric brand...

Telsmith Inc.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Telsmith Inc. offers a full line of high-performance cone crushers available in sizes ranging from 200 hp up to 600 hp. The Model SBS cone crushers are designed by an experienced company using modern technology to reach optimum performance in...

Metso Minerals Industries Inc.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #2615 Metso Minerals offers a full range of capabilities for efficient minerals processing. The company provides: * Mineral concentrate production systems solutions. * Process systems--comminution circuits, separation...

ChevronTexaco.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #4901 Since its inception in 1997, the North American Coal Corp.'s San Miguel lignite mine has used Chevron Delo 400 multigrade, heavy-duty motor oil exclusively in all its equipment, in conjunction with ChevronTexaco-assisted...

Goodyear Engineered Products.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #6003 Goodyear Conquest, a heavy-duty belt constructed with a unique fabric weave reinforcement, is designed to stand up to tons of rock falling onto it. One of the toughest fabric designs on the market, according to Goodyear...

Schenck Weighing Systems.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #3604 Schenck Weighing Systems offers two lines of belt conveyor scales--the BX Series and the BEMP. The BX Series of belt conveyor scales includes two models--the BX-2 and the BX-4, which are heavy-duty, two-idler and four-idler...

Hoss Equipment Co.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #3969 Hoss Equipment Co., in partnership with SiteWatch Systems, introduces its new "Put it Anywhere, Watch it Everywhere" wireless mesh video over an IP network site management system. This advanced system integrates and supports...

HSS Sampling Systems.(At the show: look for these products at MINExpo 2004)
September 1, 2004... Booth #4053 HSS, A division of McLanahan Corp., designs Sweep Samplers, which provide an automated method to remove a "cut" or "increment" of material from a moving conveyor belt. The sample removed from the belt is then transferred down a...

Ranking of NSSGA's political action committee grows.(National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association)(According to Federal Election Commission)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A recently released study conducted by The Leadership Institute in Arlington, Va., found that NSSGA's political action committee, RockPAC, was ranked 116 out of 892 business and association PACs that gave $25,000 or more to congressional...

Hastert calls for passage of highway bill at lower level proposed by House.(National Affairs)(Dennis Hastert)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) told a National Press Club audience that in the next couple of months Congress must finish action on the remaining spending bills and the highway bill. He called the highway bill one of the most important...

Democrats approve party platform, decide on transportation plank.(National Affairs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... At the outset of the Democratic National Convention, delegates voted to adopt a party platform that includes a two-sentence plank on transportation under the heading, "A Strong, Growing Economy--Creating Good Jobs." The National Stone,...

Court extends deadline for EPA review of air quality standards for particulate matter.(Environmental Protection Agency)
September 1, 2004... The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) reports that a federal court has approved a request by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend by three months, until Oct. 29, the deadline for completion of a criteria...

New York.(Northeast)(Livingston Light and Power, KBH Construction and Valley Sand and Gravel merge into The Power and Construction Group Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Livingston Light and Power, KBH Construction and Valley Sand and Gravel have agreed to merge into The Power and Construction Group Inc. The merger was effective July 1 and terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Scottsville company employs...

Vermont.(quary plans rejected by a review panel)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A lawyer for a New Hampshire firm whose bid to open a quarry on the Williamstown-Barre line in Williamstown was rejected by a review panel says that won't be the last round. Brooke Dingledine, who represented Pike Industries during an Act 250...

Alabama.(citizens of Loachapoka against Florida Rock Industries Inc.'s quarry )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A two-year battle between the citizens of Loachapoka and Florida Rock may be at an end now that a Lee County circuit judge ruled against the town of Loachapoka in its suit against the company. The legal battle began in 2002 when the...

Kentucky.(Southeast)(Kentucky Crushed Stone Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Kentucky Crushed Stone Association (KCSA) Scholarship Committee announced its 2004 scholarship award recipients. The total allocation of $19,750 will be distributed to the students during the 2004-2005 school year. KCSA has awarded over...

Tennessee.(Southeast)(Lincoln County Board of Zoning)(says no to reverse a county commission decision)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Members of the Lincoln County Board of Zoning Appeals have told attorneys for a Nashville-based road building company that it does not have the authority to reverse a county commission decision and allow a quarry in the Kelso area. Last month,...

Iowa.(North Central)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A decision by RiverStone Group Inc. to commercially develop eight acres of LeClaire riverfront is drawing the ire of residents along Canal Shore Drive who fear their picturesque neighborhood will be ruined. The site in question is just upstream...

Wisconsin.(North Central)(Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin, facing ever increasing problems with permitting and siting, have started a public relations campaign to help change the public's perception of the industry. The campaign has started in earnest with the...

New Mexico.(South Central)(Coppola Mining )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The state land office has given a five-year contract to a Santa Fe company to mine sand and gravel in Velarde. Officials say Coppola Mining would be able to seek renewal of the lease after the five years if it adheres to the agreement....

Colorado.(Mountain)(Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete and Rock Products Associations )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete and Rock Products Associations have moved to new offices. The groups are now located at 6855 South Havana St., Ste. 540, Centennial, CO 80112. The phone and fax numbers remain 303-290-0303 and 303-290-8008,...

California.(Pacific)(San Rafael Rock Quarry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... San Rafael Rock Quarry and Marin County have agreed to comply with a court order calling for public hearings on opening the quarry's mining permit to environmental review, county officials announced. "Although this court order does not address...

WEG--a global company.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... When looking at WEG's success in the industrial electric motor market, it is hard to imagine that a company with such success started in 1961 from an investment equal to the cost of a VW Beetle. It is even harder to imagine that such a company...

A seat for a small boy.(Safety)
September 1, 2004... A story from some years ago was about teaching what was helpful for learning. The storyteller was working around the apprentice issue and sketched the layout of a blacksmith shop. All the key parts were included. The forge, the anvil, the pile...

To provide or not to provide.(Law)
September 1, 2004... Recently, MSHA indicated that in making decisions as to what documents will be provided to mine operators and others in response to Freedom of Information Act requests, MSHA will be less forthcoming than it previously has been. As a practical...

Cement company pays reduced penalty to settle exploding vessel fatality case.(Legal Highlights)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Ash Grove Cement Co. has agreed to pay MSHA civil penalties reduced from a total of $100,000 to $65,000 in a case in which a miner was killed in an explosion and fire in the plant's liquid fuel containment area. Federal Mine Safety and...

Sand, gravel company settles fatality case with MSHA for $10,000.(Highlights)(Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration)
September 1, 2004... A small New York sand and gravel company has agreed to pay MSHA civil penalties reduced from a total of $12,000 to $10,000 to settle a case arising from a fatal haulage accident. Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission Judge Jerold...

Uncertainty continues as election approaches.(Economics)
September 1, 2004... Key Points * President Bush and conferees could agree on a measure that would resemble the lower $284 billion House proposal for TEA-21 reauthorization. * Construction interests have asked the Bush administration to lift temporarily...

June construction advances one percent.(Economics)
September 1, 2004... New construction starts increased 1 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $565.1 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Nonbuilding construction (public works and electric...

Pennsy Supply to pour 30,000 cu. yd. of concrete.(Supply chain: news from affiliated industries)
September 1, 2004... Pennsy Supply Inc., a south central Pennsylvania supplier of aggregate, concrete and asphalt, and subcontractor of Harrisburg International Airport's $222 million new terminal project, is supplying approximately 30,000 cu. yd. of concrete with...

Cement industry adopts environmental management systems.(Supply chain: news from affiliated industries)(Portland Cement Association)
September 1, 2004... The Portland Cement Association's (PCA) Executive Committee has approved a goal addressing the implementation of environmental management systems (EMS) for cement plants in the United States. At its meeting on July 28 in Washington, D.C.,...

Looking to buy? Contac these advertisers for your equipment and service needs.(Directory)
September 1, 2004... Associations/Shows/Auctions ConExpo-Con/Agg 800-867-6060 www.conexpoconagg.com National Stone, Sand and Gravel Assn. 800-342-1415 www.aggregates.org ...