OBJECT DETECTION IMPROVES SAFETY
Increasingly larger heavy equipment has helped mines remain profitable as the cost per ton has dropped with the economies of scale. The problem, however is that with the increasing size of equipment comes an increasing risk of injury. Large equipment makes it harder for the operator to see other vehicles or equipment, which means a greater chance of an accident. No wonder one of the largest accident categories for a mine is associated with heavy equipment. The operator of a large haul truck could run over a pickup truck and not even know it

EASTERN U. S. CLIMATE GIVES MORE RECLAMATION OPTIONS
Eastern US miners have a reclamation advantage. Unlike the Western US, with its drier climate, higher altitudes, extreme temperatures, little or no topsoil, and scarce rainfall, the Eastern United States has frequent rainfall, more moderate temperatures, topsoil, and the ground bacteria that encourage reclamation vegetation to grow. To many mine managers, that means just one thing - reclamation is cheaper. However, the better growing conditions mean that non-traditional reclamation options are available that may make some reclamation problems much easier - especially those that deal with contaminated soil.

CUT HEAVY EQUIPMENT COSTS WITH SMART MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
As commodity prices start to slide, mines are focusing on cutting operating costs and making their heavy equipment go further. The keys are picking the right equipment in the first place, good maintenance programs, upgrading your equipment, good operating practices, and hiring good operators. Let's start with picking the right equipment. Picking rugged heavy equipment is often ignored by small mine and quarry operators. Equipment with cheaper, lightweight frames will develop cracks as the equipment undergoes heavy pounding from operations.In the long run, equipment with more metal will last longer.

BLASTING IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY AT NEWTON GEORGIA QUARRY
While many companies look at new management techniques, larger heavy equipment, and new facilities for improved productivity, many forget that something as mundane as blasting materials offer a serious way to improve production. There's no better proof of that than the LaFarge aggregate quarry in Newton County, Georgia, where a fresh look at their blasting requirements a few years ago gave them a 33% improvement in productivity.

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