This year Goughs CAT awarded two recipients with their Travel Award – Ross McKinnel and Jonny Francis
Ross McKinnel, Quarry Manager Greenhills Quarry, Invercargill:
Ross has managed the Quarry since 1995, and has been employed in the quarrying industry for 23 years. He joined Southern Aggregates in April 1995
Ross qualifications include a Shot Firers Ticket, Quarry Managers Certificate and he was also one of the first five people in New Zealand to obtain his National Certificate in Extractive Industries Surface Extraction through the Extractive Industries ITO.
Environmental:
Greenhills Quarry has been used by Environment Southland as a model Quarry to measure particulate matter deposits. Dust emissions measurement results have been useful both for the quarry and for the regional council. Community concerns have been allayed with the building of bund walls, planting of flax and other native shrubs, measuring water quality from surrounding creeks and consulting with locals over noise from blasting etc.
Safety:
During the nine years that Ross has managed the Quarry, there have been no lost time injuries or serious harm accidents. OSH have completed a number of health and safety systems audits at the Quarry, -100% compliance. Ross ensures regular ?toolbox? meetings are held with the staff to kee all updated with health and safety and other relevant issues. All staff undergo annual medical checks and have dedicated training in health and safety.
Quarry and Plant:
The Quarry produces a wide range of products from 2mm dust that is used in the phosphate industry for adding to phosphate to a wide range of roading aggregates to gabion rock and larger rock for flood protection. Over the years Ross has crushed a wide range of products including phosphate firebricks and mussel shells. He never hesitates to investigate different products and will go out of his way to meet the requirements of his customers.
Quarry machinery:
– Cat 950A, Cat 936F, and Cat 950G loaders. A Cat 320B excavator is used for stripping and rehabilitation work in addition to loading-out crusher feed and breaking oversize. The 950G and Cat 320B digger both have Cat 6,000 hour warranty and service agreements, which has eliminated down time and helped increase production when required.
The Quarry also operates three trucks to transport material to and from its crushing plants.
Ross’s dedication to the job and keen eye for improvements has resulted in the Greenhills Quarry site developing in to one of the most efficient and well managed sites in the southern region.
Jonny Francis, Road Metals:
Jonny Francis has been in the Quarrying Industry for the last thirteen years, and over these years the Plant has been upgraded to its present standard.
His main responsibilities have been:
The mobile crusher, and all staff associated
To make quality specified gravel at all times
Co-ordinate and supervise daily running of plant and maintenance
To operate the mobile crusher profitably
Carrying out all repairs and change wear parts as required
Carrying out maintenance programme
To practice and maintain safe work habits within the work place
To ensure that all ISO 9002 systems and procedures are adhered to
Jonny has worked with the following interesting projects – * Clyde Power Project; Opuha Dam Project; Manapouri 2nd Tailrace Project; Spooners Realignment, Nelson.
Jonny has also worked on numerous Transit New Zealand Roading projects and Local Body supply contracts throughout the South Island. He has the ability to get the job done and maintain a high standard in producing quality products, Health & Safety, Environmental areas and liaising with Regional Bodies, landowners and clients.
Well done Jonny