The organization launched the Mining Mentor Network, an industry-wide community that connects professionals across the mining sector.

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Women in Mining USA (WIM USA) launched the Mining Mentor Network.

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is an inclusive, industry-wide community designed to connect professionals across the mining sector through meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Launched at the 2026 Women in Mining USA National Conference, the Mining Mentor Network builds on WIM USA’s long-standing commitment to professional development, equity and workforce advancement. The reimagined network welcomes mentors and mentees of all genders, career stages and disciplines, recognizing mentorship as a tool for strengthening individual careers and the mining industry as a whole.

“Mentorship is one of the most practical and powerful ways we build and sustain this industry,” says Julia Potter, president of Women in Mining USA. “It’s how people gain confidence, navigate challenges and start to see what’s possible in their careers. The Mining Mentor Network is about creating real, accessible connections across roles, backgrounds and experience levels so people can learn from each other and grow together.”

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is designed to be flexible and participant-driven, with mentors and mentees able to connect as often as they’d like and whenever it best fits their schedules. Mentees guide the focus of conversations based on their goals, while mentors contribute insight and lived experience drawn from across the industry. Participants may engage as a mentor, mentee or both.

All mentoring conversations are hosted virtually via Google Meet, making it easier for participants to connect regardless of location or time zone. WIM USA says this approach supports the global nature of the mining industry and helps reduce barriers to participation.

Since its original launch in 2023 as a WIM USA initiative, the organization says the mentor program has facilitated hundreds of mentoring conversations among professionals spanning operations, engineering, geology, technical services and leadership roles. The Mining Mentor Network expands this foundation with a more inclusive name and broader reach, aligned with the evolving needs of the global mining workforce, according to WIM USA.

The network will be accessible year-round through the Women in Mining USA website and mentorship portal.

To learn more about WIM USA and the Mining Mentor Network, visit womeninmining.us.

Related: P&Q Profile: R.A. McClure’s Tamara Whitaker

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Lamar Duhon was named president and CEO, succeeding John Rathbun, who takes over as chairman of the board.

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Austin Powder’s board of directors elected Lamar Duhon as president and CEO.

Duhon succeeds John Rathbun, who led the company as president since 2017 and as president and CEO since 2018. Rathbun also takes over as chairman of the board.

“Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive and deliberate process to identify the right leader to guide Austin through its next phase of growth and long-term value creation,” Rathbun says. “Lamar is a proven operator and team builder with a clear ability to translate strategy into results. With the support of our experienced leadership team, he is well prepared to build on our momentum and lead Austin into its next chapter.”

According to Austin Powder, Duhon brings more than 25 years of global experience leading large-scale industrial businesses and complex service organizations. Most recently, he served as president of the pumps division at Flowserve Corp., where he oversaw a global portfolio serving customers across critical infrastructure markets. He previously led Flowserve’s aftermarket services and solutions business.

Earlier in his career, Duhon held senior leadership roles at Halliburton and Baker Hughes.

“The selection of Lamar as CEO reflects a thoughtful transition as Austin continues nearly two centuries of industry leadership in blasting and industrial explosives,” says Ben Gelinas, board member at Austin Powder. “This builds on Austin’s enduring commitment to safety, customer partnership, operational excellence and a people-first culture. Lamar’s leadership ensures continuity in our values while positioning the company for continued innovation and growth.”

Fellow Austin Powder board member, Jack Davis, is pleased to see Rathbun step into his new role.

“We are especially pleased that John will assume the role of chairman of the board, a natural next chapter in a remarkable 40-year career that began at Austin Powder in 1986,” Davis says. “Over decades of service and leadership, culminating in his tenure as CEO, John has strengthened our culture, deepened customer relationships and reinforced Austin’s legacy as a trusted industry leader.

“On behalf of the entire board, we thank John for his extraordinary stewardship and continued commitment to the company’s employees, customers and long-term success and look forward to working with him on the board of directors,” Davis adds.

Related: Austin Powder names president for US, Canada services

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The company says its next-generation ApronSeal, GravitySeal and A.I.R. Control products improve sealing, reduce spillage and simplify service.

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Martin Engineering introduced its next generation of transfer point dust control equipment. 

Martin ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and the A.I.R. Control dust curtain are new solutions from Martin Engineering.

“When designing these, our focus was safety, performance and longevity,” says Bert Erdmann, global engineering manager of conveyor products at Martin Engineering.  “Compliance and ease of maintenance are top of mind for our customers. We’ve discovered that passive dust and spillage control at the point of emission with safe maintenance built in is the most effective and economical method of containment.”

ApronSeal urethane skirting

Extending along the length of the skirtboard, Martin Engineering says the skirting’s design provides multiple “pieces” of reliable containment for material fines.

A primary strip is shaped to match the trough angle and create a tight seal. The optional self-adjusting secondary outer flap covers slight variations in the belt’s profile, trapping air and dust.

The ApronSeal urethane skirting requires only 2 in. of free belt area, and the self-adjusting secondary seal can be trimmed to match the available free belt area. Supplied in 60-in. strips, it features T‑slot end connections for longer chutes. It’s designed for external maintenance, improving safety and minimizing service time. 

GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting

Using torsion arms that allow the low-friction urethane skirting to smoothly ride vertical fluctuations in the belt, GravitySeal delivers a skirtboard seal that prevents spillage and reduces dust emissions, according to Martin Engineering. The automatic corrections eliminate the need for downtime to adjust the skirting level due to wear.

Featuring a seal and clamp assembly, GravitySeal is designed for conveyor speeds up to 1,300 ft. per minute with minimal free edge space, providing a seal with as little as 1.25 in. of free area on each side of the belt.

The unit’s urethane sealing strip is available in continuous lengths up to 300 ft. and provides 2 in. of wear life.  Replacement involves quickly and easily removing the linchpins and installing the new pre-punched strip, the company says.

A.I.R. Control dust curtain

Engineered for enclosed conveyor transfer points, Martin Engineering says these dust control solutions are modular urethane curtains with handles that allow a single worker to safely adjust or replace them from outside the enclosure. 

The safety features eliminate the need for confined‑space entry and reduce service time to just minutes, the company adds.

Each unit is a slide-in cartridge with individual urethane flaps that can be machine-cut to match the load’s angle of surcharge. Positioning the curtains close to the material load allows the A.I.R. Control dust curtain to create controlled recirculation zones. This allows dust particles to agglomerate and settle out, enhancing overall transfer point performance while reducing respirable and nuisance dust emissions.

Designed for safety and compliance

When installed on an existing transfer point, Martin Engineering says ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and A.I.R. Control dust curtains provide an effective passive dust control solution. 

“We’ve found urethane to be a versatile and lasting material that can withstand the rigorous demands of the bulk handling industry,” Erdmann says.

Related: Achieve cleaner belts without compromise

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Scott Hudson, who has more than a decade of experience with the company and most recently served as president, was promoted.

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

BinMaster Sensors & Technologies promoted Scott Hudson to CEO.

Hudson joined the company in 2015 as executive vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted to president of BinMaster in October 2025.

“We are proud to promote Scott Hudson to CEO,” says Scott McLain, BinMaster chairman. “He has been instrumental in growing our business while continuing to grow personally and professionally. This promotion reflects BinMaster’s corporate vision of growing our company in a way that also grows our people in their professional capacities.”

During his tenure with the company, BinMaster says Hudson has led the company through significant milestones – including three strategic acquisitions and major investments in product development, software engineering and systems integration. He also guided the organization through recovery and relocation efforts following a tornado that destroyed the company’s facilities in April 2024, ensuring business continuity and long-term resilience.

Related: Premier Aggregates appoints Todd as CEO

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association event attracted more than 380 people, featuring keynote speakers from Vulcan Materials, Dolese Bros. and other industry companies.

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) held its 2026 Young Leaders Annual Meeting in Destin, Florida, attracting more than 380 participants from across the U.S.

The agenda included two general sessions, several breakouts, networking opportunities and community service activities.

“The Young Leaders Annual Meeting showcases how important young professionals are to the aggregates industry,” says Michele Stanley, president and CEO of NSSGA. “These men and women in attendance are the future and we value their engagement. This event creates a dynamic meeting environment to stimulate their passion for the industry.”

Attendees heard from several keynote speakers during the first general session, including Stanley, Wally Adamchick of FireStarter Speaking & Consulting, Mark Helm and Leland Meiser of Dolese Bros. Co., and Craig Lamarque of Wirtgen America.

Another general session featured keynotes from Ronnie Pruitt of Vulcan Materials Co. and Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who shared his perspective on combat leadership and creating winning teams. According to NSSGA, multiple breakout sessions were also offered on topics such as professional development and technology in the workplace.

A new component of the Young Leaders Annual Meeting was the BuildHer Lunch & Learn, which connected women in the aggregates industry. Stanley served as the featured speaker, sharing her experiences and leadership journey.

The next Young Leaders Annual Meeting will take place in April 2027 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Related: What’s next for highway funding after IIJA

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for […]

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for reliable performance in demanding applications.

Available in a wide range of belt widths and lengths, these conveyors can handle capacities up to 1,200 tons per hour and are configurable with numerous options to match specific site requirements. The portable design allows quick transition from road transport to field operation, making it ideal for producers who need mobility without sacrificing throughput. Whether used in portable spreads or fixed plants, Superior’s radial stackers help producers maximize stockpile capacity, improve productivity, and keep material moving.

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The acquisition adds manufacturing capacity to Compass Wire Cloth while supporting its growth across the Southeast.

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Compass Wire Cloth finalized an agreement with Sefar Corp. to acquire its screening division located in Gray, Georgia.

The deal closed March 31, with Compass Wire Cloth assuming responsibility for the Round Ring Screen business – including a facility in Georgia and its supporting team.

The Georgia facility will operate under the Compass Wire Cloth brand and focus on manufacturing round pretension screens and related screening solutions for Southeast manufacturing operations.

“This acquisition is a strategic step in Compass Wire Cloth’s long-term growth plan and a clear investment in our customers,” says David Gentilini, chief sales officer and vice president of business development at Compass Wire Cloth. “By adding dedicated pretension manufacturing capabilities in Georgia, we are expanding our capacity, improving turnaround times for the Southeast U.S., and reinforcing our commitment to reliable, high-quality screening solutions for industrial wire cloth users throughout the region.”

According to Compass Wire Cloth, the acquisition gives it a platform for sustainable growth, creating opportunities to support more customers with industrial wire cloth and screening solutions in key Southeast markets while maintaining its New Jersey location as the central hub for operations and customer support.

Related: Dry versus wet screening: Choosing the right approach for efficiency

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling. To discuss the achievement, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling, hitting the 2-million-ton mark at its Lake Bridgeport Quarry in Bridgeport, Texas. To discuss the achievement and what’s next in autonomy, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

P&Q: What does Heidelberg Materials reaching 2 million tons hauled autonomously represent, and how significant is it for aggregates?

Kurasek: I think it’s hard to overstate. If you look at the history of autonomy in the broader industry, it’s been limited to ultra-class trucks and kind of two providers. The challenge was having the tech work on smaller trucks and having the economics work.

The benefits that were going to ultra-class trucks operating in massive mines were out of reach for the aggregates industry. This proves that’s no longer the case. You don’t have to spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. You don’t have to spend years deploying it.

When you do deploy it, you’ll quickly see an ROI – productivity improvements, doing better than humans, increasing safety. It’s a massive proof point that autonomy is here for the core industry – at this scale.

P&Q: What did it take to make the Heidelberg deployment successful, from pilot to production?

Kurasek: Once you have the AHS (autonomous haulage system), the hardest parts become connectivity and change management.

The change management piece is real – you’re fundamentally altering the core operation of moving material.

It does take partnership. Heidelberg’s been a phenomenal partner, very forward thinking and open to new ideas. Installation of our tech on a truck takes maybe two days, and then there’s testing and commissioning.

Historically it was two or three support technicians on-site, then after we’ve trained them up, day-to-day it’s Heidelberg running the autonomy, running the site – and that’s how it should be. Every time we do one of these, we learn, they learn, we share learnings and we’re seeing that faster deployment cycle.

P&Q: What gains has autonomy delivered so far?

Kurasek: Utilization, throughput, fuel savings, tire savings – all of that is incredibly real, and it scales down to quarry-scale operations.

If you’re going to sit in a queue for four or five minutes, why are you burning gas and putting strain on the suspension, brakes and tires? If you’re a robot and you know there’s a queue, you can slow down and save fuel, with no loss in cycle time.

With the data we’re collecting, this industry hasn’t had access to it before. We know fuel burn, brake force, exactly where the truck is every half second, how much weight is in the bin. It’s a digitization of the industry – and that’s the biggest unlock.

P&Q: Where is the industry now, and what misconceptions are still hold it back?

Kurasek: We’re in some degree of conversation – pilot deployed to still kicking the tires – with 18 of the top 20 aggregates producers. The biggest misconception is that the economics can’t work.

The second one is: It doesn’t work. This is hard.

We’re transparent. We’re not going to hit better than a human on Day 1. It takes time to tune the system to the site. Anybody who thinks it’s an iPhone you plug into the truck and hit play – it’s not. Do we hope we’re going to get there? Yeah.

Related: P&Q Profile: OSSGA’s Sharon Armstrong

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical.  Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime. Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, […]

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical. 

Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime.

Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, supplies, and service informed by real field experience. Rather than offering generic solutions, the team focuses on helping crews work more efficiently, extend equipment life, and solve problems encountered on active jobsites. That experience allows Republic to act as a technical resource, not just a supplier.

For mining professionals looking for proven solutions and knowledgeable support rooted in decades of drilling experience, Republic offers a partner built around the realities of the work.

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The organization launched the Mining Mentor Network, an industry-wide community that connects professionals across the mining sector.

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Women in Mining USA (WIM USA) launched the Mining Mentor Network.

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is an inclusive, industry-wide community designed to connect professionals across the mining sector through meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Launched at the 2026 Women in Mining USA National Conference, the Mining Mentor Network builds on WIM USA’s long-standing commitment to professional development, equity and workforce advancement. The reimagined network welcomes mentors and mentees of all genders, career stages and disciplines, recognizing mentorship as a tool for strengthening individual careers and the mining industry as a whole.

“Mentorship is one of the most practical and powerful ways we build and sustain this industry,” says Julia Potter, president of Women in Mining USA. “It’s how people gain confidence, navigate challenges and start to see what’s possible in their careers. The Mining Mentor Network is about creating real, accessible connections across roles, backgrounds and experience levels so people can learn from each other and grow together.”

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is designed to be flexible and participant-driven, with mentors and mentees able to connect as often as they’d like and whenever it best fits their schedules. Mentees guide the focus of conversations based on their goals, while mentors contribute insight and lived experience drawn from across the industry. Participants may engage as a mentor, mentee or both.

All mentoring conversations are hosted virtually via Google Meet, making it easier for participants to connect regardless of location or time zone. WIM USA says this approach supports the global nature of the mining industry and helps reduce barriers to participation.

Since its original launch in 2023 as a WIM USA initiative, the organization says the mentor program has facilitated hundreds of mentoring conversations among professionals spanning operations, engineering, geology, technical services and leadership roles. The Mining Mentor Network expands this foundation with a more inclusive name and broader reach, aligned with the evolving needs of the global mining workforce, according to WIM USA.

The network will be accessible year-round through the Women in Mining USA website and mentorship portal.

To learn more about WIM USA and the Mining Mentor Network, visit womeninmining.us.

Related: P&Q Profile: R.A. McClure’s Tamara Whitaker

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Lamar Duhon was named president and CEO, succeeding John Rathbun, who takes over as chairman of the board.

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Austin Powder’s board of directors elected Lamar Duhon as president and CEO.

Duhon succeeds John Rathbun, who led the company as president since 2017 and as president and CEO since 2018. Rathbun also takes over as chairman of the board.

“Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive and deliberate process to identify the right leader to guide Austin through its next phase of growth and long-term value creation,” Rathbun says. “Lamar is a proven operator and team builder with a clear ability to translate strategy into results. With the support of our experienced leadership team, he is well prepared to build on our momentum and lead Austin into its next chapter.”

According to Austin Powder, Duhon brings more than 25 years of global experience leading large-scale industrial businesses and complex service organizations. Most recently, he served as president of the pumps division at Flowserve Corp., where he oversaw a global portfolio serving customers across critical infrastructure markets. He previously led Flowserve’s aftermarket services and solutions business.

Earlier in his career, Duhon held senior leadership roles at Halliburton and Baker Hughes.

“The selection of Lamar as CEO reflects a thoughtful transition as Austin continues nearly two centuries of industry leadership in blasting and industrial explosives,” says Ben Gelinas, board member at Austin Powder. “This builds on Austin’s enduring commitment to safety, customer partnership, operational excellence and a people-first culture. Lamar’s leadership ensures continuity in our values while positioning the company for continued innovation and growth.”

Fellow Austin Powder board member, Jack Davis, is pleased to see Rathbun step into his new role.

“We are especially pleased that John will assume the role of chairman of the board, a natural next chapter in a remarkable 40-year career that began at Austin Powder in 1986,” Davis says. “Over decades of service and leadership, culminating in his tenure as CEO, John has strengthened our culture, deepened customer relationships and reinforced Austin’s legacy as a trusted industry leader.

“On behalf of the entire board, we thank John for his extraordinary stewardship and continued commitment to the company’s employees, customers and long-term success and look forward to working with him on the board of directors,” Davis adds.

Related: Austin Powder names president for US, Canada services

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The company says its next-generation ApronSeal, GravitySeal and A.I.R. Control products improve sealing, reduce spillage and simplify service.

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Martin Engineering introduced its next generation of transfer point dust control equipment. 

Martin ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and the A.I.R. Control dust curtain are new solutions from Martin Engineering.

“When designing these, our focus was safety, performance and longevity,” says Bert Erdmann, global engineering manager of conveyor products at Martin Engineering.  “Compliance and ease of maintenance are top of mind for our customers. We’ve discovered that passive dust and spillage control at the point of emission with safe maintenance built in is the most effective and economical method of containment.”

ApronSeal urethane skirting

Extending along the length of the skirtboard, Martin Engineering says the skirting’s design provides multiple “pieces” of reliable containment for material fines.

A primary strip is shaped to match the trough angle and create a tight seal. The optional self-adjusting secondary outer flap covers slight variations in the belt’s profile, trapping air and dust.

The ApronSeal urethane skirting requires only 2 in. of free belt area, and the self-adjusting secondary seal can be trimmed to match the available free belt area. Supplied in 60-in. strips, it features T‑slot end connections for longer chutes. It’s designed for external maintenance, improving safety and minimizing service time. 

GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting

Using torsion arms that allow the low-friction urethane skirting to smoothly ride vertical fluctuations in the belt, GravitySeal delivers a skirtboard seal that prevents spillage and reduces dust emissions, according to Martin Engineering. The automatic corrections eliminate the need for downtime to adjust the skirting level due to wear.

Featuring a seal and clamp assembly, GravitySeal is designed for conveyor speeds up to 1,300 ft. per minute with minimal free edge space, providing a seal with as little as 1.25 in. of free area on each side of the belt.

The unit’s urethane sealing strip is available in continuous lengths up to 300 ft. and provides 2 in. of wear life.  Replacement involves quickly and easily removing the linchpins and installing the new pre-punched strip, the company says.

A.I.R. Control dust curtain

Engineered for enclosed conveyor transfer points, Martin Engineering says these dust control solutions are modular urethane curtains with handles that allow a single worker to safely adjust or replace them from outside the enclosure. 

The safety features eliminate the need for confined‑space entry and reduce service time to just minutes, the company adds.

Each unit is a slide-in cartridge with individual urethane flaps that can be machine-cut to match the load’s angle of surcharge. Positioning the curtains close to the material load allows the A.I.R. Control dust curtain to create controlled recirculation zones. This allows dust particles to agglomerate and settle out, enhancing overall transfer point performance while reducing respirable and nuisance dust emissions.

Designed for safety and compliance

When installed on an existing transfer point, Martin Engineering says ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and A.I.R. Control dust curtains provide an effective passive dust control solution. 

“We’ve found urethane to be a versatile and lasting material that can withstand the rigorous demands of the bulk handling industry,” Erdmann says.

Related: Achieve cleaner belts without compromise

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Scott Hudson, who has more than a decade of experience with the company and most recently served as president, was promoted.

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

BinMaster Sensors & Technologies promoted Scott Hudson to CEO.

Hudson joined the company in 2015 as executive vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted to president of BinMaster in October 2025.

“We are proud to promote Scott Hudson to CEO,” says Scott McLain, BinMaster chairman. “He has been instrumental in growing our business while continuing to grow personally and professionally. This promotion reflects BinMaster’s corporate vision of growing our company in a way that also grows our people in their professional capacities.”

During his tenure with the company, BinMaster says Hudson has led the company through significant milestones – including three strategic acquisitions and major investments in product development, software engineering and systems integration. He also guided the organization through recovery and relocation efforts following a tornado that destroyed the company’s facilities in April 2024, ensuring business continuity and long-term resilience.

Related: Premier Aggregates appoints Todd as CEO

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association event attracted more than 380 people, featuring keynote speakers from Vulcan Materials, Dolese Bros. and other industry companies.

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) held its 2026 Young Leaders Annual Meeting in Destin, Florida, attracting more than 380 participants from across the U.S.

The agenda included two general sessions, several breakouts, networking opportunities and community service activities.

“The Young Leaders Annual Meeting showcases how important young professionals are to the aggregates industry,” says Michele Stanley, president and CEO of NSSGA. “These men and women in attendance are the future and we value their engagement. This event creates a dynamic meeting environment to stimulate their passion for the industry.”

Attendees heard from several keynote speakers during the first general session, including Stanley, Wally Adamchick of FireStarter Speaking & Consulting, Mark Helm and Leland Meiser of Dolese Bros. Co., and Craig Lamarque of Wirtgen America.

Another general session featured keynotes from Ronnie Pruitt of Vulcan Materials Co. and Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who shared his perspective on combat leadership and creating winning teams. According to NSSGA, multiple breakout sessions were also offered on topics such as professional development and technology in the workplace.

A new component of the Young Leaders Annual Meeting was the BuildHer Lunch & Learn, which connected women in the aggregates industry. Stanley served as the featured speaker, sharing her experiences and leadership journey.

The next Young Leaders Annual Meeting will take place in April 2027 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Related: What’s next for highway funding after IIJA

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for […]

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for reliable performance in demanding applications.

Available in a wide range of belt widths and lengths, these conveyors can handle capacities up to 1,200 tons per hour and are configurable with numerous options to match specific site requirements. The portable design allows quick transition from road transport to field operation, making it ideal for producers who need mobility without sacrificing throughput. Whether used in portable spreads or fixed plants, Superior’s radial stackers help producers maximize stockpile capacity, improve productivity, and keep material moving.

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The acquisition adds manufacturing capacity to Compass Wire Cloth while supporting its growth across the Southeast.

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Compass Wire Cloth finalized an agreement with Sefar Corp. to acquire its screening division located in Gray, Georgia.

The deal closed March 31, with Compass Wire Cloth assuming responsibility for the Round Ring Screen business – including a facility in Georgia and its supporting team.

The Georgia facility will operate under the Compass Wire Cloth brand and focus on manufacturing round pretension screens and related screening solutions for Southeast manufacturing operations.

“This acquisition is a strategic step in Compass Wire Cloth’s long-term growth plan and a clear investment in our customers,” says David Gentilini, chief sales officer and vice president of business development at Compass Wire Cloth. “By adding dedicated pretension manufacturing capabilities in Georgia, we are expanding our capacity, improving turnaround times for the Southeast U.S., and reinforcing our commitment to reliable, high-quality screening solutions for industrial wire cloth users throughout the region.”

According to Compass Wire Cloth, the acquisition gives it a platform for sustainable growth, creating opportunities to support more customers with industrial wire cloth and screening solutions in key Southeast markets while maintaining its New Jersey location as the central hub for operations and customer support.

Related: Dry versus wet screening: Choosing the right approach for efficiency

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling. To discuss the achievement, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling, hitting the 2-million-ton mark at its Lake Bridgeport Quarry in Bridgeport, Texas. To discuss the achievement and what’s next in autonomy, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

P&Q: What does Heidelberg Materials reaching 2 million tons hauled autonomously represent, and how significant is it for aggregates?

Kurasek: I think it’s hard to overstate. If you look at the history of autonomy in the broader industry, it’s been limited to ultra-class trucks and kind of two providers. The challenge was having the tech work on smaller trucks and having the economics work.

The benefits that were going to ultra-class trucks operating in massive mines were out of reach for the aggregates industry. This proves that’s no longer the case. You don’t have to spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. You don’t have to spend years deploying it.

When you do deploy it, you’ll quickly see an ROI – productivity improvements, doing better than humans, increasing safety. It’s a massive proof point that autonomy is here for the core industry – at this scale.

P&Q: What did it take to make the Heidelberg deployment successful, from pilot to production?

Kurasek: Once you have the AHS (autonomous haulage system), the hardest parts become connectivity and change management.

The change management piece is real – you’re fundamentally altering the core operation of moving material.

It does take partnership. Heidelberg’s been a phenomenal partner, very forward thinking and open to new ideas. Installation of our tech on a truck takes maybe two days, and then there’s testing and commissioning.

Historically it was two or three support technicians on-site, then after we’ve trained them up, day-to-day it’s Heidelberg running the autonomy, running the site – and that’s how it should be. Every time we do one of these, we learn, they learn, we share learnings and we’re seeing that faster deployment cycle.

P&Q: What gains has autonomy delivered so far?

Kurasek: Utilization, throughput, fuel savings, tire savings – all of that is incredibly real, and it scales down to quarry-scale operations.

If you’re going to sit in a queue for four or five minutes, why are you burning gas and putting strain on the suspension, brakes and tires? If you’re a robot and you know there’s a queue, you can slow down and save fuel, with no loss in cycle time.

With the data we’re collecting, this industry hasn’t had access to it before. We know fuel burn, brake force, exactly where the truck is every half second, how much weight is in the bin. It’s a digitization of the industry – and that’s the biggest unlock.

P&Q: Where is the industry now, and what misconceptions are still hold it back?

Kurasek: We’re in some degree of conversation – pilot deployed to still kicking the tires – with 18 of the top 20 aggregates producers. The biggest misconception is that the economics can’t work.

The second one is: It doesn’t work. This is hard.

We’re transparent. We’re not going to hit better than a human on Day 1. It takes time to tune the system to the site. Anybody who thinks it’s an iPhone you plug into the truck and hit play – it’s not. Do we hope we’re going to get there? Yeah.

Related: P&Q Profile: OSSGA’s Sharon Armstrong

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical.  Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime. Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, […]

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical. 

Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime.

Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, supplies, and service informed by real field experience. Rather than offering generic solutions, the team focuses on helping crews work more efficiently, extend equipment life, and solve problems encountered on active jobsites. That experience allows Republic to act as a technical resource, not just a supplier.

For mining professionals looking for proven solutions and knowledgeable support rooted in decades of drilling experience, Republic offers a partner built around the realities of the work.

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The organization launched the Mining Mentor Network, an industry-wide community that connects professionals across the mining sector.

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Women in Mining USA (WIM USA) launched the Mining Mentor Network.

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is an inclusive, industry-wide community designed to connect professionals across the mining sector through meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Launched at the 2026 Women in Mining USA National Conference, the Mining Mentor Network builds on WIM USA’s long-standing commitment to professional development, equity and workforce advancement. The reimagined network welcomes mentors and mentees of all genders, career stages and disciplines, recognizing mentorship as a tool for strengthening individual careers and the mining industry as a whole.

“Mentorship is one of the most practical and powerful ways we build and sustain this industry,” says Julia Potter, president of Women in Mining USA. “It’s how people gain confidence, navigate challenges and start to see what’s possible in their careers. The Mining Mentor Network is about creating real, accessible connections across roles, backgrounds and experience levels so people can learn from each other and grow together.”

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is designed to be flexible and participant-driven, with mentors and mentees able to connect as often as they’d like and whenever it best fits their schedules. Mentees guide the focus of conversations based on their goals, while mentors contribute insight and lived experience drawn from across the industry. Participants may engage as a mentor, mentee or both.

All mentoring conversations are hosted virtually via Google Meet, making it easier for participants to connect regardless of location or time zone. WIM USA says this approach supports the global nature of the mining industry and helps reduce barriers to participation.

Since its original launch in 2023 as a WIM USA initiative, the organization says the mentor program has facilitated hundreds of mentoring conversations among professionals spanning operations, engineering, geology, technical services and leadership roles. The Mining Mentor Network expands this foundation with a more inclusive name and broader reach, aligned with the evolving needs of the global mining workforce, according to WIM USA.

The network will be accessible year-round through the Women in Mining USA website and mentorship portal.

To learn more about WIM USA and the Mining Mentor Network, visit womeninmining.us.

Related: P&Q Profile: R.A. McClure’s Tamara Whitaker

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Lamar Duhon was named president and CEO, succeeding John Rathbun, who takes over as chairman of the board.

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Austin Powder’s board of directors elected Lamar Duhon as president and CEO.

Duhon succeeds John Rathbun, who led the company as president since 2017 and as president and CEO since 2018. Rathbun also takes over as chairman of the board.

“Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive and deliberate process to identify the right leader to guide Austin through its next phase of growth and long-term value creation,” Rathbun says. “Lamar is a proven operator and team builder with a clear ability to translate strategy into results. With the support of our experienced leadership team, he is well prepared to build on our momentum and lead Austin into its next chapter.”

According to Austin Powder, Duhon brings more than 25 years of global experience leading large-scale industrial businesses and complex service organizations. Most recently, he served as president of the pumps division at Flowserve Corp., where he oversaw a global portfolio serving customers across critical infrastructure markets. He previously led Flowserve’s aftermarket services and solutions business.

Earlier in his career, Duhon held senior leadership roles at Halliburton and Baker Hughes.

“The selection of Lamar as CEO reflects a thoughtful transition as Austin continues nearly two centuries of industry leadership in blasting and industrial explosives,” says Ben Gelinas, board member at Austin Powder. “This builds on Austin’s enduring commitment to safety, customer partnership, operational excellence and a people-first culture. Lamar’s leadership ensures continuity in our values while positioning the company for continued innovation and growth.”

Fellow Austin Powder board member, Jack Davis, is pleased to see Rathbun step into his new role.

“We are especially pleased that John will assume the role of chairman of the board, a natural next chapter in a remarkable 40-year career that began at Austin Powder in 1986,” Davis says. “Over decades of service and leadership, culminating in his tenure as CEO, John has strengthened our culture, deepened customer relationships and reinforced Austin’s legacy as a trusted industry leader.

“On behalf of the entire board, we thank John for his extraordinary stewardship and continued commitment to the company’s employees, customers and long-term success and look forward to working with him on the board of directors,” Davis adds.

Related: Austin Powder names president for US, Canada services

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The company says its next-generation ApronSeal, GravitySeal and A.I.R. Control products improve sealing, reduce spillage and simplify service.

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Martin Engineering introduced its next generation of transfer point dust control equipment. 

Martin ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and the A.I.R. Control dust curtain are new solutions from Martin Engineering.

“When designing these, our focus was safety, performance and longevity,” says Bert Erdmann, global engineering manager of conveyor products at Martin Engineering.  “Compliance and ease of maintenance are top of mind for our customers. We’ve discovered that passive dust and spillage control at the point of emission with safe maintenance built in is the most effective and economical method of containment.”

ApronSeal urethane skirting

Extending along the length of the skirtboard, Martin Engineering says the skirting’s design provides multiple “pieces” of reliable containment for material fines.

A primary strip is shaped to match the trough angle and create a tight seal. The optional self-adjusting secondary outer flap covers slight variations in the belt’s profile, trapping air and dust.

The ApronSeal urethane skirting requires only 2 in. of free belt area, and the self-adjusting secondary seal can be trimmed to match the available free belt area. Supplied in 60-in. strips, it features T‑slot end connections for longer chutes. It’s designed for external maintenance, improving safety and minimizing service time. 

GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting

Using torsion arms that allow the low-friction urethane skirting to smoothly ride vertical fluctuations in the belt, GravitySeal delivers a skirtboard seal that prevents spillage and reduces dust emissions, according to Martin Engineering. The automatic corrections eliminate the need for downtime to adjust the skirting level due to wear.

Featuring a seal and clamp assembly, GravitySeal is designed for conveyor speeds up to 1,300 ft. per minute with minimal free edge space, providing a seal with as little as 1.25 in. of free area on each side of the belt.

The unit’s urethane sealing strip is available in continuous lengths up to 300 ft. and provides 2 in. of wear life.  Replacement involves quickly and easily removing the linchpins and installing the new pre-punched strip, the company says.

A.I.R. Control dust curtain

Engineered for enclosed conveyor transfer points, Martin Engineering says these dust control solutions are modular urethane curtains with handles that allow a single worker to safely adjust or replace them from outside the enclosure. 

The safety features eliminate the need for confined‑space entry and reduce service time to just minutes, the company adds.

Each unit is a slide-in cartridge with individual urethane flaps that can be machine-cut to match the load’s angle of surcharge. Positioning the curtains close to the material load allows the A.I.R. Control dust curtain to create controlled recirculation zones. This allows dust particles to agglomerate and settle out, enhancing overall transfer point performance while reducing respirable and nuisance dust emissions.

Designed for safety and compliance

When installed on an existing transfer point, Martin Engineering says ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and A.I.R. Control dust curtains provide an effective passive dust control solution. 

“We’ve found urethane to be a versatile and lasting material that can withstand the rigorous demands of the bulk handling industry,” Erdmann says.

Related: Achieve cleaner belts without compromise

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Scott Hudson, who has more than a decade of experience with the company and most recently served as president, was promoted.

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

BinMaster Sensors & Technologies promoted Scott Hudson to CEO.

Hudson joined the company in 2015 as executive vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted to president of BinMaster in October 2025.

“We are proud to promote Scott Hudson to CEO,” says Scott McLain, BinMaster chairman. “He has been instrumental in growing our business while continuing to grow personally and professionally. This promotion reflects BinMaster’s corporate vision of growing our company in a way that also grows our people in their professional capacities.”

During his tenure with the company, BinMaster says Hudson has led the company through significant milestones – including three strategic acquisitions and major investments in product development, software engineering and systems integration. He also guided the organization through recovery and relocation efforts following a tornado that destroyed the company’s facilities in April 2024, ensuring business continuity and long-term resilience.

Related: Premier Aggregates appoints Todd as CEO

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association event attracted more than 380 people, featuring keynote speakers from Vulcan Materials, Dolese Bros. and other industry companies.

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) held its 2026 Young Leaders Annual Meeting in Destin, Florida, attracting more than 380 participants from across the U.S.

The agenda included two general sessions, several breakouts, networking opportunities and community service activities.

“The Young Leaders Annual Meeting showcases how important young professionals are to the aggregates industry,” says Michele Stanley, president and CEO of NSSGA. “These men and women in attendance are the future and we value their engagement. This event creates a dynamic meeting environment to stimulate their passion for the industry.”

Attendees heard from several keynote speakers during the first general session, including Stanley, Wally Adamchick of FireStarter Speaking & Consulting, Mark Helm and Leland Meiser of Dolese Bros. Co., and Craig Lamarque of Wirtgen America.

Another general session featured keynotes from Ronnie Pruitt of Vulcan Materials Co. and Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who shared his perspective on combat leadership and creating winning teams. According to NSSGA, multiple breakout sessions were also offered on topics such as professional development and technology in the workplace.

A new component of the Young Leaders Annual Meeting was the BuildHer Lunch & Learn, which connected women in the aggregates industry. Stanley served as the featured speaker, sharing her experiences and leadership journey.

The next Young Leaders Annual Meeting will take place in April 2027 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Related: What’s next for highway funding after IIJA

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for […]

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for reliable performance in demanding applications.

Available in a wide range of belt widths and lengths, these conveyors can handle capacities up to 1,200 tons per hour and are configurable with numerous options to match specific site requirements. The portable design allows quick transition from road transport to field operation, making it ideal for producers who need mobility without sacrificing throughput. Whether used in portable spreads or fixed plants, Superior’s radial stackers help producers maximize stockpile capacity, improve productivity, and keep material moving.

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The acquisition adds manufacturing capacity to Compass Wire Cloth while supporting its growth across the Southeast.

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Compass Wire Cloth finalized an agreement with Sefar Corp. to acquire its screening division located in Gray, Georgia.

The deal closed March 31, with Compass Wire Cloth assuming responsibility for the Round Ring Screen business – including a facility in Georgia and its supporting team.

The Georgia facility will operate under the Compass Wire Cloth brand and focus on manufacturing round pretension screens and related screening solutions for Southeast manufacturing operations.

“This acquisition is a strategic step in Compass Wire Cloth’s long-term growth plan and a clear investment in our customers,” says David Gentilini, chief sales officer and vice president of business development at Compass Wire Cloth. “By adding dedicated pretension manufacturing capabilities in Georgia, we are expanding our capacity, improving turnaround times for the Southeast U.S., and reinforcing our commitment to reliable, high-quality screening solutions for industrial wire cloth users throughout the region.”

According to Compass Wire Cloth, the acquisition gives it a platform for sustainable growth, creating opportunities to support more customers with industrial wire cloth and screening solutions in key Southeast markets while maintaining its New Jersey location as the central hub for operations and customer support.

Related: Dry versus wet screening: Choosing the right approach for efficiency

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling. To discuss the achievement, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling, hitting the 2-million-ton mark at its Lake Bridgeport Quarry in Bridgeport, Texas. To discuss the achievement and what’s next in autonomy, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

P&Q: What does Heidelberg Materials reaching 2 million tons hauled autonomously represent, and how significant is it for aggregates?

Kurasek: I think it’s hard to overstate. If you look at the history of autonomy in the broader industry, it’s been limited to ultra-class trucks and kind of two providers. The challenge was having the tech work on smaller trucks and having the economics work.

The benefits that were going to ultra-class trucks operating in massive mines were out of reach for the aggregates industry. This proves that’s no longer the case. You don’t have to spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. You don’t have to spend years deploying it.

When you do deploy it, you’ll quickly see an ROI – productivity improvements, doing better than humans, increasing safety. It’s a massive proof point that autonomy is here for the core industry – at this scale.

P&Q: What did it take to make the Heidelberg deployment successful, from pilot to production?

Kurasek: Once you have the AHS (autonomous haulage system), the hardest parts become connectivity and change management.

The change management piece is real – you’re fundamentally altering the core operation of moving material.

It does take partnership. Heidelberg’s been a phenomenal partner, very forward thinking and open to new ideas. Installation of our tech on a truck takes maybe two days, and then there’s testing and commissioning.

Historically it was two or three support technicians on-site, then after we’ve trained them up, day-to-day it’s Heidelberg running the autonomy, running the site – and that’s how it should be. Every time we do one of these, we learn, they learn, we share learnings and we’re seeing that faster deployment cycle.

P&Q: What gains has autonomy delivered so far?

Kurasek: Utilization, throughput, fuel savings, tire savings – all of that is incredibly real, and it scales down to quarry-scale operations.

If you’re going to sit in a queue for four or five minutes, why are you burning gas and putting strain on the suspension, brakes and tires? If you’re a robot and you know there’s a queue, you can slow down and save fuel, with no loss in cycle time.

With the data we’re collecting, this industry hasn’t had access to it before. We know fuel burn, brake force, exactly where the truck is every half second, how much weight is in the bin. It’s a digitization of the industry – and that’s the biggest unlock.

P&Q: Where is the industry now, and what misconceptions are still hold it back?

Kurasek: We’re in some degree of conversation – pilot deployed to still kicking the tires – with 18 of the top 20 aggregates producers. The biggest misconception is that the economics can’t work.

The second one is: It doesn’t work. This is hard.

We’re transparent. We’re not going to hit better than a human on Day 1. It takes time to tune the system to the site. Anybody who thinks it’s an iPhone you plug into the truck and hit play – it’s not. Do we hope we’re going to get there? Yeah.

Related: P&Q Profile: OSSGA’s Sharon Armstrong

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical.  Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime. Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, […]

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical. 

Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime.

Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, supplies, and service informed by real field experience. Rather than offering generic solutions, the team focuses on helping crews work more efficiently, extend equipment life, and solve problems encountered on active jobsites. That experience allows Republic to act as a technical resource, not just a supplier.

For mining professionals looking for proven solutions and knowledgeable support rooted in decades of drilling experience, Republic offers a partner built around the realities of the work.

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The organization launched the Mining Mentor Network, an industry-wide community that connects professionals across the mining sector.

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Women in Mining USA (WIM USA) launched the Mining Mentor Network.

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is an inclusive, industry-wide community designed to connect professionals across the mining sector through meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Launched at the 2026 Women in Mining USA National Conference, the Mining Mentor Network builds on WIM USA’s long-standing commitment to professional development, equity and workforce advancement. The reimagined network welcomes mentors and mentees of all genders, career stages and disciplines, recognizing mentorship as a tool for strengthening individual careers and the mining industry as a whole.

“Mentorship is one of the most practical and powerful ways we build and sustain this industry,” says Julia Potter, president of Women in Mining USA. “It’s how people gain confidence, navigate challenges and start to see what’s possible in their careers. The Mining Mentor Network is about creating real, accessible connections across roles, backgrounds and experience levels so people can learn from each other and grow together.”

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is designed to be flexible and participant-driven, with mentors and mentees able to connect as often as they’d like and whenever it best fits their schedules. Mentees guide the focus of conversations based on their goals, while mentors contribute insight and lived experience drawn from across the industry. Participants may engage as a mentor, mentee or both.

All mentoring conversations are hosted virtually via Google Meet, making it easier for participants to connect regardless of location or time zone. WIM USA says this approach supports the global nature of the mining industry and helps reduce barriers to participation.

Since its original launch in 2023 as a WIM USA initiative, the organization says the mentor program has facilitated hundreds of mentoring conversations among professionals spanning operations, engineering, geology, technical services and leadership roles. The Mining Mentor Network expands this foundation with a more inclusive name and broader reach, aligned with the evolving needs of the global mining workforce, according to WIM USA.

The network will be accessible year-round through the Women in Mining USA website and mentorship portal.

To learn more about WIM USA and the Mining Mentor Network, visit womeninmining.us.

Related: P&Q Profile: R.A. McClure’s Tamara Whitaker

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Lamar Duhon was named president and CEO, succeeding John Rathbun, who takes over as chairman of the board.

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Austin Powder’s board of directors elected Lamar Duhon as president and CEO.

Duhon succeeds John Rathbun, who led the company as president since 2017 and as president and CEO since 2018. Rathbun also takes over as chairman of the board.

“Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive and deliberate process to identify the right leader to guide Austin through its next phase of growth and long-term value creation,” Rathbun says. “Lamar is a proven operator and team builder with a clear ability to translate strategy into results. With the support of our experienced leadership team, he is well prepared to build on our momentum and lead Austin into its next chapter.”

According to Austin Powder, Duhon brings more than 25 years of global experience leading large-scale industrial businesses and complex service organizations. Most recently, he served as president of the pumps division at Flowserve Corp., where he oversaw a global portfolio serving customers across critical infrastructure markets. He previously led Flowserve’s aftermarket services and solutions business.

Earlier in his career, Duhon held senior leadership roles at Halliburton and Baker Hughes.

“The selection of Lamar as CEO reflects a thoughtful transition as Austin continues nearly two centuries of industry leadership in blasting and industrial explosives,” says Ben Gelinas, board member at Austin Powder. “This builds on Austin’s enduring commitment to safety, customer partnership, operational excellence and a people-first culture. Lamar’s leadership ensures continuity in our values while positioning the company for continued innovation and growth.”

Fellow Austin Powder board member, Jack Davis, is pleased to see Rathbun step into his new role.

“We are especially pleased that John will assume the role of chairman of the board, a natural next chapter in a remarkable 40-year career that began at Austin Powder in 1986,” Davis says. “Over decades of service and leadership, culminating in his tenure as CEO, John has strengthened our culture, deepened customer relationships and reinforced Austin’s legacy as a trusted industry leader.

“On behalf of the entire board, we thank John for his extraordinary stewardship and continued commitment to the company’s employees, customers and long-term success and look forward to working with him on the board of directors,” Davis adds.

Related: Austin Powder names president for US, Canada services

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The company says its next-generation ApronSeal, GravitySeal and A.I.R. Control products improve sealing, reduce spillage and simplify service.

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Martin Engineering introduced its next generation of transfer point dust control equipment. 

Martin ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and the A.I.R. Control dust curtain are new solutions from Martin Engineering.

“When designing these, our focus was safety, performance and longevity,” says Bert Erdmann, global engineering manager of conveyor products at Martin Engineering.  “Compliance and ease of maintenance are top of mind for our customers. We’ve discovered that passive dust and spillage control at the point of emission with safe maintenance built in is the most effective and economical method of containment.”

ApronSeal urethane skirting

Extending along the length of the skirtboard, Martin Engineering says the skirting’s design provides multiple “pieces” of reliable containment for material fines.

A primary strip is shaped to match the trough angle and create a tight seal. The optional self-adjusting secondary outer flap covers slight variations in the belt’s profile, trapping air and dust.

The ApronSeal urethane skirting requires only 2 in. of free belt area, and the self-adjusting secondary seal can be trimmed to match the available free belt area. Supplied in 60-in. strips, it features T‑slot end connections for longer chutes. It’s designed for external maintenance, improving safety and minimizing service time. 

GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting

Using torsion arms that allow the low-friction urethane skirting to smoothly ride vertical fluctuations in the belt, GravitySeal delivers a skirtboard seal that prevents spillage and reduces dust emissions, according to Martin Engineering. The automatic corrections eliminate the need for downtime to adjust the skirting level due to wear.

Featuring a seal and clamp assembly, GravitySeal is designed for conveyor speeds up to 1,300 ft. per minute with minimal free edge space, providing a seal with as little as 1.25 in. of free area on each side of the belt.

The unit’s urethane sealing strip is available in continuous lengths up to 300 ft. and provides 2 in. of wear life.  Replacement involves quickly and easily removing the linchpins and installing the new pre-punched strip, the company says.

A.I.R. Control dust curtain

Engineered for enclosed conveyor transfer points, Martin Engineering says these dust control solutions are modular urethane curtains with handles that allow a single worker to safely adjust or replace them from outside the enclosure. 

The safety features eliminate the need for confined‑space entry and reduce service time to just minutes, the company adds.

Each unit is a slide-in cartridge with individual urethane flaps that can be machine-cut to match the load’s angle of surcharge. Positioning the curtains close to the material load allows the A.I.R. Control dust curtain to create controlled recirculation zones. This allows dust particles to agglomerate and settle out, enhancing overall transfer point performance while reducing respirable and nuisance dust emissions.

Designed for safety and compliance

When installed on an existing transfer point, Martin Engineering says ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and A.I.R. Control dust curtains provide an effective passive dust control solution. 

“We’ve found urethane to be a versatile and lasting material that can withstand the rigorous demands of the bulk handling industry,” Erdmann says.

Related: Achieve cleaner belts without compromise

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Scott Hudson, who has more than a decade of experience with the company and most recently served as president, was promoted.

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

BinMaster Sensors & Technologies promoted Scott Hudson to CEO.

Hudson joined the company in 2015 as executive vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted to president of BinMaster in October 2025.

“We are proud to promote Scott Hudson to CEO,” says Scott McLain, BinMaster chairman. “He has been instrumental in growing our business while continuing to grow personally and professionally. This promotion reflects BinMaster’s corporate vision of growing our company in a way that also grows our people in their professional capacities.”

During his tenure with the company, BinMaster says Hudson has led the company through significant milestones – including three strategic acquisitions and major investments in product development, software engineering and systems integration. He also guided the organization through recovery and relocation efforts following a tornado that destroyed the company’s facilities in April 2024, ensuring business continuity and long-term resilience.

Related: Premier Aggregates appoints Todd as CEO

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association event attracted more than 380 people, featuring keynote speakers from Vulcan Materials, Dolese Bros. and other industry companies.

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) held its 2026 Young Leaders Annual Meeting in Destin, Florida, attracting more than 380 participants from across the U.S.

The agenda included two general sessions, several breakouts, networking opportunities and community service activities.

“The Young Leaders Annual Meeting showcases how important young professionals are to the aggregates industry,” says Michele Stanley, president and CEO of NSSGA. “These men and women in attendance are the future and we value their engagement. This event creates a dynamic meeting environment to stimulate their passion for the industry.”

Attendees heard from several keynote speakers during the first general session, including Stanley, Wally Adamchick of FireStarter Speaking & Consulting, Mark Helm and Leland Meiser of Dolese Bros. Co., and Craig Lamarque of Wirtgen America.

Another general session featured keynotes from Ronnie Pruitt of Vulcan Materials Co. and Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who shared his perspective on combat leadership and creating winning teams. According to NSSGA, multiple breakout sessions were also offered on topics such as professional development and technology in the workplace.

A new component of the Young Leaders Annual Meeting was the BuildHer Lunch & Learn, which connected women in the aggregates industry. Stanley served as the featured speaker, sharing her experiences and leadership journey.

The next Young Leaders Annual Meeting will take place in April 2027 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Related: What’s next for highway funding after IIJA

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for […]

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for reliable performance in demanding applications.

Available in a wide range of belt widths and lengths, these conveyors can handle capacities up to 1,200 tons per hour and are configurable with numerous options to match specific site requirements. The portable design allows quick transition from road transport to field operation, making it ideal for producers who need mobility without sacrificing throughput. Whether used in portable spreads or fixed plants, Superior’s radial stackers help producers maximize stockpile capacity, improve productivity, and keep material moving.

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The acquisition adds manufacturing capacity to Compass Wire Cloth while supporting its growth across the Southeast.

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Compass Wire Cloth finalized an agreement with Sefar Corp. to acquire its screening division located in Gray, Georgia.

The deal closed March 31, with Compass Wire Cloth assuming responsibility for the Round Ring Screen business – including a facility in Georgia and its supporting team.

The Georgia facility will operate under the Compass Wire Cloth brand and focus on manufacturing round pretension screens and related screening solutions for Southeast manufacturing operations.

“This acquisition is a strategic step in Compass Wire Cloth’s long-term growth plan and a clear investment in our customers,” says David Gentilini, chief sales officer and vice president of business development at Compass Wire Cloth. “By adding dedicated pretension manufacturing capabilities in Georgia, we are expanding our capacity, improving turnaround times for the Southeast U.S., and reinforcing our commitment to reliable, high-quality screening solutions for industrial wire cloth users throughout the region.”

According to Compass Wire Cloth, the acquisition gives it a platform for sustainable growth, creating opportunities to support more customers with industrial wire cloth and screening solutions in key Southeast markets while maintaining its New Jersey location as the central hub for operations and customer support.

Related: Dry versus wet screening: Choosing the right approach for efficiency

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling. To discuss the achievement, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling, hitting the 2-million-ton mark at its Lake Bridgeport Quarry in Bridgeport, Texas. To discuss the achievement and what’s next in autonomy, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

P&Q: What does Heidelberg Materials reaching 2 million tons hauled autonomously represent, and how significant is it for aggregates?

Kurasek: I think it’s hard to overstate. If you look at the history of autonomy in the broader industry, it’s been limited to ultra-class trucks and kind of two providers. The challenge was having the tech work on smaller trucks and having the economics work.

The benefits that were going to ultra-class trucks operating in massive mines were out of reach for the aggregates industry. This proves that’s no longer the case. You don’t have to spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. You don’t have to spend years deploying it.

When you do deploy it, you’ll quickly see an ROI – productivity improvements, doing better than humans, increasing safety. It’s a massive proof point that autonomy is here for the core industry – at this scale.

P&Q: What did it take to make the Heidelberg deployment successful, from pilot to production?

Kurasek: Once you have the AHS (autonomous haulage system), the hardest parts become connectivity and change management.

The change management piece is real – you’re fundamentally altering the core operation of moving material.

It does take partnership. Heidelberg’s been a phenomenal partner, very forward thinking and open to new ideas. Installation of our tech on a truck takes maybe two days, and then there’s testing and commissioning.

Historically it was two or three support technicians on-site, then after we’ve trained them up, day-to-day it’s Heidelberg running the autonomy, running the site – and that’s how it should be. Every time we do one of these, we learn, they learn, we share learnings and we’re seeing that faster deployment cycle.

P&Q: What gains has autonomy delivered so far?

Kurasek: Utilization, throughput, fuel savings, tire savings – all of that is incredibly real, and it scales down to quarry-scale operations.

If you’re going to sit in a queue for four or five minutes, why are you burning gas and putting strain on the suspension, brakes and tires? If you’re a robot and you know there’s a queue, you can slow down and save fuel, with no loss in cycle time.

With the data we’re collecting, this industry hasn’t had access to it before. We know fuel burn, brake force, exactly where the truck is every half second, how much weight is in the bin. It’s a digitization of the industry – and that’s the biggest unlock.

P&Q: Where is the industry now, and what misconceptions are still hold it back?

Kurasek: We’re in some degree of conversation – pilot deployed to still kicking the tires – with 18 of the top 20 aggregates producers. The biggest misconception is that the economics can’t work.

The second one is: It doesn’t work. This is hard.

We’re transparent. We’re not going to hit better than a human on Day 1. It takes time to tune the system to the site. Anybody who thinks it’s an iPhone you plug into the truck and hit play – it’s not. Do we hope we’re going to get there? Yeah.

Related: P&Q Profile: OSSGA’s Sharon Armstrong

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical.  Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime. Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, […]

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical. 

Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime.

Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, supplies, and service informed by real field experience. Rather than offering generic solutions, the team focuses on helping crews work more efficiently, extend equipment life, and solve problems encountered on active jobsites. That experience allows Republic to act as a technical resource, not just a supplier.

For mining professionals looking for proven solutions and knowledgeable support rooted in decades of drilling experience, Republic offers a partner built around the realities of the work.

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The organization launched the Mining Mentor Network, an industry-wide community that connects professionals across the mining sector.

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Women in Mining USA (WIM USA) launched the Mining Mentor Network.

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is an inclusive, industry-wide community designed to connect professionals across the mining sector through meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Launched at the 2026 Women in Mining USA National Conference, the Mining Mentor Network builds on WIM USA’s long-standing commitment to professional development, equity and workforce advancement. The reimagined network welcomes mentors and mentees of all genders, career stages and disciplines, recognizing mentorship as a tool for strengthening individual careers and the mining industry as a whole.

“Mentorship is one of the most practical and powerful ways we build and sustain this industry,” says Julia Potter, president of Women in Mining USA. “It’s how people gain confidence, navigate challenges and start to see what’s possible in their careers. The Mining Mentor Network is about creating real, accessible connections across roles, backgrounds and experience levels so people can learn from each other and grow together.”

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is designed to be flexible and participant-driven, with mentors and mentees able to connect as often as they’d like and whenever it best fits their schedules. Mentees guide the focus of conversations based on their goals, while mentors contribute insight and lived experience drawn from across the industry. Participants may engage as a mentor, mentee or both.

All mentoring conversations are hosted virtually via Google Meet, making it easier for participants to connect regardless of location or time zone. WIM USA says this approach supports the global nature of the mining industry and helps reduce barriers to participation.

Since its original launch in 2023 as a WIM USA initiative, the organization says the mentor program has facilitated hundreds of mentoring conversations among professionals spanning operations, engineering, geology, technical services and leadership roles. The Mining Mentor Network expands this foundation with a more inclusive name and broader reach, aligned with the evolving needs of the global mining workforce, according to WIM USA.

The network will be accessible year-round through the Women in Mining USA website and mentorship portal.

To learn more about WIM USA and the Mining Mentor Network, visit womeninmining.us.

Related: P&Q Profile: R.A. McClure’s Tamara Whitaker

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Lamar Duhon was named president and CEO, succeeding John Rathbun, who takes over as chairman of the board.

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Austin Powder’s board of directors elected Lamar Duhon as president and CEO.

Duhon succeeds John Rathbun, who led the company as president since 2017 and as president and CEO since 2018. Rathbun also takes over as chairman of the board.

“Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive and deliberate process to identify the right leader to guide Austin through its next phase of growth and long-term value creation,” Rathbun says. “Lamar is a proven operator and team builder with a clear ability to translate strategy into results. With the support of our experienced leadership team, he is well prepared to build on our momentum and lead Austin into its next chapter.”

According to Austin Powder, Duhon brings more than 25 years of global experience leading large-scale industrial businesses and complex service organizations. Most recently, he served as president of the pumps division at Flowserve Corp., where he oversaw a global portfolio serving customers across critical infrastructure markets. He previously led Flowserve’s aftermarket services and solutions business.

Earlier in his career, Duhon held senior leadership roles at Halliburton and Baker Hughes.

“The selection of Lamar as CEO reflects a thoughtful transition as Austin continues nearly two centuries of industry leadership in blasting and industrial explosives,” says Ben Gelinas, board member at Austin Powder. “This builds on Austin’s enduring commitment to safety, customer partnership, operational excellence and a people-first culture. Lamar’s leadership ensures continuity in our values while positioning the company for continued innovation and growth.”

Fellow Austin Powder board member, Jack Davis, is pleased to see Rathbun step into his new role.

“We are especially pleased that John will assume the role of chairman of the board, a natural next chapter in a remarkable 40-year career that began at Austin Powder in 1986,” Davis says. “Over decades of service and leadership, culminating in his tenure as CEO, John has strengthened our culture, deepened customer relationships and reinforced Austin’s legacy as a trusted industry leader.

“On behalf of the entire board, we thank John for his extraordinary stewardship and continued commitment to the company’s employees, customers and long-term success and look forward to working with him on the board of directors,” Davis adds.

Related: Austin Powder names president for US, Canada services

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The company says its next-generation ApronSeal, GravitySeal and A.I.R. Control products improve sealing, reduce spillage and simplify service.

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Martin Engineering introduced its next generation of transfer point dust control equipment. 

Martin ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and the A.I.R. Control dust curtain are new solutions from Martin Engineering.

“When designing these, our focus was safety, performance and longevity,” says Bert Erdmann, global engineering manager of conveyor products at Martin Engineering.  “Compliance and ease of maintenance are top of mind for our customers. We’ve discovered that passive dust and spillage control at the point of emission with safe maintenance built in is the most effective and economical method of containment.”

ApronSeal urethane skirting

Extending along the length of the skirtboard, Martin Engineering says the skirting’s design provides multiple “pieces” of reliable containment for material fines.

A primary strip is shaped to match the trough angle and create a tight seal. The optional self-adjusting secondary outer flap covers slight variations in the belt’s profile, trapping air and dust.

The ApronSeal urethane skirting requires only 2 in. of free belt area, and the self-adjusting secondary seal can be trimmed to match the available free belt area. Supplied in 60-in. strips, it features T‑slot end connections for longer chutes. It’s designed for external maintenance, improving safety and minimizing service time. 

GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting

Using torsion arms that allow the low-friction urethane skirting to smoothly ride vertical fluctuations in the belt, GravitySeal delivers a skirtboard seal that prevents spillage and reduces dust emissions, according to Martin Engineering. The automatic corrections eliminate the need for downtime to adjust the skirting level due to wear.

Featuring a seal and clamp assembly, GravitySeal is designed for conveyor speeds up to 1,300 ft. per minute with minimal free edge space, providing a seal with as little as 1.25 in. of free area on each side of the belt.

The unit’s urethane sealing strip is available in continuous lengths up to 300 ft. and provides 2 in. of wear life.  Replacement involves quickly and easily removing the linchpins and installing the new pre-punched strip, the company says.

A.I.R. Control dust curtain

Engineered for enclosed conveyor transfer points, Martin Engineering says these dust control solutions are modular urethane curtains with handles that allow a single worker to safely adjust or replace them from outside the enclosure. 

The safety features eliminate the need for confined‑space entry and reduce service time to just minutes, the company adds.

Each unit is a slide-in cartridge with individual urethane flaps that can be machine-cut to match the load’s angle of surcharge. Positioning the curtains close to the material load allows the A.I.R. Control dust curtain to create controlled recirculation zones. This allows dust particles to agglomerate and settle out, enhancing overall transfer point performance while reducing respirable and nuisance dust emissions.

Designed for safety and compliance

When installed on an existing transfer point, Martin Engineering says ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and A.I.R. Control dust curtains provide an effective passive dust control solution. 

“We’ve found urethane to be a versatile and lasting material that can withstand the rigorous demands of the bulk handling industry,” Erdmann says.

Related: Achieve cleaner belts without compromise

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Scott Hudson, who has more than a decade of experience with the company and most recently served as president, was promoted.

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

BinMaster Sensors & Technologies promoted Scott Hudson to CEO.

Hudson joined the company in 2015 as executive vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted to president of BinMaster in October 2025.

“We are proud to promote Scott Hudson to CEO,” says Scott McLain, BinMaster chairman. “He has been instrumental in growing our business while continuing to grow personally and professionally. This promotion reflects BinMaster’s corporate vision of growing our company in a way that also grows our people in their professional capacities.”

During his tenure with the company, BinMaster says Hudson has led the company through significant milestones – including three strategic acquisitions and major investments in product development, software engineering and systems integration. He also guided the organization through recovery and relocation efforts following a tornado that destroyed the company’s facilities in April 2024, ensuring business continuity and long-term resilience.

Related: Premier Aggregates appoints Todd as CEO

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association event attracted more than 380 people, featuring keynote speakers from Vulcan Materials, Dolese Bros. and other industry companies.

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) held its 2026 Young Leaders Annual Meeting in Destin, Florida, attracting more than 380 participants from across the U.S.

The agenda included two general sessions, several breakouts, networking opportunities and community service activities.

“The Young Leaders Annual Meeting showcases how important young professionals are to the aggregates industry,” says Michele Stanley, president and CEO of NSSGA. “These men and women in attendance are the future and we value their engagement. This event creates a dynamic meeting environment to stimulate their passion for the industry.”

Attendees heard from several keynote speakers during the first general session, including Stanley, Wally Adamchick of FireStarter Speaking & Consulting, Mark Helm and Leland Meiser of Dolese Bros. Co., and Craig Lamarque of Wirtgen America.

Another general session featured keynotes from Ronnie Pruitt of Vulcan Materials Co. and Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who shared his perspective on combat leadership and creating winning teams. According to NSSGA, multiple breakout sessions were also offered on topics such as professional development and technology in the workplace.

A new component of the Young Leaders Annual Meeting was the BuildHer Lunch & Learn, which connected women in the aggregates industry. Stanley served as the featured speaker, sharing her experiences and leadership journey.

The next Young Leaders Annual Meeting will take place in April 2027 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Related: What’s next for highway funding after IIJA

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for […]

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for reliable performance in demanding applications.

Available in a wide range of belt widths and lengths, these conveyors can handle capacities up to 1,200 tons per hour and are configurable with numerous options to match specific site requirements. The portable design allows quick transition from road transport to field operation, making it ideal for producers who need mobility without sacrificing throughput. Whether used in portable spreads or fixed plants, Superior’s radial stackers help producers maximize stockpile capacity, improve productivity, and keep material moving.

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The acquisition adds manufacturing capacity to Compass Wire Cloth while supporting its growth across the Southeast.

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Compass Wire Cloth finalized an agreement with Sefar Corp. to acquire its screening division located in Gray, Georgia.

The deal closed March 31, with Compass Wire Cloth assuming responsibility for the Round Ring Screen business – including a facility in Georgia and its supporting team.

The Georgia facility will operate under the Compass Wire Cloth brand and focus on manufacturing round pretension screens and related screening solutions for Southeast manufacturing operations.

“This acquisition is a strategic step in Compass Wire Cloth’s long-term growth plan and a clear investment in our customers,” says David Gentilini, chief sales officer and vice president of business development at Compass Wire Cloth. “By adding dedicated pretension manufacturing capabilities in Georgia, we are expanding our capacity, improving turnaround times for the Southeast U.S., and reinforcing our commitment to reliable, high-quality screening solutions for industrial wire cloth users throughout the region.”

According to Compass Wire Cloth, the acquisition gives it a platform for sustainable growth, creating opportunities to support more customers with industrial wire cloth and screening solutions in key Southeast markets while maintaining its New Jersey location as the central hub for operations and customer support.

Related: Dry versus wet screening: Choosing the right approach for efficiency

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling. To discuss the achievement, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling, hitting the 2-million-ton mark at its Lake Bridgeport Quarry in Bridgeport, Texas. To discuss the achievement and what’s next in autonomy, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

P&Q: What does Heidelberg Materials reaching 2 million tons hauled autonomously represent, and how significant is it for aggregates?

Kurasek: I think it’s hard to overstate. If you look at the history of autonomy in the broader industry, it’s been limited to ultra-class trucks and kind of two providers. The challenge was having the tech work on smaller trucks and having the economics work.

The benefits that were going to ultra-class trucks operating in massive mines were out of reach for the aggregates industry. This proves that’s no longer the case. You don’t have to spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. You don’t have to spend years deploying it.

When you do deploy it, you’ll quickly see an ROI – productivity improvements, doing better than humans, increasing safety. It’s a massive proof point that autonomy is here for the core industry – at this scale.

P&Q: What did it take to make the Heidelberg deployment successful, from pilot to production?

Kurasek: Once you have the AHS (autonomous haulage system), the hardest parts become connectivity and change management.

The change management piece is real – you’re fundamentally altering the core operation of moving material.

It does take partnership. Heidelberg’s been a phenomenal partner, very forward thinking and open to new ideas. Installation of our tech on a truck takes maybe two days, and then there’s testing and commissioning.

Historically it was two or three support technicians on-site, then after we’ve trained them up, day-to-day it’s Heidelberg running the autonomy, running the site – and that’s how it should be. Every time we do one of these, we learn, they learn, we share learnings and we’re seeing that faster deployment cycle.

P&Q: What gains has autonomy delivered so far?

Kurasek: Utilization, throughput, fuel savings, tire savings – all of that is incredibly real, and it scales down to quarry-scale operations.

If you’re going to sit in a queue for four or five minutes, why are you burning gas and putting strain on the suspension, brakes and tires? If you’re a robot and you know there’s a queue, you can slow down and save fuel, with no loss in cycle time.

With the data we’re collecting, this industry hasn’t had access to it before. We know fuel burn, brake force, exactly where the truck is every half second, how much weight is in the bin. It’s a digitization of the industry – and that’s the biggest unlock.

P&Q: Where is the industry now, and what misconceptions are still hold it back?

Kurasek: We’re in some degree of conversation – pilot deployed to still kicking the tires – with 18 of the top 20 aggregates producers. The biggest misconception is that the economics can’t work.

The second one is: It doesn’t work. This is hard.

We’re transparent. We’re not going to hit better than a human on Day 1. It takes time to tune the system to the site. Anybody who thinks it’s an iPhone you plug into the truck and hit play – it’s not. Do we hope we’re going to get there? Yeah.

Related: P&Q Profile: OSSGA’s Sharon Armstrong

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical.  Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime. Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, […]

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical. 

Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime.

Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, supplies, and service informed by real field experience. Rather than offering generic solutions, the team focuses on helping crews work more efficiently, extend equipment life, and solve problems encountered on active jobsites. That experience allows Republic to act as a technical resource, not just a supplier.

For mining professionals looking for proven solutions and knowledgeable support rooted in decades of drilling experience, Republic offers a partner built around the realities of the work.

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The organization launched the Mining Mentor Network, an industry-wide community that connects professionals across the mining sector.

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Women in Mining USA (WIM USA) launched the Mining Mentor Network.

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is an inclusive, industry-wide community designed to connect professionals across the mining sector through meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Launched at the 2026 Women in Mining USA National Conference, the Mining Mentor Network builds on WIM USA’s long-standing commitment to professional development, equity and workforce advancement. The reimagined network welcomes mentors and mentees of all genders, career stages and disciplines, recognizing mentorship as a tool for strengthening individual careers and the mining industry as a whole.

“Mentorship is one of the most practical and powerful ways we build and sustain this industry,” says Julia Potter, president of Women in Mining USA. “It’s how people gain confidence, navigate challenges and start to see what’s possible in their careers. The Mining Mentor Network is about creating real, accessible connections across roles, backgrounds and experience levels so people can learn from each other and grow together.”

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is designed to be flexible and participant-driven, with mentors and mentees able to connect as often as they’d like and whenever it best fits their schedules. Mentees guide the focus of conversations based on their goals, while mentors contribute insight and lived experience drawn from across the industry. Participants may engage as a mentor, mentee or both.

All mentoring conversations are hosted virtually via Google Meet, making it easier for participants to connect regardless of location or time zone. WIM USA says this approach supports the global nature of the mining industry and helps reduce barriers to participation.

Since its original launch in 2023 as a WIM USA initiative, the organization says the mentor program has facilitated hundreds of mentoring conversations among professionals spanning operations, engineering, geology, technical services and leadership roles. The Mining Mentor Network expands this foundation with a more inclusive name and broader reach, aligned with the evolving needs of the global mining workforce, according to WIM USA.

The network will be accessible year-round through the Women in Mining USA website and mentorship portal.

To learn more about WIM USA and the Mining Mentor Network, visit womeninmining.us.

Related: P&Q Profile: R.A. McClure’s Tamara Whitaker

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Lamar Duhon was named president and CEO, succeeding John Rathbun, who takes over as chairman of the board.

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Austin Powder’s board of directors elected Lamar Duhon as president and CEO.

Duhon succeeds John Rathbun, who led the company as president since 2017 and as president and CEO since 2018. Rathbun also takes over as chairman of the board.

“Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive and deliberate process to identify the right leader to guide Austin through its next phase of growth and long-term value creation,” Rathbun says. “Lamar is a proven operator and team builder with a clear ability to translate strategy into results. With the support of our experienced leadership team, he is well prepared to build on our momentum and lead Austin into its next chapter.”

According to Austin Powder, Duhon brings more than 25 years of global experience leading large-scale industrial businesses and complex service organizations. Most recently, he served as president of the pumps division at Flowserve Corp., where he oversaw a global portfolio serving customers across critical infrastructure markets. He previously led Flowserve’s aftermarket services and solutions business.

Earlier in his career, Duhon held senior leadership roles at Halliburton and Baker Hughes.

“The selection of Lamar as CEO reflects a thoughtful transition as Austin continues nearly two centuries of industry leadership in blasting and industrial explosives,” says Ben Gelinas, board member at Austin Powder. “This builds on Austin’s enduring commitment to safety, customer partnership, operational excellence and a people-first culture. Lamar’s leadership ensures continuity in our values while positioning the company for continued innovation and growth.”

Fellow Austin Powder board member, Jack Davis, is pleased to see Rathbun step into his new role.

“We are especially pleased that John will assume the role of chairman of the board, a natural next chapter in a remarkable 40-year career that began at Austin Powder in 1986,” Davis says. “Over decades of service and leadership, culminating in his tenure as CEO, John has strengthened our culture, deepened customer relationships and reinforced Austin’s legacy as a trusted industry leader.

“On behalf of the entire board, we thank John for his extraordinary stewardship and continued commitment to the company’s employees, customers and long-term success and look forward to working with him on the board of directors,” Davis adds.

Related: Austin Powder names president for US, Canada services

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The company says its next-generation ApronSeal, GravitySeal and A.I.R. Control products improve sealing, reduce spillage and simplify service.

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Martin Engineering introduced its next generation of transfer point dust control equipment. 

Martin ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and the A.I.R. Control dust curtain are new solutions from Martin Engineering.

“When designing these, our focus was safety, performance and longevity,” says Bert Erdmann, global engineering manager of conveyor products at Martin Engineering.  “Compliance and ease of maintenance are top of mind for our customers. We’ve discovered that passive dust and spillage control at the point of emission with safe maintenance built in is the most effective and economical method of containment.”

ApronSeal urethane skirting

Extending along the length of the skirtboard, Martin Engineering says the skirting’s design provides multiple “pieces” of reliable containment for material fines.

A primary strip is shaped to match the trough angle and create a tight seal. The optional self-adjusting secondary outer flap covers slight variations in the belt’s profile, trapping air and dust.

The ApronSeal urethane skirting requires only 2 in. of free belt area, and the self-adjusting secondary seal can be trimmed to match the available free belt area. Supplied in 60-in. strips, it features T‑slot end connections for longer chutes. It’s designed for external maintenance, improving safety and minimizing service time. 

GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting

Using torsion arms that allow the low-friction urethane skirting to smoothly ride vertical fluctuations in the belt, GravitySeal delivers a skirtboard seal that prevents spillage and reduces dust emissions, according to Martin Engineering. The automatic corrections eliminate the need for downtime to adjust the skirting level due to wear.

Featuring a seal and clamp assembly, GravitySeal is designed for conveyor speeds up to 1,300 ft. per minute with minimal free edge space, providing a seal with as little as 1.25 in. of free area on each side of the belt.

The unit’s urethane sealing strip is available in continuous lengths up to 300 ft. and provides 2 in. of wear life.  Replacement involves quickly and easily removing the linchpins and installing the new pre-punched strip, the company says.

A.I.R. Control dust curtain

Engineered for enclosed conveyor transfer points, Martin Engineering says these dust control solutions are modular urethane curtains with handles that allow a single worker to safely adjust or replace them from outside the enclosure. 

The safety features eliminate the need for confined‑space entry and reduce service time to just minutes, the company adds.

Each unit is a slide-in cartridge with individual urethane flaps that can be machine-cut to match the load’s angle of surcharge. Positioning the curtains close to the material load allows the A.I.R. Control dust curtain to create controlled recirculation zones. This allows dust particles to agglomerate and settle out, enhancing overall transfer point performance while reducing respirable and nuisance dust emissions.

Designed for safety and compliance

When installed on an existing transfer point, Martin Engineering says ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and A.I.R. Control dust curtains provide an effective passive dust control solution. 

“We’ve found urethane to be a versatile and lasting material that can withstand the rigorous demands of the bulk handling industry,” Erdmann says.

Related: Achieve cleaner belts without compromise

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Scott Hudson, who has more than a decade of experience with the company and most recently served as president, was promoted.

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

BinMaster Sensors & Technologies promoted Scott Hudson to CEO.

Hudson joined the company in 2015 as executive vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted to president of BinMaster in October 2025.

“We are proud to promote Scott Hudson to CEO,” says Scott McLain, BinMaster chairman. “He has been instrumental in growing our business while continuing to grow personally and professionally. This promotion reflects BinMaster’s corporate vision of growing our company in a way that also grows our people in their professional capacities.”

During his tenure with the company, BinMaster says Hudson has led the company through significant milestones – including three strategic acquisitions and major investments in product development, software engineering and systems integration. He also guided the organization through recovery and relocation efforts following a tornado that destroyed the company’s facilities in April 2024, ensuring business continuity and long-term resilience.

Related: Premier Aggregates appoints Todd as CEO

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association event attracted more than 380 people, featuring keynote speakers from Vulcan Materials, Dolese Bros. and other industry companies.

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) held its 2026 Young Leaders Annual Meeting in Destin, Florida, attracting more than 380 participants from across the U.S.

The agenda included two general sessions, several breakouts, networking opportunities and community service activities.

“The Young Leaders Annual Meeting showcases how important young professionals are to the aggregates industry,” says Michele Stanley, president and CEO of NSSGA. “These men and women in attendance are the future and we value their engagement. This event creates a dynamic meeting environment to stimulate their passion for the industry.”

Attendees heard from several keynote speakers during the first general session, including Stanley, Wally Adamchick of FireStarter Speaking & Consulting, Mark Helm and Leland Meiser of Dolese Bros. Co., and Craig Lamarque of Wirtgen America.

Another general session featured keynotes from Ronnie Pruitt of Vulcan Materials Co. and Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who shared his perspective on combat leadership and creating winning teams. According to NSSGA, multiple breakout sessions were also offered on topics such as professional development and technology in the workplace.

A new component of the Young Leaders Annual Meeting was the BuildHer Lunch & Learn, which connected women in the aggregates industry. Stanley served as the featured speaker, sharing her experiences and leadership journey.

The next Young Leaders Annual Meeting will take place in April 2027 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Related: What’s next for highway funding after IIJA

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for […]

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for reliable performance in demanding applications.

Available in a wide range of belt widths and lengths, these conveyors can handle capacities up to 1,200 tons per hour and are configurable with numerous options to match specific site requirements. The portable design allows quick transition from road transport to field operation, making it ideal for producers who need mobility without sacrificing throughput. Whether used in portable spreads or fixed plants, Superior’s radial stackers help producers maximize stockpile capacity, improve productivity, and keep material moving.

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The acquisition adds manufacturing capacity to Compass Wire Cloth while supporting its growth across the Southeast.

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Compass Wire Cloth finalized an agreement with Sefar Corp. to acquire its screening division located in Gray, Georgia.

The deal closed March 31, with Compass Wire Cloth assuming responsibility for the Round Ring Screen business – including a facility in Georgia and its supporting team.

The Georgia facility will operate under the Compass Wire Cloth brand and focus on manufacturing round pretension screens and related screening solutions for Southeast manufacturing operations.

“This acquisition is a strategic step in Compass Wire Cloth’s long-term growth plan and a clear investment in our customers,” says David Gentilini, chief sales officer and vice president of business development at Compass Wire Cloth. “By adding dedicated pretension manufacturing capabilities in Georgia, we are expanding our capacity, improving turnaround times for the Southeast U.S., and reinforcing our commitment to reliable, high-quality screening solutions for industrial wire cloth users throughout the region.”

According to Compass Wire Cloth, the acquisition gives it a platform for sustainable growth, creating opportunities to support more customers with industrial wire cloth and screening solutions in key Southeast markets while maintaining its New Jersey location as the central hub for operations and customer support.

Related: Dry versus wet screening: Choosing the right approach for efficiency

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling. To discuss the achievement, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling, hitting the 2-million-ton mark at its Lake Bridgeport Quarry in Bridgeport, Texas. To discuss the achievement and what’s next in autonomy, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

P&Q: What does Heidelberg Materials reaching 2 million tons hauled autonomously represent, and how significant is it for aggregates?

Kurasek: I think it’s hard to overstate. If you look at the history of autonomy in the broader industry, it’s been limited to ultra-class trucks and kind of two providers. The challenge was having the tech work on smaller trucks and having the economics work.

The benefits that were going to ultra-class trucks operating in massive mines were out of reach for the aggregates industry. This proves that’s no longer the case. You don’t have to spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. You don’t have to spend years deploying it.

When you do deploy it, you’ll quickly see an ROI – productivity improvements, doing better than humans, increasing safety. It’s a massive proof point that autonomy is here for the core industry – at this scale.

P&Q: What did it take to make the Heidelberg deployment successful, from pilot to production?

Kurasek: Once you have the AHS (autonomous haulage system), the hardest parts become connectivity and change management.

The change management piece is real – you’re fundamentally altering the core operation of moving material.

It does take partnership. Heidelberg’s been a phenomenal partner, very forward thinking and open to new ideas. Installation of our tech on a truck takes maybe two days, and then there’s testing and commissioning.

Historically it was two or three support technicians on-site, then after we’ve trained them up, day-to-day it’s Heidelberg running the autonomy, running the site – and that’s how it should be. Every time we do one of these, we learn, they learn, we share learnings and we’re seeing that faster deployment cycle.

P&Q: What gains has autonomy delivered so far?

Kurasek: Utilization, throughput, fuel savings, tire savings – all of that is incredibly real, and it scales down to quarry-scale operations.

If you’re going to sit in a queue for four or five minutes, why are you burning gas and putting strain on the suspension, brakes and tires? If you’re a robot and you know there’s a queue, you can slow down and save fuel, with no loss in cycle time.

With the data we’re collecting, this industry hasn’t had access to it before. We know fuel burn, brake force, exactly where the truck is every half second, how much weight is in the bin. It’s a digitization of the industry – and that’s the biggest unlock.

P&Q: Where is the industry now, and what misconceptions are still hold it back?

Kurasek: We’re in some degree of conversation – pilot deployed to still kicking the tires – with 18 of the top 20 aggregates producers. The biggest misconception is that the economics can’t work.

The second one is: It doesn’t work. This is hard.

We’re transparent. We’re not going to hit better than a human on Day 1. It takes time to tune the system to the site. Anybody who thinks it’s an iPhone you plug into the truck and hit play – it’s not. Do we hope we’re going to get there? Yeah.

Related: P&Q Profile: OSSGA’s Sharon Armstrong

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical.  Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime. Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, […]

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical. 

Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime.

Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, supplies, and service informed by real field experience. Rather than offering generic solutions, the team focuses on helping crews work more efficiently, extend equipment life, and solve problems encountered on active jobsites. That experience allows Republic to act as a technical resource, not just a supplier.

For mining professionals looking for proven solutions and knowledgeable support rooted in decades of drilling experience, Republic offers a partner built around the realities of the work.

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The organization launched the Mining Mentor Network, an industry-wide community that connects professionals across the mining sector.

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Women in Mining USA (WIM USA) launched the Mining Mentor Network.

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is an inclusive, industry-wide community designed to connect professionals across the mining sector through meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Launched at the 2026 Women in Mining USA National Conference, the Mining Mentor Network builds on WIM USA’s long-standing commitment to professional development, equity and workforce advancement. The reimagined network welcomes mentors and mentees of all genders, career stages and disciplines, recognizing mentorship as a tool for strengthening individual careers and the mining industry as a whole.

“Mentorship is one of the most practical and powerful ways we build and sustain this industry,” says Julia Potter, president of Women in Mining USA. “It’s how people gain confidence, navigate challenges and start to see what’s possible in their careers. The Mining Mentor Network is about creating real, accessible connections across roles, backgrounds and experience levels so people can learn from each other and grow together.”

WIM USA says the Mining Mentor Network is designed to be flexible and participant-driven, with mentors and mentees able to connect as often as they’d like and whenever it best fits their schedules. Mentees guide the focus of conversations based on their goals, while mentors contribute insight and lived experience drawn from across the industry. Participants may engage as a mentor, mentee or both.

All mentoring conversations are hosted virtually via Google Meet, making it easier for participants to connect regardless of location or time zone. WIM USA says this approach supports the global nature of the mining industry and helps reduce barriers to participation.

Since its original launch in 2023 as a WIM USA initiative, the organization says the mentor program has facilitated hundreds of mentoring conversations among professionals spanning operations, engineering, geology, technical services and leadership roles. The Mining Mentor Network expands this foundation with a more inclusive name and broader reach, aligned with the evolving needs of the global mining workforce, according to WIM USA.

The network will be accessible year-round through the Women in Mining USA website and mentorship portal.

To learn more about WIM USA and the Mining Mentor Network, visit womeninmining.us.

Related: P&Q Profile: R.A. McClure’s Tamara Whitaker

<p>The post Women in Mining launches mentorship network first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Lamar Duhon was named president and CEO, succeeding John Rathbun, who takes over as chairman of the board.

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Austin Powder’s board of directors elected Lamar Duhon as president and CEO.

Duhon succeeds John Rathbun, who led the company as president since 2017 and as president and CEO since 2018. Rathbun also takes over as chairman of the board.

“Today’s announcement follows a comprehensive and deliberate process to identify the right leader to guide Austin through its next phase of growth and long-term value creation,” Rathbun says. “Lamar is a proven operator and team builder with a clear ability to translate strategy into results. With the support of our experienced leadership team, he is well prepared to build on our momentum and lead Austin into its next chapter.”

According to Austin Powder, Duhon brings more than 25 years of global experience leading large-scale industrial businesses and complex service organizations. Most recently, he served as president of the pumps division at Flowserve Corp., where he oversaw a global portfolio serving customers across critical infrastructure markets. He previously led Flowserve’s aftermarket services and solutions business.

Earlier in his career, Duhon held senior leadership roles at Halliburton and Baker Hughes.

“The selection of Lamar as CEO reflects a thoughtful transition as Austin continues nearly two centuries of industry leadership in blasting and industrial explosives,” says Ben Gelinas, board member at Austin Powder. “This builds on Austin’s enduring commitment to safety, customer partnership, operational excellence and a people-first culture. Lamar’s leadership ensures continuity in our values while positioning the company for continued innovation and growth.”

Fellow Austin Powder board member, Jack Davis, is pleased to see Rathbun step into his new role.

“We are especially pleased that John will assume the role of chairman of the board, a natural next chapter in a remarkable 40-year career that began at Austin Powder in 1986,” Davis says. “Over decades of service and leadership, culminating in his tenure as CEO, John has strengthened our culture, deepened customer relationships and reinforced Austin’s legacy as a trusted industry leader.

“On behalf of the entire board, we thank John for his extraordinary stewardship and continued commitment to the company’s employees, customers and long-term success and look forward to working with him on the board of directors,” Davis adds.

Related: Austin Powder names president for US, Canada services

<p>The post Austin Powder elects new president, CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The company says its next-generation ApronSeal, GravitySeal and A.I.R. Control products improve sealing, reduce spillage and simplify service.

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Martin Engineering introduced its next generation of transfer point dust control equipment. 

Martin ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and the A.I.R. Control dust curtain are new solutions from Martin Engineering.

“When designing these, our focus was safety, performance and longevity,” says Bert Erdmann, global engineering manager of conveyor products at Martin Engineering.  “Compliance and ease of maintenance are top of mind for our customers. We’ve discovered that passive dust and spillage control at the point of emission with safe maintenance built in is the most effective and economical method of containment.”

ApronSeal urethane skirting

Extending along the length of the skirtboard, Martin Engineering says the skirting’s design provides multiple “pieces” of reliable containment for material fines.

A primary strip is shaped to match the trough angle and create a tight seal. The optional self-adjusting secondary outer flap covers slight variations in the belt’s profile, trapping air and dust.

The ApronSeal urethane skirting requires only 2 in. of free belt area, and the self-adjusting secondary seal can be trimmed to match the available free belt area. Supplied in 60-in. strips, it features T‑slot end connections for longer chutes. It’s designed for external maintenance, improving safety and minimizing service time. 

GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting

Using torsion arms that allow the low-friction urethane skirting to smoothly ride vertical fluctuations in the belt, GravitySeal delivers a skirtboard seal that prevents spillage and reduces dust emissions, according to Martin Engineering. The automatic corrections eliminate the need for downtime to adjust the skirting level due to wear.

Featuring a seal and clamp assembly, GravitySeal is designed for conveyor speeds up to 1,300 ft. per minute with minimal free edge space, providing a seal with as little as 1.25 in. of free area on each side of the belt.

The unit’s urethane sealing strip is available in continuous lengths up to 300 ft. and provides 2 in. of wear life.  Replacement involves quickly and easily removing the linchpins and installing the new pre-punched strip, the company says.

A.I.R. Control dust curtain

Engineered for enclosed conveyor transfer points, Martin Engineering says these dust control solutions are modular urethane curtains with handles that allow a single worker to safely adjust or replace them from outside the enclosure. 

The safety features eliminate the need for confined‑space entry and reduce service time to just minutes, the company adds.

Each unit is a slide-in cartridge with individual urethane flaps that can be machine-cut to match the load’s angle of surcharge. Positioning the curtains close to the material load allows the A.I.R. Control dust curtain to create controlled recirculation zones. This allows dust particles to agglomerate and settle out, enhancing overall transfer point performance while reducing respirable and nuisance dust emissions.

Designed for safety and compliance

When installed on an existing transfer point, Martin Engineering says ApronSeal urethane skirting, GravitySeal self-adjusting urethane skirting and A.I.R. Control dust curtains provide an effective passive dust control solution. 

“We’ve found urethane to be a versatile and lasting material that can withstand the rigorous demands of the bulk handling industry,” Erdmann says.

Related: Achieve cleaner belts without compromise

<p>The post Martin Engineering unveils dust control solutions for transfer points first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Scott Hudson, who has more than a decade of experience with the company and most recently served as president, was promoted.

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

BinMaster Sensors & Technologies promoted Scott Hudson to CEO.

Hudson joined the company in 2015 as executive vice president of sales and marketing. He was promoted to president of BinMaster in October 2025.

“We are proud to promote Scott Hudson to CEO,” says Scott McLain, BinMaster chairman. “He has been instrumental in growing our business while continuing to grow personally and professionally. This promotion reflects BinMaster’s corporate vision of growing our company in a way that also grows our people in their professional capacities.”

During his tenure with the company, BinMaster says Hudson has led the company through significant milestones – including three strategic acquisitions and major investments in product development, software engineering and systems integration. He also guided the organization through recovery and relocation efforts following a tornado that destroyed the company’s facilities in April 2024, ensuring business continuity and long-term resilience.

Related: Premier Aggregates appoints Todd as CEO

<p>The post BinMaster names new CEO first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association event attracted more than 380 people, featuring keynote speakers from Vulcan Materials, Dolese Bros. and other industry companies.

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) held its 2026 Young Leaders Annual Meeting in Destin, Florida, attracting more than 380 participants from across the U.S.

The agenda included two general sessions, several breakouts, networking opportunities and community service activities.

“The Young Leaders Annual Meeting showcases how important young professionals are to the aggregates industry,” says Michele Stanley, president and CEO of NSSGA. “These men and women in attendance are the future and we value their engagement. This event creates a dynamic meeting environment to stimulate their passion for the industry.”

Attendees heard from several keynote speakers during the first general session, including Stanley, Wally Adamchick of FireStarter Speaking & Consulting, Mark Helm and Leland Meiser of Dolese Bros. Co., and Craig Lamarque of Wirtgen America.

Another general session featured keynotes from Ronnie Pruitt of Vulcan Materials Co. and Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who shared his perspective on combat leadership and creating winning teams. According to NSSGA, multiple breakout sessions were also offered on topics such as professional development and technology in the workplace.

A new component of the Young Leaders Annual Meeting was the BuildHer Lunch & Learn, which connected women in the aggregates industry. Stanley served as the featured speaker, sharing her experiences and leadership journey.

The next Young Leaders Annual Meeting will take place in April 2027 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Related: What’s next for highway funding after IIJA

<p>The post NSSGA hosts Young Leaders meeting in Florida first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for […]

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Superior’s Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor (PRSC) delivers efficient, flexible stockpiling for aggregate, mining, and bulk material operations. Designed to reduce loader usage and improve material handling efficiency, the radial stacker builds larger, more uniform stockpiles while minimizing segregation and rehandling. Built with a rugged, heavy-duty undercarriage and engineered truss construction, the PRSC is designed for reliable performance in demanding applications.

Available in a wide range of belt widths and lengths, these conveyors can handle capacities up to 1,200 tons per hour and are configurable with numerous options to match specific site requirements. The portable design allows quick transition from road transport to field operation, making it ideal for producers who need mobility without sacrificing throughput. Whether used in portable spreads or fixed plants, Superior’s radial stackers help producers maximize stockpile capacity, improve productivity, and keep material moving.

<p>The post Superior Industries: Portable Radial Stacking Conveyor first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

The acquisition adds manufacturing capacity to Compass Wire Cloth while supporting its growth across the Southeast.

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Compass Wire Cloth finalized an agreement with Sefar Corp. to acquire its screening division located in Gray, Georgia.

The deal closed March 31, with Compass Wire Cloth assuming responsibility for the Round Ring Screen business – including a facility in Georgia and its supporting team.

The Georgia facility will operate under the Compass Wire Cloth brand and focus on manufacturing round pretension screens and related screening solutions for Southeast manufacturing operations.

“This acquisition is a strategic step in Compass Wire Cloth’s long-term growth plan and a clear investment in our customers,” says David Gentilini, chief sales officer and vice president of business development at Compass Wire Cloth. “By adding dedicated pretension manufacturing capabilities in Georgia, we are expanding our capacity, improving turnaround times for the Southeast U.S., and reinforcing our commitment to reliable, high-quality screening solutions for industrial wire cloth users throughout the region.”

According to Compass Wire Cloth, the acquisition gives it a platform for sustainable growth, creating opportunities to support more customers with industrial wire cloth and screening solutions in key Southeast markets while maintaining its New Jersey location as the central hub for operations and customer support.

Related: Dry versus wet screening: Choosing the right approach for efficiency

<p>The post Compass Wire Cloth buys Sefar’s Georgia screening division first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling. To discuss the achievement, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Heidelberg Materials recently reached a milestone in autonomous hauling, hitting the 2-million-ton mark at its Lake Bridgeport Quarry in Bridgeport, Texas. To discuss the achievement and what’s next in autonomy, P&Q caught up with Pronto CFO Christian Kurasek.

P&Q: What does Heidelberg Materials reaching 2 million tons hauled autonomously represent, and how significant is it for aggregates?

Kurasek: I think it’s hard to overstate. If you look at the history of autonomy in the broader industry, it’s been limited to ultra-class trucks and kind of two providers. The challenge was having the tech work on smaller trucks and having the economics work.

The benefits that were going to ultra-class trucks operating in massive mines were out of reach for the aggregates industry. This proves that’s no longer the case. You don’t have to spend tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. You don’t have to spend years deploying it.

When you do deploy it, you’ll quickly see an ROI – productivity improvements, doing better than humans, increasing safety. It’s a massive proof point that autonomy is here for the core industry – at this scale.

P&Q: What did it take to make the Heidelberg deployment successful, from pilot to production?

Kurasek: Once you have the AHS (autonomous haulage system), the hardest parts become connectivity and change management.

The change management piece is real – you’re fundamentally altering the core operation of moving material.

It does take partnership. Heidelberg’s been a phenomenal partner, very forward thinking and open to new ideas. Installation of our tech on a truck takes maybe two days, and then there’s testing and commissioning.

Historically it was two or three support technicians on-site, then after we’ve trained them up, day-to-day it’s Heidelberg running the autonomy, running the site – and that’s how it should be. Every time we do one of these, we learn, they learn, we share learnings and we’re seeing that faster deployment cycle.

P&Q: What gains has autonomy delivered so far?

Kurasek: Utilization, throughput, fuel savings, tire savings – all of that is incredibly real, and it scales down to quarry-scale operations.

If you’re going to sit in a queue for four or five minutes, why are you burning gas and putting strain on the suspension, brakes and tires? If you’re a robot and you know there’s a queue, you can slow down and save fuel, with no loss in cycle time.

With the data we’re collecting, this industry hasn’t had access to it before. We know fuel burn, brake force, exactly where the truck is every half second, how much weight is in the bin. It’s a digitization of the industry – and that’s the biggest unlock.

P&Q: Where is the industry now, and what misconceptions are still hold it back?

Kurasek: We’re in some degree of conversation – pilot deployed to still kicking the tires – with 18 of the top 20 aggregates producers. The biggest misconception is that the economics can’t work.

The second one is: It doesn’t work. This is hard.

We’re transparent. We’re not going to hit better than a human on Day 1. It takes time to tune the system to the site. Anybody who thinks it’s an iPhone you plug into the truck and hit play – it’s not. Do we hope we’re going to get there? Yeah.

Related: P&Q Profile: OSSGA’s Sharon Armstrong

<p>The post P&Q Profile: Pronto’s Christian Kurasek first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical.  Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime. Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, […]

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>

Republic Drill Co has spent more than 40 years working alongside drilling crews, including those operating in surface mining and quarry environments where reliability and uptime are critical. 

Founded by drillers, the company brings a practical understanding of production drilling challenges, equipment wear, and the cost of downtime.

Republic supports mining operations with drilling tools, supplies, and service informed by real field experience. Rather than offering generic solutions, the team focuses on helping crews work more efficiently, extend equipment life, and solve problems encountered on active jobsites. That experience allows Republic to act as a technical resource, not just a supplier.

For mining professionals looking for proven solutions and knowledgeable support rooted in decades of drilling experience, Republic offers a partner built around the realities of the work.

<p>The post Republic Drill Co: Mining Focused Solutions and Resources first appeared on Pit & Quarry.</p>