Central American mining officials tour Morrison Quarry in Colorado.

Central American Miners tour Morrison Quarry

Aggregate Industries West Central Region recently hosted a 15-person tour group of Guatemalan government officials at the Morrison Quarry in Morrison, Colorado.  The group represented the Guatemalan Ministry of Mining and the Ministry of Environment and were accompanied by officials from the U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining (International Technical Assistance Program) and the State of Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS).  Both directors for each Ministry were present.  Aggregate Industries was represented by Adrian Charters (U.S. Geological Services Manager), Kip Raines (Morrison Quarry Manager), Doug Hess (WCR Senior Environmental Coordinator), and Matthew Hall (WCR Land Resource Project Manager).  Adrian Charters presented an informative discussion of geologic mine site assessment and development by providing details of Morrison Quarry’s current geo-exploration and site development plan.

The Guatemalan delegation was interested in understanding how the U.S. and Colorado regulate and permit the various aspects of mining operations, the fostering of neighbor relations, the development of community support programs and processes for solving various technical issues.  They hope to bring valuable knowledge from observation of the mature American mining system back home to develop their own regulatory and environmental infrastructure with an emphasis on sustainability.  Adrian and Doug answered numerous questions on geology, mine site development, stormwater management, and air quality topics.  Kip answered questions on plant operations, MSHA safety regulations, and current market conditions.  Matthew answered questions on the relationship of Aggregate Industries with the Town of Morrison.  The tour group utilized a translator from the Department of Interior to facilitate the discussions.

The Guatemalan group was especially interested in reclamation activities with respect to technique, timing and regulatory requirements.  Morrison Quarry offered them the opportunity to observe a mine that has the following four stages of mine site development; areas that are mined and reclaimed, areas that are mined, but not reclaimed, areas that are currently being mined, and areas that are future mining areas. 

Another lively discussion centered on the role of local, state and federal regulators on various environmental, safety, engineering and operation components of the quarry.  The Guatemalans are struggling with developing the role of central and local government in the regulatory life of mining.  It was noted that America continues to refine and develop its public-private relationships on a continual basis.

Aggregate Industries received many thanks and praise for the tour and presentation from both the Guatemalans and the government.  It was noted by the federal and state sponsors that our tour was substantially more productive and interesting for the guests than the previous ore and coal mine tours.  Aggregate Industries thanked everyone for the opportunity to contribute to the International Technical Assistance Program.

Sharing ideas with Guatemalan Mining professionals.