The recent Victorian sub-branch site tour at LS Precast. Image: IQA
Stefan Hajkowicz uncovers global megatrends and looks at the future of quarrying at the IQA 2024 National Conference. Also included is the latest IQA member news from across Australia.
Excitement is evident for Stefan Hajkowicz, the chief research consultant in science and technology at CSIRO, to present his keynote speech at the IQA 2024 National Conference.
Hajkowicz’s keynote promises to be a highlight of the IQA 2024 National Conference. It will offer valuable insights and actionable strategies for navigating the quarrying industry’s future.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading experts in strategic foresight and global megatrends.
Quarry had the pleasure of sitting down with Hajkowicz to get a glimpse of what attendees can expect from his talk on “The Economic and International Environment: Global Megatrends.” His insights promise to be both enlightening and essential for anyone in the quarrying industry.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and your role at CSIRO?
I’ve been with CSIRO for quite some time—25 years this September. My PhD focused on decision-making and economics, comparing rational and intuitive approaches. I’ve always worked at the interface between science, technology, policy, and strategy. Our aim at CSIRO is to understand how the world around science and technology is changing and to help industries, including quarrying, make better decisions.
What inspired you to focus on megatrends and their impact on the economy and international environment?
I realised that fine-tuning models and data was helpful, but the big gains came from understanding what decisions we needed to make in the first place. Strategic foresight allows us to systematically explore the future, helping us see things coming and make early, smarter decisions. It’s about comprehending what’s coming, handling uncertainty, and translating that into actions that yield better outcomes.
Stefan Hajkowicz is the chief research consultant in science and technology at CSIRO. Image: IQA
Could you share a teaser of what attendees can expect from your keynote presentation?
I’ll introduce the concept and rationale behind strategic foresight work, and then dive into what the National Science Agency is seeing in terms of trends—geopolitical, economic, environmental, social, technological, and legal. For example, I’ll start with a story about climate adaptation, highlighting its urgency and significance. We’ll also discuss sustainability, resource use efficiency, and innovations relevant to the quarrying sector.
What are some of the key global megatrends you believe will significantly impact the quarry industry in the coming years?
Resource use efficiency, recycling, energy technologies, and AI are all highly relevant to the quarrying sector. We’ll cover health and wellbeing, geopolitical shifts, digital disruption, and the rise of AI. These trends will impact supply chains, productivity, safety, and business models in the quarrying industry.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for growth and innovation in the quarry industry over the next decade?
Recycling quarry waste and understanding demand growth for infrastructure materials are crucial. AI will be a major disruptor, offering new market opportunities and improved forecasting. I’ll delve into how AI is being used in quarrying, from safety applications to predictive maintenance and energy consumption optimisation.
Don’t underestimate the impact of AI on your business. It presents significant opportunities for accessing new markets and enhancing operations. I’ll cover various AI pilot projects in quarrying, from autonomous loading systems to environmental protection and intelligent traffic management.
The latest IQA member news
Victorian sub-branch site tour and networking dinner
The IQA Victorian sub-branch networking dinner and presentation took place on Thursday July 18, featuring a site tour and a networking dinner with a presentation.
The event commenced with a tour of LS Precast, a locally owned and operated business specialising in high-quality precast elements for major infrastructure projects across the country. The tour included a walkthrough of operational sheds showcasing static moulds and carousels in action, as well as a visit to the pre-stressing shed, demonstrating the entire process of creating precast segments from drawings to completion.
Ben Wright, manager of earth resources and silica at WorkSafe Victoria. Image: IQA
Following the tour, attendees reconvened at EllaGoose for a networking dinner, which featured a guest presentation by Ben Wright, manager of earth resources and silica at WorkSafe Victoria. Ben’s presentation provided valuable insights into the quarry sector, reviewing the past 12 months, and offering an outlook for the industry in 2024-25. The event was a great success, offering attendees valuable insights from the tour and presentation, along with ample networking opportunities among members, non-members, and associates.
For more information, visit quarry.com.au.
UPCOMING IQA COURSES AND EVENTS
Electrical awareness online workshop
September 11
9:00am – 1:00pm
Online
QLD critical control management workshop
September 12
8:30am – 1:00pm
Hanson Skygate | 10 The Boulevard, Brisbane Airport
NSW Young Member Network site tour
September 12
9:00am – 4:30pm
Hunter Quarries – Karuah, WesTrac – Tomago, Tricon Equipment – Tomago
NSW Hunter sub-branch networking dinner and AGM
September 12
5:30pm – 9:00pm
Hexham Bowling Club – 290 Old Maitland Road, Hexham
NQLD 26th Annual Golf Day
September 13
11:00am – 7:00pm
Rowes Bay Golf Club – Emmerson St, Pallarenda
NSW effective leadership for senior managers workshop
September 17
8:30am – 4:30pm
TBA
NSW quarry materials production and quality management workshop
September 19
8:30am – 4:00pm
Holcim Quarry Teven – 129 Stokers Lane, Teven
Chain of responsibility online workshop
September 19
12:00pm – 3:30pm
Online
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