Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) president Michael Close FIQ sits down with Tricon Equipment director Michael Tripolone.
Tricon Equipment is one of our IQA FY2025-26 Gold National Sponsors supporting IQA’s mission to connect, educate, and elevate the sector through major events, campaigns, and initiatives.
Michael Close (IQA President): Michael, Tricon has been proudly Australian-owned for over 21 years, working with quarry operators across the country. What drew you to support the IQA and the broader quarrying sector?
Tricon Equipment director Michael Tripolone: The quarrying sector is the backbone of Australia’s infrastructure development, and we’ve seen firsthand how critical professional networks and knowledge-sharing are to success.
Supporting IQA aligns perfectly with our commitment to helping the sector grow stronger through education, connection, and best practice sharing. We believe that when the sector thrives through collaboration and learning, everyone benefits.
Close: With your partnerships with brands like Superior Industries, Terex MDS, and Lippmann, you’re at the forefront of equipment innovation. What excites you most about the future of quarrying technology and the sector’s direction?
Tripolone: The integration of smart technologies is revolutionising how quarries operate, improving safety, efficiency, and environmental outcomes. We’re seeing everything from automated systems to advanced monitoring that’s making operations safer and more efficient.
It’s exciting to see how these developments are helping the sector attract young talent and build a more sustainable future.What’s particularly encouraging is how these innovations are making quarrying more appealing to the next generation of professionals.
Close: As one of Australasia’s most experienced equipment dealers, what role do you see professional development and sector connection playing in the sector’s success?
Tripolone: Technology is only as good as the people operating it.
The IQA’s focus on professional development and creating connections across the sector ensures our sector continues to attract and retain skilled professionals who can maximise the potential of modern quarrying equipment and techniques. We’ve learnt that the most successful operations combine cutting-edge technology with well-trained, connected teams.
The relationships and knowledge-sharing that IQA facilitates are absolutely essential for the sector’s continued growth and innovation.
Michael Close, FIQ
President
Institute of Quarrying Australia
The post Conversations with IQA president Michael Close appeared first on Quarry.