Compared with aggregate haulage, on-site mobile crushing and screening operations can significantly reduce associated project emissions, says mobile crushing and screening service provider Eco-Match MD Craig Allen.

When clients choose to establish mobile crushing and screening equipment on site, particularly when there is sufficient raw material on site, they also significantly reduce the logistical costs and requirements associated with transporting big volumes of aggregate to site, he explains.

Unlike when aggregate is sourced from a commercial source – where transportation can result in multiple truck trips over the course of the project – having on-site aggregate processing can also reduce adverse impacts on the surrounding environment, adds Allen.

“Doing away with these truck movements results in a significant reduction in wear-and-tear to local infrastructure and potential negative impacts are confined to the site location . . .” states Allen.

Mobile crushing and screening solutions play an important role in large-scale renewable- energy projects when raw material is processed either at or near the project site.

“It provides flexibility for clients, as the crushing and screening train can move around the typically large project areas as construction progresses, producing aggregate material exactly where and when it is needed,” he highlights.

This is particularly useful on big wind and solar projects, where construction areas can be spread over vast distances and the project areas themselves are usually more remote.

Aggregate, highlights Allen, does however need to meet project-specific specifications, particularly when operating on site and not in a controlled environment such as a quarry. Con-sequently, the management of the raw material input quality is critical to the success and long-term performance of renewable-energy infrastructure such as access roads and platforms.

“Using poor quality raw material that does not meet project- specific specifications often results in poor quality infrastructure, significantly increasing maintenance costs on machinery and resulting in the early deterioration of infrastructure,” he states.

To prevent these adverse consequences, project specifications for characteristics such as material grading, strength and durability must be outlined upfront and strictly adhered to, says Allen.

Contactors, he believes, should consider a subcontractor’s experience, reliability and proven track record on similar projects, as reliable equipment, consistent production and the ability to meet project requirements are also key drivers in achieving project timeframe requirements.

“A proactive subcontractor who communicates well, is flexible in meeting site requirements and is able to address any potential quality issues early, can help ensure the project runs smoothly and stays on schedule,” says Allen.

As South Africa continues to develop its renewable-energy infrastructure, he says opportunities are created for mobile crushing and screening subcontractors to establish in remote areas, and those who can mobilise plant to these sites and process quality aggregate material for their clients will ultimately provide a practical solution to clients, their bottom line as well as their project emissions targets.