About the Institute

What is the Institute of Quarrying?

The Institute of Quarrying Australia is the professional body for quarrying, construction materials, and related extractive and processing industries. Modern quarrying impacts both economies and communities, providing the very essentials of contemporary life. The professionals engaged in this industry are at the leading edge of extractive technology, while also involved in responsible environmental management.

The Institute of Quarrying Australia is affiliated with The Institute of Quarrying which has 6,000 members in 50 countries. Its long-term aim is to foster operational improvements through on-going education and training at operator, supervisory and management level.

The Institute provides technical support and training from workforce level through to senior management. Every individual who relies on the quarrying and extractive industries for their business or career can enjoy the benefits of Institute membership. The Institute unites the industry throughout Australia and internationally. It is an educator, a conduit for knowledge and an advocate for standards and legislation.

The Institute encourages continuing professional development through conferences, seminars, training courses, competency assessment schemes, workshops, technical meetings and site visits supported by its journals, technical and management papers, and textbooks. These resources help members in developing successful careers in the industry. The Institute’s membership is an international network of professionals committed to the extractive industry’s advancement and the sharing of knowledge.

The Institute also promotes high standards of occupational health and safety, and a progressive attitude towards environmental and social responsibility in the quarrying industry.

Aims of the Institute

The Institute’s aims include:-

advancing the science of quarrying;
targeted training for all persons engaged in the industry;
individual awards and financial support for education and service;
continuing education through technical papers and publications;
establishing, promoting and maintaining quality standards;
exchanging views on technical and safety matters;
representing the views and interests of people in the industry;
participation in exhibitions, conferences and seminars; and
skilled professional and technical advice for members in support of The Institute’s objectives.

History

The national bodies co-ordinate national programs centred on the activities of locally based branches or groups. Local elected committees arrange their own program of meetings, visits and social events and are represented on the National Council.

Australia’s first branch was formed in NSW in 1953. In recent years, the Australian Division has moved to become an autonomous body — The Institute of Quarrying Australia - but is still linked by tradition, common goals and corporate affiliation to the parent organisation.

The United Kingdom has the largest membership group (of 3000 members). Australia, with 1300 members, is the largest group in the Pacific region with close ties to groups in New Zealand and Malaysia (both have around 350 members. Hong Kong’s 150 members operate both in the Territory and the adjacent area of the People’s Republic of China.

The Institute’s activities in southern Africa are centred in South Africa providing support for members throughout the region. International liaison takes place through a Presidents’ Committee, which meets annually at one of the national conferences.

Crest & Motto

In the Armorial Bearings of The Institute, the octagonal tower with two turrets is of Caernarvon Castle which was chosen because Caernarvon was the birthplace of The Institute. It also represents Wales. The two gads represent the ancient tools of trade and the coronet between them is composed of wattle flowers to represent the Division of Australia, and the trefoil for Ireland. At the top is a quarry face with green topped overburden surmounted by a lion sitting erect to represent English and Scottish branches. In the paws is the key symbolising security (or safety).

CREST

The motto
"Terram autem filiis hominum"
is taken from Psalm 115 verse 16:
"The earth hath He given to the children of men".

Australian Institute of Quarrying Education Foundation