ASPASA - Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa
About
The Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (ASPASA) is a voluntary membership, private sector producers association.
Aspasa is a member of the Chamber of Mines, but represents those companies that are in the business of producing aggregate and sand and is better known for operating quarries, sand pits and crushing operations. Aspasa stands on its own, even though a member of the Chamber.
Aspasa represents its members in regard to policy positions, through various organs of the National and Provincial Governments. Contact and interactions also takes place with other relevant policy-making and opinion – forming entities. Contact is kept with other similar associations overseas.
To achieve the industry’s needs properly, regulation and control is required with particular emphasis on:
The control of borrow-pits is not yet optimal. Commercial quarries are dumping suitable material, which is being supplied by nearby borrow-pits. The granting of commercial licences does not consider density or the cumulative impact.
The support that Aspasa gives its members is on the strategic and advisory sides of business. A great deal f work is put into promoting the industry and the association to the outside world, but also to ensure interaction among other companies/producers in the industry. Consultation and co-operation within Aspasa occurs on a voluntarily basis and does not encroach on the managerial prerogative of individual companies.
A wide range of services through working committees is supported which render services and advice to members. Certain aspects of business are focused on as it has found that companies do not always have the resources and manpower to deal with these on a day to day basis. Aspects that Aspasa cover are:
Health and Safety advice and the ISHE program; (Initiating Safety, Health, Education) Environmental advice; guidance and the About Face RAS audit program: Education and training advice through the involvement in CLAS (Cement, Lime, Aggregate and Sand); the Human Resources Committee; Technical advice and guidance through the very effective Technical Committee; Legislation advice, sharing of changes and representation of new bills, regulations and codes of practice, and various other aspects. [1]
