Algonquin Sand & Gravel receives industry awards
Demonstrating a strong commitment to a sustainable industry, employee safety and health, the environment, communities where they mine, and the industry, Hanson Material Service's Algonquin Sand & Gravel mine received numerous awards and recognition at the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers' annual convention on March 5 in Springfield, Illinois.
A Community Relations award was granted to the sand mine for efforts undertaken by the company and its employees to demonstrate corporate citizenship and support community groups near their sites.
The Gold level Certificate of Achievement in Environmental Excellence was awarded to the mine for having successfully demonstrated efforts to comply with the multitude of Federal, State, and local regulations concerning the protection of our air, water, and land thereby creating a sustainable future while enhancing the public's perception of the mining industry.
Maryrose Ramacci, IAAP Sustainability Committee Chair, said, "A sustainable business has the support and approval of its employees, stakeholders and the community it operates in through a proactive approach to land, water, and air protection for present and future generations. And by reducing workplace injuries, we not only save money, we save lives, improve performance, create careers rather than just jobs, and build an industry that is a proud and prosperous place to be employed."
IAAP member companies and their employees must meet specific health and safety criteria that go beyond federal Mine Safety and Health Administration requirements to qualify for four levels of awards: Bronze, Silver, Gold and the highest award Rock Solid Excellence in Safety. The Algonquin Sand & Gravel mine achieved Rock Solid Excellence in Safety.
"By rewarding our industry's leaders, member companies are encouraged and being recognized for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone at the mine site and in nearby communities," said Dan Eichholz, IAAP Executive Director.
The Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers is the trade association serving the aggregate and industrial mineral mining industry in Illinois for more than 50 years. Full lists of award-winning companies and sites can be found on the IAAP website at iaap-aggregates.org.