What they say

James Thorne, Institute of Quarrying

James Thorne, CEO of Institute of Quarrying, discusses the important relationship between IQ and the Centre for Mineral Products.

Miles Watkins, Chairman of the Institute of Quarrying

"We are pleased to support the suite of extractives focused higher education courses offered by the University of Derby. The blend of quality distance learning materials together with tutorials, offers an excellent mix best suited to the demands of the industry today. The courses educate candidates in a range of competencies and prepare them for the next step in management progression."

Robin Gillespie, Hanson Aggregates UK Ltd and University of Derby Graduate

"Lifelong learning is so important for our industry and formal academic qualifications can help you develop both personally and professionally. Without it I wouldn’t have unlocked the potential cost savings identified in my report. Those findings have already been introduced at Shap and recommended for implementation at HeidelbergCement quarries around the world, with potential annual savings of £750,000."

Robin was the first person in the mineral extractives and quarrying industry to achieve a first class honours degree on a course developed in partnership with the Institute of Quarrying (IQ). He received his Bachelor of Science in Minerals Management from the University of Derby on 20 July 2018.

John Pritchard, Finance Director SIBELCO UK

"In my view, the Diploma in Quarry Technology is an indispensable qualification for people operating at, or who aspire to a senior level within the industry.  I would whole heartedly recommend the course, not only to people from an operational background, but also to those from a non-operational background such as myself.  The electronic study materials are excellent and allow a wide breadth and depth of subjects to be delivered in an interesting and relevant way.  Along with a strong team of industry specific lecturers, the end product is a first rate professional qualification, that is relevant and vocational to the minerals business."

Neil Mifflin, Technical Manager UK Ball Clays, Imerys Minerals Limited

"The Diploma in Quarry Technology ticks all the boxes – it’s giving me a broader overview as well as a better understanding of the operational activities of the industry."

Tony Devlin, MP Group Engineering Director, Terex

"As the leading manufacturer of mobile quarry equipment, Terex needed to further develop our team members’ understanding of the end customer requirements. We felt that the University Certificate in International Quarry Operations would suit our needs perfectly. We enrolled a number of our team members on the course to give them an in-depth appreciation of the demands of the modern quarry and mining operations. It's been a huge success and we intend to continue the training for other staff."

Ramai Impak, Quarry Manager, Hap Seng Building Materials Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)

"The University Certificate in International Quarry Operations provides solutions for day-to-day problems we face in the quarry environment so it is really useful. We can use the knowledge to improve, upgrade or change systems, in order to achieve optimum efficiency on production activity."

Becky Slater, Operations Manager, Myers Group

"The diploma in quarry technology has added true value to business. The knowledge best practice reinforced with industry experienced lecturers has lead successful candidates to implement numerous cost effective projects, enhance efficiencies in process plant operations and grow ideas. In addition valuable knowledge can be used to address health safety and environmental issues or cross disciplines to help individuals progress in their careers."

Mark De Carteret, Ronez/Aggregate Industries

"The course has helped me to understand how everything in a large company such as Aggregate Industries fits together. With the number of design and build projects we’re involved with increasing, I’ve developed my knowledge and now have the confidence to conduct relevant trials and win business in these areas."