Mr. Johnson sessions will be divided over two days where he will cover Dredge Basics and Dredging Efficiency.

During session 1, he will cover a comprehensive exploration of the world of dredging. It will delve into the diverse types of dredges and excavators, shedding light on their distinct purposes and applications. He will also dissect the key components that form the backbone of any efficient dredging operation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying transport principles.

During session 2, the focus will shift to the critical topic of Dredging Efficiency. Participants will learn about the intricacies of various factors that significantly affect a dredge's performance and productivity. These included the influence of bank height on dredging operations, the nuances of pipeline selection, the role of aggregate gradation in optimizing efficiency, and the considerations related to discharge elevation. The session will give a deeper understanding of the intricate balance between these variables and their collective impact on achieving optimal dredging efficiency, providing participants with valuable insights to enhance their skills in this specialized field.

All sessions will culminate in an engaging class participation Q&A, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and insights among attendees.

Join Mark Krause for his two-part session, “Crushing 101: Compression” and “Crushing 101: Impact,” where he will explore the critical factors involved in selecting the right crusher for any application. Attendees will examine how each machine is designed, what to consider during setup and how to optimize performance. Key areas of focus will include feed material, feeding methods, reduction ratios and the performance outcomes that can be expected from each type of crusher.

At the conclusion of these sessions, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of compression and impact crushers and how equipment selection and operation can influence overall plant performance and efficiency.

NEW SESSION: Plant Design and Lowering Operating Costs

In this session, Mark will take a closer look at plant design and the operational and cost implications of equipment changes. He will explore what happens throughout the plant when a larger crusher or an additional crusher is introduced, including the effect on capacity, material flow and supporting equipment.

Throughout Mr. Wetta's session “Tools for Evaluating Dredge Performance," participants will gain an understanding of powerful dredging solutions such as DSC’s DredgeMaster Suite, Dredge Rx and DSC Vision. Attendees will learn how to navigate its interfaces and harness its capabilities effectively. The session will show how the suite can help operators with real-time monitoring, automation, and reporting. There will be an introduction to Dredge Rx, covering maintenance scheduling, fault diagnosis, predictive analytics, and performance optimization. It will also delve into troubleshooting and provide an open forum for any questions.

By the end of this session attendees will not only leave with newfound knowledge and practical insights but operators will be well-equipped to optimize dredging operations, enhance equipment efficiency, and reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

Safety first, safety now and safety always! In Ms. Padgett's two-part session, she will take a high-level look at safe work practices on a mine site for both mine operators and mining contractors. She will discuss recent changes and interpretations of MSHA expectations as we move into 2027.

While following the regulations is very important, a strong Safety Culture and sending our miners home after each shift is of utmost importance.

After discussing the 2026/2027 updates, she will discuss the requirements and responsibilities of having contractors on a mine site. We will highlight contractors experienced in working on OSHA sites who are being challenged by MSHA requirements and expectations and best practices in managing contractors and pre-project meetings.

These sessions will be interactive, with the group sharing its experiences along with Ms. Padgett's insight. You will also be provided with the proper documentation if you want to use this training time toward your MSHA Part 46 Annual Refresher Training.

In this session, Mr. Joe Gibson will explore the intricate interactions between the various components of a conveyor system, identifying how each part contributes to the system’s overall efficiency. The discussion will touch on how to trace common conveyor issues back to their root causes, offering practical methods to resolve problems at their source. Special attention will be given to the importance of proper installation and regular maintenance to ensure long-term performance and maximize the lifespan of your equipment.

Key insights attends can expect from attending Mr. Gibson session include:

• Methods to trace indicators of issues to their root cause for effective problem resolution

• Understanding the components of a conveyor system and how they work together.

• Best practices for the installation and maintenance of conveyor systems.

• Open discussion of real-world conveying challenges from attendees.

At the end of the session attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of their conveyor systems, learning how to diagnose and address issues efficiently. You’ll also walk away with actionable insights on installation and maintenance practices to ensure the longevity of your system's components.

Additionally, open discussion will provide a platform for attendees to address specific conveyor challenges and learn from industry peers.

Immerse yourself in the world of Engineering Geophysics with Mr. Rudenko. This session delves into the essential role geophysics plays in capturing accurate subsurface data, vital for efficient project planning and resolving complex issues. You'll explore the practical application of geophysical principles, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios.

Learn how mobile and cost-effective geophysical tools can be employed to navigate and analyze even the most difficult terrains, optimizing planning processes. Real-world case studies will demonstrate the effectiveness of these tools, offering valuable insights into their capabilities, limitations, and successful outcomes in subsurface exploration.

Attendees will leave with a solid grasp of geophysics, empowering them to make informed decisions, boost project efficiency, and contribute significantly to the success of mining and construction projects.

During Mr. Ferdinand's session "Noise Principles and Management," attendees will gain valuable insights into managing noise in the hard rock and sand/gravel industries.

Noise Fundamentals:

This portion of the session explores the intricacies of noise management, emphasizing the subjective nature of "noise" versus "sound." Participants will learn about the core concepts of noise, including how it is measured, transmitted, and mitigated in industrial settings. The session highlights the importance of addressing noise complaints to maintain positive community relations, drawing parallels to similar challenges like ground vibration.

Modern Monitoring and Mitigation:

In this segment, Mr. Ferdinand advocates for the use of modern monitoring tools and modeling software to better distinguish between noise and sound. The presentation will include real-world examples of noise measurement and mitigation techniques, providing attendees with practical insights on how to reduce noise levels and ensure compliance in both new and existing operations.

Community Relations:

Maintaining harmonious relationships with the surrounding community is a key takeaway from this session. Attendees will learn strategies for effectively addressing noise complaints and fostering positive interactions with the community to avoid potential conflicts.

At the end of the session, attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of noise management, including actionable strategies for noise measurement, mitigation, and maintaining compliance while building stronger community relations. The floor will also be opened for discussion on the presented concepts and methods.

In his session on "Screening - The Basics of Screening and 5 Senses of Screening," Mr. Ryan Senter from Deister Machine Co. will provide a comprehensive overview of screening technology. In the "Basics of Screening," Mr. Senter will explain the key factors in selecting different screen models and how design and operating parameters are chosen to match the specific needs of an application.

In the "5 Senses of Screening" segment, attendees will learn how to use their senses to ensure proper maintenance and functionality of screening equipment. Mr. Senter will highlight essential maintenance checkpoints to guarantee the safe and effective operation of vibrating screens in real-world conditions.

By the end of this session, attendees will have a solid grasp of screening technology and practical strategies for maintaining and optimizing screening equipment to ensure safety and efficiency in their operations.

Preventive maintenance is essential to protecting dredge performance, controlling operating costs, and reducing unexpected downtime. Scott Laiche and Stephen McMahon will examine the relationship between engineering, maintenance planning, and field service, highlighting practical approaches to identifying potential issues before they become costly failures. Attendees will gain insight into how an effective preventive maintenance programme can extend equipment life, improve reliability, support operational efficiency, and maximise dredge uptime.

Scott Laiche, P.E., is a registered Professional Engineer in Mechanical Engineering and holds bachelor’s degrees in both Civil and Mechanical Engineering. He brings 11 years of mining-industry experience and currently serves as Vice President of Engineering at DSC Dredge.

Stephen McMahon, Vice President of Product Support, brings more than 13 years of dredging-industry experience, with extensive expertise in hydraulic systems, mechanical assembly, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, dredge overhauls, and field-service projects.

Together, Scott and Stephen combine engineering insight with practical field experience to help dredge operators improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and maximize operational efficiency.

In Mr. Snoby's session on "Bucketwheels and Jigs," attendees will gain invaluable insights into two key, but little known, components of mineral processing. Bucketwheels are a relatively recent addition to mineral processing. Their initial introduction for classification and dewatering of construction aggregates occurred around 1960 in Europe. The 21st century has seen them gain popularity in the North American market. You will learn why. You will also learn about the key components of bucketwheels, their applications, their benefits, and their limitations.

Jigging technology, on the other hand, is the grand old man of mineral processing. References to jigging can be found as far back as the 1500s in Agricola's famous book, "De Re Metallica." The evolution of jigging machines will be reviewed. Their applications and their capital and operational economics will be presented.

Mr. Snoby has over 40 years of experience in the processing of minerals and recycle material. He has patented improvements in both wet and dry jigging technology and will disclose the key reasons why this old, yet poorly understood, technology has survived.

This session will highlight both the academic and practical use of both bucketwheels and jigs, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about unique, proven unit operations that will hopefully lead to enhanced profitability at their home facilities.

In Mr. Boone's session, "Dredge Pumps: Fundamentals, Production, Maintenance, and Wear," attendees will gain practical insights into the key aspects of dredge pump operation.

Pump Basics:

This segment will cover the essential fundamentals of dredge pumps, including how they work, their key components, and their role in various dredging applications. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of the core principles behind efficient dredge pump operation.

Pump Production:

This session will delve into the critical concept of dredge production, examining how the placement of the dredge pump—whether deck-mounted or ladder-mounted—along with the use of ancillary equipment, significantly impacts production rates. Participants will learn how to optimize production in dredging operations.

Pump Maintenance / Troubleshooting:

Maintenance and troubleshooting are vital for keeping dredge pumps in top working condition. This session will provide best practices for regular maintenance, preventive strategies, and troubleshooting techniques. Attendees will leave equipped with practical skills to ensure their pumps operate efficiently with minimal downtime.

Pump Wear:

Understanding and managing wear is crucial for prolonging the lifespan and maintaining the efficiency of dredge pumps. Mr. Boone will explore different types of wear affecting pumps and share strategies to mitigate wear-related issues. Participants will gain valuable knowledge to help reduce downtime and extend the longevity of their dredge pumps.

Attendees will walk away from this comprehensive session with a thorough understanding of pump operation, maintenance, and strategies for maximizing both efficiency and pump lifespan.

In this session, Mr. Leonard will explore how blending time-tested sand processing equipment with modern, innovative technologies can lead to greater production efficiencies, reduced maintenance costs, and minimized downtime. He will demonstrate how integrating both traditional and alternative methods can be seamlessly applied to a range of equipment and operational scenarios, offering flexible and effective solutions.

By the end of the session, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the full potential of sand processing equipment and how to optimize its use for maximum performance. Additional topics beyond those outlined will also be addressed, further enhancing the practical insights shared.

Session description coming soon

Session description coming soon.