Power system arrangements and problems in the crushed stone industry

The electrical power systems of coal and metal mining operations have been the subject of intense study over the past 25 years, and as a result, many technological innovations have resulted in high levels of availability and safety. The aggregate industry, however, has not been the subject of such study, and now finds itself without the necessary experience and technology to address modern challenges, such as escalating power costs, and changing government regulations and enforcement practices, among others. This paper describes the power systems found in the crushed stone industry, and summarizes the major power-system problems of power cost, grounding, and power quality, that are facing the industry. Recommendations for addressing these problems are briefly discussed.