Our industry has moved at a frightening speed in promoting quality playing surfaces


Sasha explaining how rootzone drainage is tested using a permeameter.


at Oakamoor and is very popular with greenkeepers throughout the UK.


The selection of bunker sands


Mick Higgins inspects the raw material feed into the pilot plant


are important, particularly if used in bunkers close to USGA constructed greens. When a shot is played from the bunkers the sand can often be flicked onto the playing surface; if the sand content from the bunkers is not compatible to that used in the green it could cause future drainage problems. In recent years the company has been working closely with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), researching and trialling recycled products. Recycled glass is now becoming more popular especially with Local Authorities who are keen to implement environmental strategies. Glass has been used in golf bunkers, either on its own or blended with silica sand. Some courses have found it can offer good results, however, it is still marginally more expensive compared to sand. Recycled glass can also be used in a rootzone to replace sand and further research is being carried out.


Development work for a new clay slip product used in the ceramic industry


WBB Minerals sports surface laboratory is one of only three in the UK which participates in the USGA Proficiency Testing Programme, the others being STRI and ETL. This utilises the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) procedures. WBB Minerals have been taking part in the USGA PT programme for some ten years now and have refined both their equipment and expertise in this important area of testing


Rows of kilns used for testing clays


Sasha manages two laboratories, one of which undertakes all the tests relating to sports materials, ensuring that all the products measure up to the standards set by the industry. The criteria and quality now expected by architects and designers is very exacting, with precise tolerances to be met.


Sample preparation for chemical analysis on silica sand using XRF


Mick Higgins offers technical support which could include a telephone discussion or site visit as well as giving informative presentations to colleges or clubs, including one recent visit to Denmark where he gave two presentations at the annual meeting of Danish Greenkeepers. Other duties include; research and development, collating data for product information sheets and regular visits to production


sites around the UK to ensure product quality and consistency. In recent years Mick has been working with WRAP and other environmental agencies to develop products using green compost amendments which can be utilised by WBB Minerals in sports and leisure rootzones and top dressings. Look out for new WBB products which are to be launched later this year. The company is constantly seeking to develop and modify products to meet the needs of the industry, some example have been the use of WBB Minerals Devon Lignite, Zeolite, and modified sands. The growing fashion for the new 3G artificial pitches has led to the production of a new all in one sand/rubber product, which negates the problems associated with the of migration between the two materials. Each sand particle is coated with rubber and comes in a choice of size and colour. Keeping up with the pace of these changes and, more importantly, supplying quality, consistent products is Mick’s main aim. Our industry has moved at a frightening speed in promoting quality playing surfaces. Modern technology continues to challenge us all. Without the ability to test materials efficiently and rigorously we would not be able to meet these demands. With the strength of its Rufford


and Pro Sport brands, and the fact that they have a worldwide back up in resources and materials, WBB Minerals is in a good position to deliver quality products for the sports turf industry. With the 2012 Olympics around the corner the demand for quality materials will become even greater. If we want to achieve gold medal performances we will need to produce gold medal surfaces.


The philosophy is simple: WBB Minerals aim is to consistently provide premium- quality products backed by the highest standards of technical support and customer service. To achieve this they have placed research and development at the very heart of the business. That’s why their product range is constantly expanding and always embraces the very latest mineralogical technology.


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