Quarrying: Things to Know About it

Quarrying is the process of removing rock, sand, gravel or other minerals from the ground in order to use them to produce materials for construction or other uses. A quarry is any such work on the surface of the earth where minerals are extracted. Quarries are also known by other names around the world: ‘surface mine’, ‘pit’, ‘open pit’ or ‘opencast mine’. Within the UK, the largest quantity of mineral extracted by quarrying is used for construction and is known as “aggregates”. In the UK a ‘mine’ is defined legally as an underground working and a ‘quarry’ as a site of mineral extraction without a roof. In other parts of the world, ‘mining’ is used interchangeably with ‘quarrying.

The method of removal of stones from their natural bed by using different operations is called quarrying. Methods of quarrying include:

• Digging – This method is used when the quarry consists of small & soft pieces of stones.
• Heating – This method is used when the natural rock bed is horizontal and small in thickness.
• Wedging –This method is used when the hard rock consists of natural fissure. When natural fissures are absent then artificial fissures are prepared by drilling holes.
• Blasting – It is the process of removal of stones with the help of controlled explosives filled in the holes of the stones. The line of least resistance plays a very important role in the blasting process.

Quarries principally produce sand and gravel and crushed rock for construction and these materials are usually described as’ aggregates’. Materials produced by quarries: Gypsum, Salt, Potash, Coal, Chemical grade limestone, Common Clays, China Clay, Kaolin, Ball Clays, and Silica sand. Thus, quarries are often associated with process plants the most important of which are ready-mixed-concrete plants, coating plants to produce asphalt and bituminous road-making materials, cement and lime burning kilns, concrete block and pipe works, brick works, pottery works and plaster/plasterboard factories.

The materials produced by quarrying are essential to our everyday lives, providing the construction materials to build roads and buildings, delivering vital minerals to agriculture and supporting the generation of electricity – to name just a few uses. It is tempting to see a quarry as an undesirable ‘hole in the ground’ but we need our quarrying industry to supply us with vital materials for our economy. Furthermore, we need talented, professional women and men to operate quarries in a way that is safe, productive and good for our environment.

Quarrying plays an important role in our daily lives by providing essential materials for construction and other uses. The process involves various methods such as digging, heating, wedging and blasting to extract minerals from their natural bed. It’s important that we continue to support this industry while ensuring that it operates in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Quarrying, like any other human activity, has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of quarrying:

Pros:

• Economic engine: Quarries can provide numerous jobs at the local level. People can work at the quarry to extract the limestone that is needed. Drivers are needed to transport the limestone to where it will be processed or used. Processing facilities hire handlers to create usable products from the delivered materials. Local service industries are needed to support these workers.
• High demand: The market for limestone is remarkably consistent. Quarried limestone can be used to neutralize acidity, so it can be added to soils or lakes. Limestone is used in the iron manufacturing industry, is required for cement, concrete, and mortar mixes, and is heated with sand and sodium carbonate to create glass.
• Affordable: Compared to other building materials, the cost of quarried limestone is much lower than most options.
• Durable: Quarried limestone is a durable building material.
• Restoration of historical landmarks: Most of today’s landmarks are built with limestone. Quarried limestone is the only option available to us that will allow us to maintain or restore these heritage items to a state that was similar to their original construction.
• Unique filtering properties: The alkaline properties of limestone, along with its unique composition, make it an effective filter for numerous applications. It is the foundation of air purification and water treatment systems of almost any size.

Cons:

• Environmental impact: Quarrying can permanently disfigure the environment. Many limestone quarries can be seen from a great distance away. Quarrying generally has a poor environmental reputation. Stone extraction can destroy habitats and pollute waterways. It creates noise and dust, which can harm the quality of life of people living nearby.
• Loss of settlement sites: Quarrying interferes with human settlement and wildlife habitat areas, leading to their displacement.
• Life hazard: Quarrying also leads to death, where workers are buried by the rocks.

Quarrying has both advantages and disadvantages. While it provides numerous jobs at the local level and is in high demand, it also has a significant impact on the environment and can be hazardous for workers. It’s important that we continue to support this industry while ensuring that it operates in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.