Stone, gravel and sand are vital raw ingredients for Australia’s construction industry.
They literally make the foundations for a stronger economy.
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Quarries produce a range of useful materials, including limestone, dimension stone and rock. In Australia, the most common materials extracted are construction aggregates such as crushed rock, sand or gravel. These abundant yet essential raw materials are the foundation of our homes, schools, hospitals, roads and almost all aspects of the built environment that we depend on.
Watch the short video below to learn how the quarrying industry helps build a stronger economy for all Australians.
6 Interesting Facts About Quarrying
PRODUCTS
Every Australian requires 8 tonnes of stone, sand and gravel every year to build the roads, houses and other infrastructure we need.
WHERE WE LIVE
To build an average new house we use about 110 tonnes of construction aggregates and 53m³ of concrete.
THE ROADS WE USE
To build one kilometre of two-lane highway requires about 14,000 tonnes (or 400 truckloads) of construction aggregates.
BUILDING AUSTRALIA
Quarry products are essential raw materials needed to build new infrastructure projects. Over 200 million tonnes of aggregates are used in he construction of homes, workplaces, public buildings and roads every year.
LOCALLY SOURCED
Quarrying needs to be carried out close to where these materials will be used. This keeps transportation costs low and helps keep building costs down in local communities.
COMMUNITY FIRST
The quarry industry is committed to co-exist with local communities and
follows stringent planning and operating conditions.
QUARRYING BASICS
The what, how and why of quarrying in Australia. Learn what quarrying is all about here.
HOW A QUARRY WORKS
How does a quarry produce these important materials? Here’s a simple overview.
THE ECONOMICS OF QUARRYING
Australia’s quarries benefit their local community, other Australian industries and our nation as a whole. Learn how the quarry industry helps Australia work.
LIFE AFTER QUARRYING
What happens to quarries at the end of their working life? Rehabilitation gives former quarries a new lease on life.
Further Reading
Brochure & Factsheets
Want to know more about quarrying in Australia? Download the brochure and factsheets for further information.
Infographic
Learn how Australian quarries provide the country with some of its most important raw ingredients: stone, gravel and sand.
