How a Quarry WOrks

A simple overview of the quarrying process.

THOUGHTFUL PLANNING

Stone, sand and gravel are naturally occurring materials and their location is determined by the local geology, so a quarry must be placed where these materials are located and near efficient transport routes. This allows these materials to be delivered to where they are needed efficiently and at low cost.

Well before a quarry is established, extensive planning and development activities are carried out to determine the best way to develop and manage the quarry and to minimise any impact the operations may have on the environment and local community.

Once the quarry is approved and development and operations have commenced, it must satisfy stringent operational and environmental regulations. Regular monitoring is undertaken to ensure the operations are clean and safe.

EXTRACTING THE ROCK

The process starts by breaking off large chunks of rock from the quarry walls, usually through controlled blasting. This rock is then moved using loaders and trucks to a primary crusher.

THE PRIMARY CRUSHER

The crusher reduces the overall size of the material to make it easier to process. It’s then transported via a conveyor belt for further processing.

THE SECONDARY CRUSHER

A secondary crusher reduces the material size again. It is then put through a sorting or screening process to ensure the resulting aggregate is of the correct size and shape and to remove impurities.

TRANSPORT

The aggregate is then stockpiled and transported to concrete batch plants or local construction sites where it is required.

Back to quarry overview

Further Reading

Brochure & Factsheets

Want to know more about quarrying in Australia? Download the brochure and factsheets for further information.

 

• Brochure (PDF)
• Factsheet – Blasting
• Factsheet – Noise
• Factsheet – Transport

Infographic

Learn how Australian quarries provide the country with some of its most important raw ingredients: stone, gravel and sand.

 

• Infographic (PDF)