CRUSHER RELOCATION AT LIMESTONE QUARRY PROJECT
SRK has developed a new plan with the quarry operators that details a new crusher location to secure future production. The quarry is a strategic source of limestone products for steel production, civil construction and agriculture to a wide European market. The main pit has an active area over 1 km and produces at rate of a few million tonnes per annum, which is high when compared with typical limestone operations. The quarry’s long history has resulted in a complex site. It is close to residential areas and has a lot of infrastructure. A new arrangement was required to maintain production, optimise the life of quarry plan and support environmental commitments . SRK approached the study in phases: site review and data collection; assessment of suitable crushing technology and potential locations; and a more detailed study for the preferred option. SRK facilitated workshops with the quarry operators and identified two suitable crushing technologies, four potential locations, and semi-mobile versus fixed crushers solution. Capital and operating costs, and risks and opportunities for each of the options were developed and considered. This work included detailed haulage simulation for each option to understand fleet requirements and a trade-off study to compare relocating the existing crusher with installing a new crusher. The preferred option was further detailed to increase project confidence and to develop a Project Implementation Plan.
