A high-output quarry was down to just three viable blasts and needed urgent, expert intervention to secure its future production.
Project
A well-established quarry producing approximately 1 million tonnes per year was encountering increasing difficulty in identifying viable future blasting areas. Limited internal geological resources meant the site geologist could not visit frequently enough, and geotechnical issues were restricting access and limiting blast orientations.
Data Acquired
During the initial site visit, QuarryDesign assessed the operational layout, remaining accessible faces, historical development plans, and geotechnical constraints affecting future extraction. Approximately three clearly workable blasts were identified at the time.
Analysis
QuarryDesign developed detailed monthly milestone plans for a 12-month period, supported by regular site visits to review progress and refine designs. After the first year, broader long-term development plans were produced, enabling the quarry to optimise extraction in previously constrained areas.
Conclusion
The number of viable blasts increased from just three remaining events to more than a year’s worth of accessible reserves, followed by longer-term layouts that unlocked approximately seven years of additional workable reserves. This ensured operational continuity and restored confidence in future production planning.
