Sand and Gravel Quarries: The Unsung Heroes of Construction
Sand and gravel are essential raw materials used in a wide range of construction projects, from roads and bridges to buildings and homes. These seemingly mundane materials are extracted from natural deposits through a process called quarrying. While often overlooked, sand and gravel quarries play a vital role in modern infrastructure and development. What are Sand and Gravel Quarries ? A sand and gravel quarry, also known as a gravel pit or aggregate quarry, is an open-pit mine where sand and gravel deposits are extracted from the earth. These deposits are typically formed by glacial activity, river flows, or the weathering of rocks over thousands of years. The extracted materials are then processed and sorted to meet specific size and quality requirements for various applications. The Extraction Process The process of extracting sand and gravel involves several key steps: Overburden Removal: The top layer of soil and vegetation, known as overburden, is removed to access the sa...