DIGGING, DUMPING and DELIVERING

When there is gravel under the ground, a mineral company has to obtain permission from the planners in the local government to dig it up.

Surveys have to be carried out in the area first by experts such as geologists, ecologists and archaeologists to make sure that the quarry will not have an impact on the wildlife and possible archaeology.

The Process

The diggers first remove the top soil, so they can then start to excavate the gravel underneath. The depth of the gravel can be anything between 1m and 6m.

The gravel is taken out of the ground by huge diggers, then washed and sorted into huge piles of different sized stone, depending on what it is needed for.

Large lorries then transport the gravel to local construction sites, for use in building homes, hospitals, roads etc.

Did you know an average home needs about 60 tons of gravel?

A dumper truck in action 

Image credit: CWPS