Quarry Products

High performance concrete from LafargeHolcim lines the 3.4 kilometre tunnel housing the world’s most powerful X-ray laser, European XFEL near Hamburg, Germany.

The European XFEL generates extremely intense X-ray flashes that are used by researchers from all over the world. The flashes produced in underground tunnels allow scientists to map atomic details of viruses, film chemical reactions, and study the processes in the interior of planets.

SNBPE, France’s ready-mixed concrete union, has appointed Jean-Marc Golberg as its new president. Golberg, the managing director of Lafarge's national concrete business, replaces Alain Plantier, who was elected to chair the national union of aggregates producers (UNPG). Since joining Lafarge in 1988, Golberg has taken several positions within the global building materials sector giant before becoming the head of its concrete division in France in autumn 2013. Over recent months he has also been

A major British Lime Association (BLA) conference, Lime in Road Solutions, bought together more than 75 delegates from across the UK highways supply chain to discuss the innovative use of lime in highway resurfacing, for soil stabilisation and in road recycling. Building from the Government’s Transport Strategy call for advanced materials aimed at “improving the quality, resilience and sustainability of transport infrastructure”, the conference focussed on the use of lime to extend asphalt road

In its latest annual review of outputs in the major UK heavy buildings materials markets, BDS Marketing Research has identified Tarmac as the largest company in two of the main product sectors. These are aggregates and asphalt, in which the company is estimated to hold market shares of 24% and 32%, respectively. In ready-mixed concrete, Hanson, with a market share approaching 17%, is still the largest company, according to the BDS Marketing Research (BDS) review. This is a sector which includes material

The British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) and The Crown Estate have published their 19th annual ‘Area Involved’ report, which details changes in the extent of the seabed area licensed and dredged for marine aggregates during 2016.

The ‘Area Involved’ initiative commenced in March 1999, when BMAPA and The Crown Estate made a public statement of intent which committed both parties to reviewing all dredging licences on a rolling five-year basis, surrendering areas no longer containing econ

The British Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (BRMCA) has published a new practical site guide for site based employees and contractors. The pocket-sized guide contains practical guidance on how to specify, order, receive, place, compact, finish and cure ready-mixed concrete on construction sites. Guidance is also appended on sampling concrete for testing consistence and air content, and making specimens for strength for those contractors who carry out these activities on site. Construction sites present

Following the publication of the Mayor of London’s Draft London Plan, a new report from the Mineral Products Association (MPA) highlights the critical importance to London of protecting wharves and railheads in the capital from other types of development. Without effective protection the supply of essential construction materials would be threatened, jeopardising homebuilding and infrastructure improvements, and leading to worse air quality and road safety.

A new report from the Mineral Products Association (MPA) has once again highlighted concerns over Great Britain’s diminished aggregate reserves. The MPA’s sixth Annual Mineral Planning Survey (AMPS 2017) report was produced against the background of a continued increase in demand for aggregates across Great Britain during 2016, with crushed rock continuing to make the largest contribution to supply. However, AMPS 2017 notes that demand for sand and gravel continues to consistently outstrip new reserves be

The winners of the BRMCA’s Award for Excellence and Customer Service, which recognises ready-mixed concrete companies for high quality, efficient and professional service, have been announced. The overall winner was Hanson UK for two complex concurrent contracts with Story Contracting: Eden Brows and Merseyside Loop. Two companies were awarded Highly Commended; CEMEX UK for 60-70 St Mary Axe, the ‘Can of Ham,’ with A J Morrisroe & Sons Ltd as the contractor and Tarmac for the London Bridge Station Redevelop