GENEVA — Quarrying is the fundamental first step in cement production because limestone, shale or clay must be extracted from below the surface to provide the industry's raw material. Quarrying activities often entail significant local environmental impacts, as the soil is always removed and the topography is always altered. Quarrying activities can also impact on local ecosystems and watersheds.

During or after extraction, opportunities arise to rehabilitate the area, and to ensure the biodiversity is maintained or even enhanced. The rehabilitation activities depend on the area's biogeographic conditions, local partners and expertise, and company motivation.

To show how the benefits of effective quarry rehabilitation can outweigh the long-term costs to the cement companies and to the natural environment and local communities, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) has collected case studies from its member companies that highlight responsible rehabilitation activities.

The case studies are drawn from a range of quarry types and local habitats from around the world. They include lessons learned during rehabilitation activities and contact details for further information in the hope they prove useful for other companies involved in similar quarrying or rehabilitation activities.

CSI member companies realize that these case studies are only examples of existing good practices. The process of developing these case studies provided a good opportunity for each company to think through the learning they have undergone.

The case studies aim to share learning and disseminate good practice, and to improve rehabilitation practices around the world, not just in the areas outlined in this set of case studies. Learning on rehabilitation is continuous and there is more progress to be made.

To view the case studies, click here.

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