Breedon plans extension to Banavie Quarry to secure jobs

Councillors noted plans to extend Banavie Quarry to secure operations at the site for an additional 20 years.

The proposals from Breedon involve the extension to the existing Banavie Quarry site to the north east and north west to incorporate revised working and progressive restoration, together with extending quarry operations until 2043 at the current annual production rate of 80,000 tonnes.

Permission was granted in March 2004 for an extension of the duration of operations to 2023 which allowed for the continued extraction and processing of hard rock aggregates as well as final restoration of the quarry. Blasting will be required to dislodge and fragment the in-situ rock for subsequent processing.

In consultation documents, Breedon said the extension will safeguard direct employment in the quarry and indirect employment in support services and transportation at current levels.

The quarry currently produces a range of quarried products and a range of coated macadam and asphalt road bases, base courses and wearing courses.

A ready mix concrete plant was introduced in recent years which produces readymix concrete products.

Banavie stone has been used for decades in the local area and many contracts specify the material for its distinctive colouring. Banavie Quarry has supplied ballast for rail track maintenance throughout the west Highland area and is the only local supply with the requisite technical properties.

A consultation event was held by Breedon representatives at Lochaber Rugby Club in May to inform local residents of the company’s plans. A planning application will be submitted to the Highland Council in autumn 2018.