Limestone quarry operations involve a series of steps to extract limestone from the earth, primarily including drilling, cutting (or splitting), and lifting blocks.
Here's a breakdown of typical limestone quarry operations:
-
Drilling: Holes are strategically drilled along the perimeter of the bench (a level surface in the quarry). This is essential for either sawing or splitting the stone.
-
Cutting or Splitting:
- Cutting: Saws equipped with diamond belts are often used to cut the limestone out of the deposit. This method provides more precise dimensions and smoother surfaces.
- Splitting: Alternatively, hydraulic splitters can be employed. These exert force to fracture the limestone along predetermined lines.
-
Lifting: If bedding planes (natural layers in the rock) are visible, forklifts or other heavy machinery can be used to pry up the blocks of limestone. This method is often faster and more efficient when natural weaknesses are present.
-
Transportation: Once the blocks are extracted, they are transported to a processing facility for further shaping, sizing, and finishing, depending on their intended use (e.g., construction aggregate, building stone, or chemical production).
