What is the trend with respect to area covered by operational quarries?

Limestone is Malta's principal non-renewable mineral resource. Globigerina limestone, known as softstone, is used for the manufacture of limestone blocks and other products for use in the construction industry, while Lower and Upper Coralline limestone is mainly used for road construction and in the production of concrete.

Mineral extraction has a significant impact on the environment since quarries are a source of noise, vibration and dust pollution. In addition, quarries are of significant concern in scenic areas due to their negative effect on the landscape. Land covered by operational quarries increased by 0.02 per cent between 2006 and 2007, rising from 0.74 per cent of the Maltese islands to 0.76 per cent, and amounting to 2.38 km2.

However, the overall reducing trend since 1999 was maintained, with a decrease of 0.01 per cent of total land area covered by operational quarries between 1999 and 2007.

The number of hardstone (including lime kiln) and softstone quarries both increased by one between 2006 and 2007, totalling 30 and 61 respectively in 2007. Since 2003, construction and demolition waste has been disposed of in various licensed or otherwise disused quarries.

Source: Mepa

Environmental tip:Try to economise on your use of Maltese stone and encourage reuse and recycling whenever feasible.