February 2007

BARDON AGGREGATES GETS SECONDARY AGGREGATES ON TRACK

High quality secondary aggregates are bound for London by rail from Cornwall for the first time as a result of a new venture by Bardon Aggregate, part of Aggregate Industries, and Freightliner Heavy Haul.

The Bardon Aggregates coarse aggregate product is comprised of china clay stent - a secondary natural aggregate left over from Imerys Minerals’ china clay extraction in Cornwall, which would otherwise be sent to landfill. This meets the requirements of leading developers and local authorities for more sustainable construction as it reduces the consumption of virgin aggregate.

Bardon Aggregates currently sells in excess of 50,000 tonnes per annum of Cornish secondary aggregates and sands, which are transported to London by sea. Now, as a result of its partnership with rail company Freightliner Heavy Haul, Bardon Aggregates will transport additional material by rail from Methrose railhead, near St Austell, into Bow railhead, a strategically located site within the Thames Gateway region.

Guy Roseveare, commercial manager for Bardon Aggregates (Cornwall & Plymouth), says: “An increasing emphasis on good environmental practice has seen many companies in the construction sector reassess their use of secondary and recycled materials.

“We are exploiting a levy-free waste material to great effect and reducing demand on primary aggregates, whilst at the same time transporting it in a more sustainable way that reduces the emissions impact on the environment.”

Freightliner Heavy Haul’s commercial director, David Israel, adds, “To ease loading and unloading of the material, bottom discharge wagons are being utilised, supplied as part of our £4.5 million investment programme within the aggregates industry. We are the first private rail freight company to invest in this type of wagon, and, given current demand, can only see this as being a positive step forward for Freightliner Heavy Haul.”

Ivor Bowditch, communications manager for Imerys Minerals, said: "This venture fits with Imerys' own objectives for responsible environmental management, particularly to utilise by-products from mineral processing wherever possible as secondary aggregates for construction, and transport in a more sustainable way.”

 

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