Open day gives insight into world of minerals

July 2008

In July, Sibelco UK opened the doors to its site at Bent Farm in Congleton to show visitors how sand is extracted and processed and how the land is restored to nature when quarrying is complete.

The event attracted almost 700 visitors of all ages. As well as tours of the quarry in 4x4 vehicles there were a range of attractions including children’s activities, fairground rides and competitions. The local tug of war team were on site demonstrating their strength by pulling an eight tonne truck! Some of the community groups supported by Sibelco were also promoting their clubs and raising funds with stalls and competitions.

Sibelco has been operating Bent Farm Quarry since 1981 and the site remains one of the country’s most important sources of silica sand. The majority of the sand from Bent Farm goes to the UK foundry industry and recently helped to create Europe’s largest ever steel casting – a giant 325 tonne component used in the making of aircraft wings.