OUR VISIT TO THE QUARRIES

In search of material sources to guarantee the quality and durability of the VAIA Expansion project, the Company's specialists made technical visits to the main producers of materials on the island of Nevis.

Aggregates Quarry operated by LEFCO

The tour on the site was conducted by the supervisor, who explained the production process (extraction, grinding, classification and washing) and reported the daily production volume. For the VAIA Expansion project, the ½”, 3/8” stone and washed sand used mainly in the production of high performance ready-mixed concrete are of interest. Also of interest is the 4“ stone, produced for sub-base and the possibility of obtaining 2” stone with controlled granulometry for base course of airport pavements. Samples have been taken for laboratory tests to verify that they meet the requirements of civil aeronautics regulations for pavement design.

New River 1 aggregate quarry, operated by Nevis Housing and Land Development Corporation (NHLDC).

The supervisor explained and informed us that aggregates of different sizes are produced, mainly 1“, 3/4”, 1/2” stone and natural sand. The gravels are used in concrete and the sand for mortars. Sand is also used to recompose base course and subbase for embankments in road construction. The quarry rocks are similar in composition to those of the LEFCO quarry.

Asphalt Plant. Operated by Public Works Department NIA.

This plant produces asphalt mixes for road construction. It is in good technical condition to assimilate the formulations that must be designed with the materials to meet civil aeronautics requirements and technical standards for pavements.