Quarries have been around since ancient times, and we still use them to meet the demands of natural resources like limestone, granite, and more. In the past, quarrying just required you to dig to get started. However, modern quarries are much more demanding. If you are entering the quarrying business, here’s how you can properly start one:
Make the Plans
When you decide to open a quarry, you can’t pick a spot and dig. There are several factors to consider even before the first bulldozer breaks the ground. The first thing you have to determine is where exactly your quarry is going to be. Depending on the sort of stone you are planning to excavate, this can limit your options.
Next, you should look into the local laws and regulations about quarrying. A quarry can severely damage the local ecosystem if it doesn’t follow the environment regulations laid down by the local government. You don’t want to end up paying a big fine because you didn’t know you were violating local laws.
Finally, now that you’re acquainted with the rules and site, it’s time to draw up a plan on how exactly are you going to make it profitable to start the quarry. This will involve doing a feasibility study on the location to see whether it can handle your projected output. Another step is to determine where your initial funding will come from. A business plan is useful since it will guide your initial steps and can draw investors to the project when it is shown to the right people.
Secure the Land
When you’ve got the plan ready and have the money, it’s time to secure the location of the quarry. The best way to do this is to buy the land outright. If there are no occupants, then this should be easy. However, this can be expensive. It gets even more costly if you have to relocate people out of the location.
The other option to secure the land is to lease it from the landowner. You can choose to pay the owner a flat leasing fee or sign a contract to share revenue. Talk it out to see which one is best for both sides.
Get the Equipment
With the land ready, you are going to need to have the equipment to get the job done. The most apparent pieces are the heavy drillers and trucks. These will be the most expensive to buy. They won’t be the only pieces of equipment you need to buy. There are the tools that your miners will use and machines that you might need in an emergency. For example, an electric submersible pump can be handy when your quarry gets flooded or you dig into an aquifer. They can ensure that your quarry dries out much quicker.
Quarries can be a profitable business that can generate revenue for decades. However, this is only possible if you do it properly. The tips above can set you on the right path, but they are just the beginning. If you want to ensure that your business prospers, you need to do some research and get the best people possible to operate your quarry.
