Students get an in-depth view of Castlenavan Quarry

Alpha Quarry Products and QPANI host visit for environmental students from Queen’s University Belfast

MORE than 50 final year students from Queen’s University Belfast studying Policies for Sustainability visited Alpha Quarry Products Ltd’s Castlenavan Quarry, near Ballynahinch, last month to hear more about the quarrying industry and discover to what extent quarrying activities are affected by environmental policies.

Irwin Armstrong, general manager at Castlenavan Quarry, took the students on a tour of the site and explained the company’s ISO14001 Environmental Management System, informing them how it is put into practice.

Mr Armstrong covered the necessary controls and best practice used in maintaining air and water quality, preventing pollution, managing biodiversity, maintaining good relations with neighbours, and complying with legislation, as well as many other environmental issues.

During their tour, the students asked a number of challenging questions that will help them to complete their associated assignment, which will see the top achievers being awarded prizes by the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) and Alpha Quarry Products Ltd at their graduation day.

Commenting on the study visit, QPANI’s Laverne Bell said: ‘QPANI and Alpha Quarry Products Ltd were delighted to host the Queen’s students at Castlenavan to support their environmental studies, help them gain an understanding of our important industry and, most importantly, develop their skills and employability.’