Existing Operations
Gypsum extraction is currently taking place centrally within the site.
Operations are currently progressing north in the direction of Fernwood and Balderton (see aerial image, below).
Under the current planning permission, these operations can continue until 31st December 2027, with the final restoration to be completed by 31st December 2029.
Based on the current predicted rates of extraction, it is anticipated that the existing permitted gypsum reserves will be used up by 2024/25. To ensure we have access to high-grade gypsum beyond this date, we are submitting a planning application to extend the quarry to the south.
The reserves at Bantycock Quarry are currently expected to be used up by 2024/25.
 To ensure that we continue to have high-grade gypsum to supply Jericho Works and our sites across the Midlands, further reserves are needed.
Geological investigations have found that there are additional gypsum reserves to the south of the existing planning permission boundary. We will be seeking planning permission from Nottinghamshire County Council for the following:
- A southern extension to Bantycock Quarry
- Extraction of up to five million tonnes of high-grade gypsum
- Retention of existing processing area and site access road
- Continuation of operations until 2044
- Amendments to the approved restoration scheme.
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We adopt best practice to control noise from our site to minimise impact upon local communities.
 Limits: the quarry would continue to operate below 55 decibels (measured at the site boundary).
Noise management measures include:
- Landscaped screening mounds
- White noise reversing beepers
- Noise monitoring surveys at locations agreed with Nottinghamshire County Council.
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As operations progress southwards in the new extension area, each blast will continue to be controlled by strict planning, environmental and safety controls:
- Only take place between 1:30 – 3:30pm Monday to Friday
- Designed to be within limits permitted by Nottinghamshire County Council
- Monitored at pre-determined locations agreed with Nottinghamshire County Council
- Controlled by Quarries Regulations
- Be supervised and only carried out by highly qualified personnel.
Please visit our extraction page for more information on the whole extraction process.
If you would like to view a blast in person, please get in touch with us at bantycock@saint-gobain.com to arrange a visit
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Example of a typical blast
When blasting takes place, a small amount of energy is generated in the form of vibration waves.
 These travel through the ground and may be felt inside properties.
Nottinghamshire County Council has set a ground vibration limit for all blasting that takes place at Bantycock (see table below). |
 Based on extensive research from around the world, this level is well below that which would cause structural damage to properties.
How humans respond to ground vibration depends on a number of factors, such as: age, health, physical attitude and previous exposure.
Humans normally become aware of ground vibration at levels of around 1.5mm/s, although this can be as low as 0.5mm/s. |
When blasting takes place, energy is also released in the form of air vibration (known as air overpressure).
There is no known evidence of structural damage having occurred in the UK as a result of air overpressure levels from blasting associated with mineral extraction.
Weather conditions may cause air overpressure to produce different effects from similar blasts:
- On a clear day, the pressure travels upwards, but low clouds will cause the air wave to reflect and be felt at a greater distance
- Wind can also result in a 10 – 15 decibel increase in sound level downwind, compared with levels in cross or no wind conditions.
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 Blasting can cause a small change in air pressure, which may be noticeable inside properties.
The weakest part of most buildings exposed to air overpressure are windows. Those that are poorly mounted have the potential to crack at 150 decibels (dB).
Air overpressure levels from a quarry blast measured at properties are around 110-120 dB. This is 30 decibels below the limit required for cracking poorly mounted windows.
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We adopt best practices to control dust from our site to minimise impact upon local communities.
 Dust management measures include:
- Water applied to haul roads
- Continuous visual daily monitoring by site supervisors
- Processing plant fitted with suppression sprays
- Modern low emission fleet of vehicles
- Wheel-wash for all vehicles exiting the site
- Monthly dust monitoring.
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We will progressively restore the quarry as areas become available following the completion of gypsum extraction operations.
The restoration concept plan (below) is how we see the site finally looking when extraction is completed in around 24 years’ time.
Footpaths will be created in various parts of this restored area.
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