Visit to Sibelco, quartz sand mining and quarry refurbishment.

On Friday 12 April, more than 20 KIVI members visited the Sibelco quarry in Heerlen.

After registration and, according to Limburg custom (coffee and flan), the presentation followed.

During the presentation, we talked about the history of the quarry and until when silver sand can be mined. Every year, 300,000 tonnes of sand are extracted. There are still several million tonnes of silver sand under the nearby mine waste heap. This is not mined, as this mountain symbolises the mining past.

We were also explained the various production steps:

  • Mapping the composition (chemical composition and grain size) of the sand through soil drilling and laboratory research
  • Excavation per layer of similar composition
  • Removal of ferrous particles using electromagnets
  • Purifying other particles with water
  • Water flow is used to separate the smaller sand grains from the larger ones.
  • The different grain sizes are stored outside, with a significant proportion of the water flowing back to the quarry.
  • Drying the grains using a gas-fired fluidised bed
  • Depending on the application, the pellets can be ground more finely
  • Storage in silos until transport, where air is blown through the grains to prevent clumping.

Left: supply of silver sand via conveyor belt to the1st purification steps and separation
Middle: intermediate storage, separated according to grain size
Right: drying installation, further grinding if required and storage of finished product
Background: the mine stone mountain, symbolising the mining past

Besides being used in the glass industry, the silver sand is also used as a filler in rubbers, plastics, sealants and medicines. Also, 8,000 tonnes were recently shipped to Japan for the 2020 Olympics. The 'sand from Heerlen' is used in equestrian tracks.

Then the tour of the Zuidplas, the redesigned part of the quarry. Only the shallow areas and the wood rills have been landscaped. Most of the greenery was created naturally. Deer, among others, also inhabit this area. Zuidplas will be transferred to Natuurmonumenten in 2020. After the brisk walk, we were offered tasty hot soup with sandwiches and a drink. For more walking information at Sibelco's Zuidplas: http://www.natuurlijkparkstad.eu/

Provided with the necessary facts, that sand extraction is more than just excavation, I would like to thank Mr Jos van Wersch ( http://josvanwersch.nl ) and the expert tour guides on behalf of KIVI Section North and Central Limburg for their efforts on this excursion.

Wim Maas,

Board member North and Central Limburg

Sibelco, quartz sand mining and quarry redevelopment

Sibelco is a global materials solutions company. It uses natural raw materials to provide solutions for society, supporting the cradle-to-cradle concept.
During this excursion, we are guests at the Heerlen site, where quartz sand (silver sand or white sand) is extracted. Its composition consists largely of silica. The higher the SiO2 content, the purer it is.
For the composition of the various quartz sand types see: https://nl.sibelco.com/iota-high-purity-quartz/

The sand is particularly suitable as a basic raw material for the glass industry. In the fine ceramic industry, the sand is used as a raw material for enamels and porcelain. Furthermore, silicon can be extracted from the sand, for the production of computer chips, semiconductors and solar cells.

Among other things, the presentation will explain how the exact composition of the quartz is examined using advanced equipment. It also explains how the raw quartz sand from the quarry is processed to improve its quality.

After the visit to the factory, nature guide Sjef Silvertand will show us around the restored part of the quarry.

More information can be found at: https://nl.sibelco.com/

Details and registration

Parking is available on the Sibelco site. Take the access road from the Euregioweg roundabout (through the entrance gate and between the ponds). Parking is available at the end of the road on the right-hand side.

Please ensure you have proper footwear (no high heels) for visits to the factory and the nature walk. In bad weather, please bring an umbrella.

Registration is possible until 7 April 2019 at the latest.