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Earth Science Partnership

Quarries, Mines & Tips

ESP provides expert assessment and management of quarries, mines and tips, helping clients address stability, safety and environmental risks

The Quarries Regulations (1999) and Health and safety at quarries, Approved Code of Practice (2013) are intended to help protect the health and safety of people working at a quarries and others who may be affected by quarrying activities. 

We have extensive experience providing input for various quarries, mines, tips and other linked sites in the UK.

  • Surface mineral workings (including coal);
  • Tips (even if they are outside the boundary);
  • Storage of minerals, including stockpiles;
  • Areas used for the preparation of extracted materials for sale (this includes crushing, screening, washing, drying and bagging);
  • Buildings and structures that are used for the working of the quarry;
  • Common areas (for example quarry roadways and railways, but not public roads or railways under the control of a rail company);
  • Mineral prospecting sites.

 

Activities related to the above include preparation, work related to extraction and preparation for abandonment.

Appraisal of quarries, large excavations, and tips is required to determine potential risks if they were to fail, or in the case of tips, move considerably more than the design allows for. Regulation 32 states that a suitable and sufficient appraisal of all proposed or existing excavations or tips is undertaken by a competent person to determine whether any such excavation or tip presents a significant hazard.

What Is a Quarry?

Recent Quarry Projects

Case Study 1: Quarry, Mine & Aggregate Assessments, Ireland

ESP delivered quarry, mine and aggregate assessments across a series of sites in Ireland to support compliance with Irish and European standards.

We undertook detailed geotechnical inspections and reviews of sand, gravel and rock quarries, combining site walkovers with evaluation of historic and current laboratory testing in accordance with SR21, SR16 and EN12620.

Our work identified compliance requirements, informed ongoing testing regimes and provided recommendations to support safe operation, regulatory compliance and long-term quarry management.

Explore our project gallery to see our team in action. From initial investigations to final delivery, these images represent our commitment to high quality data collection and the professional standards we bring to every project.

Project Gallery

We are proud to serve as a trusted partner for a diverse range of clients, delivering specialist geotechnical and geo-environmental expertise to the UK’s most ambitious projects.

Trusted By

We operate within a framework of professional memberships and industry-recognised accreditations, including ISO9001 and ISO 14001, ensuring that our technical delivery is consistently aligned with the highest standards of quality and governance.

Our Accreditations

Need Help With Your Next Project?

Client Testimonials

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Simon Lewis
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Earth Science Partnership recently completed an independent geo-environmental review for us and I have been extremely impressed with both the quality of their work and the professionalism of the team. The report was comprehensive, balanced and technically robust, helping us navigate a complex evidence base and identify the key issues requiring further consideration. Just as importantly, ESP were approachable and willing to engage constructively with questions arising from the draft report. Special thanks to Daniel Thomas for his time, patience and willingness to explain technical matters in a way that non-specialists could understand. It was clear throughout that the focus was on objective, evidence-led analysis rather than simply telling a client what they wanted to hear. A highly professional consultancy and one I would most happily recommend. Simon Lewis : Secretary : Nant-Y-Calch Conservation Group
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Barbara profile picture
Barbara
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Earth Science Partnership has helped us immensely through a , long, stressful and complex situation following a major leak under our property. We had the absolute pleasure of working with Giles Sommerwill, who was with us every step of the way. He helped us to understand the geological conditions and ramifications following such a major leak, and then informed and advised us during the process of agreeing a remedial solution with the water company, as well as helping us address other issues that arose over time. Giles is experienced, knowledgeable and highly qualified. We could not have hoped to work with anyone more professional, reliable or kind. We also felt that Giles was genuinely concerned, not just about our property, but about our well-being. Thanks to him, we highly recommend, and praise, Earth Science Partnership.
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Roberta Morgan
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Having used the services of Earth Science Partnership on two previous occasions, we had no reservations about employing them for a third time. They are very professional and produce excellent detailed reports on what they are able to do. They are prepared to listen to everything you require and would highly recommend them.
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Joshua Pike
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ESP undertook some thorough CMRA (Coal Mining Risk Assessment) works for our site. They showed a surprising level of knowledge into the historical mining methods and establishment of mining sites. Prompt and in-depth reporting and great communication, would definitely recommend.
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Duncan Phillips
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Great client to deal with!
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Keri Beal
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Great communication, excellent prompt service.
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Oliver Stacey profile picture
Oliver Stacey
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ESP have done some excellent GI works for me and produced some excellent in depth reports for our client (Network Rail)

Speak To Our Experts Today

Earth Science Partnership is a leading expert in quarry assessments across Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have decades of combined experience in our team of industry-recognised experts.

Our work, for homeowners, land owners, developers, and investors is completed in compliance with the latest, relevant industry best practices and guidance. We understand that every project is unique, so we deliver our services tailored to your needs.

If you’re looking for our quarry services, the ESP team can support you with a straightforward, cost-effective solution for your planning permission application.

Matthew Eynon
Matthew Eynon, ESP Director

Author

I am a UK Registered Ground Engineering Specialist and Chartered Engineering & Environmental Geologist with significant experience in Site Hazard Assessment, Remediation, Design, and Implementation across the Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical sectors in the UK and abroad.

I often work in multi-disciplinary teams advising other engineering and design professionals on the implications of ground hazards.

My work involves undertaking design, planning, management, and reporting of ground investigations. For example investigations for new developments and many bespoke studies including:

  • Assessment of hydrogeological settings, materials for earthworks.
  • Impact of abandoned mine workings.
  • Remediation and stability assessment of soil and rock slopes/landslides, most notably the Pantteg Landslide in the Swansea Valley for which I have guided and presented assessments to Local Authority officers and the general public.
 

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