Therefore, it is impossible to avoid some form of temporary intervention in the environment, the landscape, when exploiting valuable stone resources. Basalt AG is well aware of this relationship, which is why the bond between ecology and economy has traditionally always had a high priority within the Basalt Group. So even before the first chunk of stone is removed, we work together with public authorities, trade associations and other institutions on plans for the quarrying operations and the subsequent restoration and rehabilitation measures.

Even when quarrying operations are at their height, quarries can represent lively habitats. Jagged outcrops, fissured slopes, piles of stone, ponds and puddles in depressions, furrows and old vehicle tracks all provide suitable habitats for many rare plants and animals. Prior to the final quarrying operations it is frequently the case that a mosaic of diverse ecological niches becomes established in natural biotopes, forming safe havens for rare or threatened species. This demonstrates that effective protection is possible in a mutual understanding between environment and industry.

Furthermore, to spare natural resources the Basalt Group has been successfully recycling building materials for many years. For example, some 85% of old asphalt can now be reclaimed. In addition, in many quarries and asphalt mixing plants building debris can be treated to produce a material that is ideal for many new applications.

Environmental awareness and the extraction of natural resources—never a contradiction in terms at Basalt AG!