The re-development of exhausted quarries in Malta

Abstract

For centuries, quarrying has been the mainstay of the construction industry, supplying material towards development which, in recent years, has grown at an unsustainable rate. Quarrying leaves huge scars on the environment, but its temporary nature affords the opportunity to redevelop quarries for particular land uses, while relieving the negative environmental effects caused by spent quarries. The study aims to explore different re-development options which can be applied to exhausted quarries in Malta, and highlight the opportunity they offer to contribute towards the sustainable development of land. The first part of this study consists of a literature review, providing a background to local quarrying and the legislation and policies regulating the industry. Re-development options are put forward based on researched literature, interviews with relevant specialists and quarry owners, and on-site visits. Two local quarries are taken as case studies and analysed in context with the proposed re-development options. This study indicates that until recently, many exhausted quarries were left abandoned and derelict, a situation which had been further aggravated by the poor control of authorities regarding this issue. This practice seems to be changing as there is a growing awareness regarding economy of space, even through control by the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority. This study concludes that the existing re-developments undertaken may not represent the ideal re-use options for the respective quarries. It recommends that a more holistic approach be taken with regards to all Malta. Thus, derelict quarries can be put to a beneficial after-use in line with the principles of sustainable development.