A management framework for quarry rehabilitation : a case-study

Abstract

The Maltese archipelago, is densely populated and being an island State, has limited land area available for occupation. Therefore, land-use planning is crucial in ensuring that the space being considered for development is put to optimum use. Likewise, this approach was adapted into the study when choosing the most appropriate project for implementation. The site selected for the study is a quarry situated at Wied iż- Żiju between the outskirts of Żejtun and Marsascala, in the southern part of mainland Malta. Although the site is still used for mineral extraction, the study explores the site’s potential for afteruse through restoration once the quarry is exhausted. The project also sought to encompass a delicate balance between socio-cultural, economic and environmentally sensitive approaches; by looking at; the current obesity crisis in Malta, the potential incorporation of renewable and alternative resources into the design, and the possible prevention of waste generation through the implementation of management practices. These considerations would not only contribute towards a long-term sustainable use but also benefit the owner, the local community and the country in general. The project looked at various already available sports activities and related facilities in relation to the social needs of adjacent urban areas. A 3D representation of the final design of the rehabilitated quarry was modelled using Google Sketchup, demonstrating an outdoor adventure park. The project sought to provide a general framework incorporating the necessary practical considerations and requirements for the rehabilitation of an exhausted quarry segment. The proposed recommendations include; the formulation of a vast plan for developing effective frameworks for quarry rehabilitation, providing exhausted quarries across the Maltese Islands with a second-life rather than clearing undisturbed land for development, and potentially serve as a first step towards creating a new niche for tourism catering for sports enthusiasts.