Mining and Quarrying

The Mines and Quarries Division of the Civil Engineering Department enforces legislation relating to mining, quarrying and explosives, and administers quarrying contracts. It processes applications for the manufacture, storage, conveyance and use of explosives and inspects stone quarries, blasting sites and explosives stores.

Hong Kong consumed 12 million tonnes of aggregates and other rock products in 2001. About 50 per cent of Hong Kong's demand for aggregates and rock products was met locally, with the balance imported from the Mainland.

In 2001, one quarrying contract and three quarry rehabilitation contracts were in force. The rehabilitation contracts require the operators to rehabilitate the quarries within a specified period, in return for the granting of rights to process and sell surplus rock excavated during the course of the works. The rehabilitation works involve recontouring and extensive planting to blend them with the surrounding hillsides.

The division manages two government explosives depots: one on Lantau Island and the other at Piper's Hill, Sha Tin. These depots provide bulk storage facilities for imported explosives. It also undertakes the delivery of explosives from the depots to blasting sites and issues shotfirer certificates.

The largest use of explosives during the year was for quarrying and site formation works. The overall consumption of explosives was 2 100 tonnes.

The division also provides technical support to the Home Affairs Bureau and the Marine Department in assessing applications for fireworks displays.