aggregate sand and gravel process in philippines

The aggregate (sand and gravel) production process in the Philippines involves several stages, from extraction to processing and distribution. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Exploration and Site Selection
– Geological Surveys: Identify viable deposits of sand and gravel through geological studies.
– Permits & Regulations: Obtain necessary permits from government agencies like the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
– Environmental Compliance: Secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to ensure sustainable mining practices.

2. Extraction (Quarrying)
– Manual or Mechanized Mining:
– Small-scale operations may use manual labor with shovels and sieves.
– Large-scale operations use heavy equipment like excavators, loaders, and dredgers.
– River and Land Quarries:
– Sand & Gravel from Rivers – Extracted via dredging or manual collection.
– Pit Mining – Excavated from open pits using bulldozers and loaders.

3. Transportation
– Raw materials are transported via dump trucks or barges to processing plants.

4. Processing (Washing & Crushing)
– Screening: Separates sand from gravel using vibrating screens.
– Washing: Removes clay, silt, and organic materials using water jets or log washers.
– Crushing (for gravel): Larger rocks are crushed into smaller sizes using jaw crushers or cone crushers.
– Sorting by Size: Aggregates are classified into different grades (e.g., fine sand, coarse sand, pebbles).

5. Quality Control & Testing
– Tests for:
– Gradation (particle size distribution)
– Cleanliness (clay content)
– Strength & Durability
– Compliance with standards like ASTM or local Philippine standards.

6. Stockpiling & Distribution
– Processed aggregates are stored in stockpiles before being sold.
– Distributed to construction companies, concrete producers, and infrastructure projects.

7. Environmental Rehabilitation
– Quarry sites must be rehabilitated post-extraction as per DENR regulations.
– Replanting vegetation to prevent erosion.

Regulatory Bodies Involved:
1. DENR-MGB – Issues permits for mining operations.
2. Local Government Units (LGUs)