The environmental impact of extraction: A holistic review of the quarry lifecycle

Review article, 2024

As more companies start disclosing environmental, social, & governance (ESG) information, a holistic understanding of environmental impact is needed to provide transparency on the different concerns of stakeholders from different backgrounds. The extraction industries are poised to play a pivotal role in providing key environmental information to downstream organizations. However, these industries face unique environmental challenges, making it difficult to identify what is significant to disclose. This article explores significant environmental impacts within the quarrying sector, from a lifecycle perspective. Quarries, where mechanical extraction and processing for rock products (including aggregates and ornamental stone) occur, are integral for infrastructure projects worldwide. To identify significant environmental aspects that should be considered in comprehensive environmental assessment for quarry stakeholders, a systematic literature review is conducted with in-depth content analysis. This reveals potential significant environmental impacts, trends, and crucial knowledge gaps. Nine relevant environmental aspects are found across six lifecycle stages for quarries. Notably, differences in environmental concepts are observed. To help overcome some conceptual barriers and improve understanding at a holistic level, environmental aspects are mapped to endpoint impacts where notable damages can occur. The findings suggest more harmonization of significance assessment for environmental impacts is needed to facilitate cross-disciplinary discourse. Waste management and transport emerge as key areas that demand increased attention. Additionally, future research efforts should focus on exploring ways to reduce environmental impact in quarries.