Cemex's commitment to considered and high-quality restoration of its quarries has resulted in the harvesting of olive oil, citrus fruits and grapes from locations in Croatia and Spain.
In Split, Croatia, Cemex organised a volunteering activity in the olive groves located in its quarry, in cooperation with the Agricultural and Veterans' Cooperative Lintar. In a few hours, seven teams of five to six volunteers managed to break the daily harvesting record with 1162 kg of olives harvested. Almost 6.5t of olives were collected, from which 900l of eco-certified extra virgin olive oil will be produced.
Furthermore, restored quarries in Cemex's Spanish operation provided additional examples of successful horticulture and environmental enrichment from productive restoration. The former 'El Clotet' quarry in Alicante, Spain, is now a 138ha agricultural holding with more than 55,000 fruit trees. The farm has started to collect more than 2000t of citrus fruits for the national and export market, beginning in October and running until May.
Another pioneering project is Cemex's vineyard, located in the former quarry of the Yepes cement factory near Toledo. Thirty hectares of land and 92,000 plants of the best grape varieties are cultivated in a restored natural environment. The production of grapes and wine from this site demonstrates how properly restored industrial land can provide agricultural production of benefit to both the local community and the natural habitat.
Andrew Spencer, VP of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability & ERM for Cemex EMEA added: "We recognise that our industry has consequences for the environment, but Cemex is working hard to actively counteract climate change and this drive is present through all aspects of our business. In our cement and aggregate quarrying operations across Europe, we restore and recultivate our sites to provide optimal conditions that are managed well to deliver for biodiversity. The recent harvests in Croatia and Spain in particular demonstrate how valuable this can be, both for wildlife and for local communities.
"Our vision is of a successful, sustainable Cemex that makes a positive contribution to people and the environment."
Cemex restores its worked-out quarries to nature and agriculture
