Ardeer Sands and Gravels

West Garnock

The West Garnock site has been used for sand extraction for decades, mainly in obtaining material to use in blast walls and for bunding areas to protect from a potential blast from the former explosives works bunkers. This area has been recently sold to local contractor Hugh King & Sons enabling employment protection for decades.

East Garnock

One of the oldest locations for mineral extraction within the land holding the East Garnock reserve is present due to the river and where it ran many years ago before being diverted to its current position in the 1900s to facilitate the extraction of coal. This deposit is a mix of coarse sands and river gravels both of which have application in the ready-mix concrete industry. The site has been granted planning subject to a section 75 agreement in 2009.  The estimated workable reserve of the site is 7,000,000T and will provide 33 jobs from machine operators, to civil engineers to ecologists.  The site will receive a high degree of phased restoration to provide a Wetland Park for the benefit of the environment and the local community.

Newhill

It may have been a new hill one day but again this area has been used for extraction for years. It produces fine quality wind blown sand. This sand is not easy to replicate and is therefore sought after by riding centres, golf courses and football pitches. The site is worked by NPL on a client specific basis and negotiations are underway for supply of material to two new golf courses in Scotland. Estimated workable reserve 500,000T.