The project
WHAT EXACTLY IS THE HARMONY PROJECT?
Project Harmony is the culmination of projects and actions implemented by Graymont since 2015 to continue its operations at Dudswell for several decades, while improving how the company integrates its facilities into the local landscape as well as the environmental performance of its operations; it is a project that responds to a lack of essential space for storing waste rock.
These stones must be mine to allow access to the ore.
ACQUISITION OF TWO PLOTS
Originally, the Harmonie project was aiming to acquire two plots of land near the current facilities to store non-recyclable stone. Lot 1, located northeast of quarry no. 5, was approved by all authorities in September 2020. Given the slowdown in production activities, the choice of the second site for stacking our non-recoverable stone has been delayed for the moment.
NEW ROAD LAYOUT
The layout of the mining road has been modified on the outskirts of quarry no. 2 near the plant. The area around the road has been vegetalized. This improves the view of the area while reducing truck traffic noise and ensuring the safety of drivers. We at Graymont are proud of this achievement as part of the Harmony project.
CLOSURE OF QUARRY NO. 4
The slowdown in the lime market, the disappearance of the opportunity regarding lot 2 and a marked drop in production force us to change the schedule originally planned for the definitive closure of this quarry. We now have to anticipate seven to ten years before completing the reclamation of the site, which must be filled with non-recoverable stones and then vegetalized.
LAC MIROIR TAILING
A flagship element of the Harmony project, the redevelopment of Lac Miroir’s stone stack better known as the Lac Miroir tailing is complete.
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA SURROUNDING THE PLANT AND THE MAIN STREET
During the construction of the new mine road, Graymont took the opportunity to redevelop the area around Main Street plant to give a more attractive look to the road leading into the village. Main Street is now more clearly defined and plant beds have been added.
HARMONY IN A NUTSHELF
The project is moving on. It has undergone some modifications to the planned schedules due to pressure from the lime market and the lower level of lime production at the plant. Also, the Municipality of Dudswell has launched a new project following extensive consultation with its population called “Sustainable Dudswell”, which has identified the needs of the community. Graymont’s commitment to the Harmony Project is as strong today as it was when it was first launched. This project is designed to ensure that Graymont’s Marbleton plant will continue to operate for decades to come. It was done with and for the community.
In addition, Graymont will support the development of structuring projects identified by the municipal authorities after consultation and discussion with its citizens. With the help of a dedicated Harmony Fund, financial assistance will be made available to the municipality for the benefit of its community to carry out projects that are important to them. This is what was promised and this is what will be done.
HARMONY PROJECT TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THREE PHASES
PHASE 1
(2015 – 2017)
- Closure and redevelopment of the Lac Miroir tailing
- Installation of screen mounds between the plant and the village
- Redevelopment of the plant facilities on Main Street
- Improved dust management
- Closing and restoration of the quarry located in the heart of the village
PHASE 2
(2019 – 2021)
- Discussions with the community and the Dudswell City Council regarding follow-ups to the Harmony Project, taking into account the municipality’s sustainable development plan and the additional details caused by the economic downturn regarding the closure of Quarry No. 4
PHASE 3
(2019 – 2030)
- Gradual closure and vegetalization of quarry no. 4
- Implementation of the community project agreed upon following our discussions with the community and the municipality and continuous improvement of the project
- Gradual implementation of Graymont’s financial support for structuring projects identified by the municipality following consultation and discussions with its citizens and that it will conduct in connection with the implementation of its sustainable development plan