Environment + Sustainability

Raw basalt bluestone material is examined and allocated to specific orders, pending the size, shape and grade of the natural boulder formation. Products are cut to order at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in south-west Victoria to minimise waste and ensure the best result for each unique project.

Furthermore, smaller by-products from larger projects are utilised for crazy paving, cobblestones or tumbled bluestone. In addition to this, by-product material is also utilised for sea walls, fish stairs and unique artwork designs.

All unused natural stone material is further processed with our mobile crushing plant which periodically stockpiles into 20mm and 40mm class 2 and class 3 aggregates used for local road developments and sub base construction. Unique to Australian bluestone, our crushed rock material is rich in natural minerals (being volcanic lava flow) and therefore also utilised as a natural fertiliser and soil additive.

All bluestone material is sourced at our quarry in south-west Victoria. Pre-processing of the raw material is undertaken at the quarry source, increasing efficiencies and reducing truck movements. Following pre-processing, the bluestone material enters the final stages of production at our nearby stone cutting facility, further minimising product mileage and lead times.

For over 30 years, we have taken a proactive approach to water usage. During the Bamstone bluestone cutting process, recycled water is used as a lubricant and cooling resource between the blades and the natural stone. This water is reticulated from onsite water catchments which are stocked with native fish and house an abundance of local birdlife.

Silt produced during the bluestone cutting phase is used as a fertiliser and also to redress the quarry area to be a native bushland and productive farmland.

Following the completion of excavation processes at our quarry headquarters, rehabilitation plans are activated to return and improve the land for farming pasture.

Our most recently completed quarry site is now a flourishing wetland with an abundance of wildlife, fauna and flora.

Approximately 40% of Bamstone’s factory is supplied by Green Energy generated by 200 kilowatts of solar panels on the factory’s roof space. The installation is just one aspect of the company’s three stage Green Energy program commitment. Stage one and two also involved the installation of Tier 2 LED lighting and two power correction units throughout the stone cutting facility.