Europe’s Sole Underground Sand Mine to Increase Production

The output of Europe’s sole underground sand mine is slated to double after receiving fresh investment. Sand sourced from Lochaline Quartz Sand (LQS) finds application in the production of windows, glass containers, and ceramics. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), a public agency, has contributed £230,000 to an £850,000 project for new equipment designed to remove iron from the sand, thereby enhancing its quality. Approximately 40 individuals are employed by LQS. In 2017, HIE backed a £1 million expansion for the company, which resulted in the creation of nine additional jobs. Elaine Jones, who serves as senior development manager for HIE’s Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross team, stated: “This latest initiative will provide further security for the business and its employees, while keeping to LQS’s environmental principles.” Diego Zurolo, LQS chief executive, further commented: “Running the only underground sand mine in Europe in a remote location like Lochaline can be challenging.” Over the last two years, the company has investigated techniques to ensure more consistent sand quality even at elevated production volumes. The sand possesses a high quality suitable for glass manufacturing, attributed to its substantial silica content and minimal impurities. Its inherent value was initially recognized in the 1800s; however, its distant location rendered mining financially unfeasible during that era. During World War Two, sand extraction occurred at Lochline, situated on the Morvern peninsula, for use in producing aircraft bombsights and submarine periscopes.