Page 56 - Sigmaroc Annual-Report 2023

SIGMAROC ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Group structure
stone is used in the construction market for infrastructure and residential projects as tiles, skirtings, paving, cladding and bespoke applications such as kitchen benches and swimming pools. Dimension stone customers include stone transformers and cutters, wholesalers, building merchants and contractors. Customer contracts range from multi-year development projects, structured supply arrangements and periodic or one-off orders.
In terms of end-markets, the Group broadly fits into two primary categories, being construction materials and industrial minerals.
Lime and high-grade limestone materials have many industrial applications, ranging from fillers in the production of cardboard to reactive agents in the treatment of flue gas, soil and water. The Group’s industrial mineral markets comprise:
• Pulp, paper & board: Quicklime is required in the closed chemical circulation of modern pulp mills, helping decrease environmental impact of the production process. Approximately 250 kg of quicklime is required to produce a tonne of pulp. Quicklime and limestone are also used as filler in the production of paper and cardboard and more broadly in effluent treatment.
• Metals & mining: Quicklime and limestone are used in various metal production applications, including steel and copper production and metal recycling. Quicklime is also an important chemical for regulating various processes in the mining industry.
• Environmental: Quicklime, slaked lime and limestone powders are used to remove acidic compounds such as sulphur, chlorine and fluorine from flue gas before the chimney. Quicklime and slaked lime are also used to treat water, raising the pH level of drinking water and reducing toxicity of wastewater.
• Agriculture: Quicklime is critical in achieving sustainable and more productive agriculture, both in terms of livestock and farming. Limestone is also used to increase soil pH and in animal feed.
• Chemical: Finely ground limestone powders are used as fillers in paint and adhesives. Wollastonite is also used to enhance properties of paint, plastics and other unique applications.
Quarried limestone and granite minerals are used in the construction of roads, concrete and other building materials. Construction materials markets are broadly categorised as either infrastructure or residential:
• Infrastructure: Uses quarried limestone or granite minerals in the construction of large infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, bridges, ports, airports and commercial buildings. Primary products include aggregates, asphalt and contract services, ready-mix concrete, pre-cast concrete and dimension stone.
• Residential: Uses quarried limestone or granite minerals in the construction of various forms of housing. Customers include large national housebuilders, developers, contractors and individuals. Primary products include aggregates, pre-cast concrete and concrete products, ready-mix concrete and dimension stone.
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