15 quarries shut down in northern emirates last year

Thirteen quarries were shut down last year in Fujairah and two in Ras Al-Khaimah, for breaching health and safety regulations.

The Ministry of Environment and Water carried out 320 scheduled and random visits to quarries to evaluate compliance with federal environmental laws and regulations

Inspections revealed irregularities, including heavy spread of dust, which was said to be affecting the health and safety of nearby residents.

Inspectors also found a “lack of commitment” to cover the main feeder in the 15 quarries, belts conveying uncovered materials, the absence of rubber curtains to prevent dust from spreading and uninstalling the particulate matter 10 (PM10), air quality measurement device.

The ministry carried out 320 scheduled and random visits to quarries to evaluate compliance with federal environmental laws and regulations.

Saif Al Shara, assistant undersecretary for the ministry’s external audit sector, said the observation and monitoring quarries and stone crushers to ensure compliance is in line with the 2021 UAE vision and directives to create a sustainable environment and fully-integrated infrastructure.

Mr Al Shara added that the 15 quarries will cease operations from one to three months and cannot resume work at the end of the period unless they meet the necessary standards.