Case Study
Hargreaves Industrial Services: Ash excavation, processing & supply.
A pivotal role in the development of legacy stockpiles.
Clean energy future.
With the Government phasing out the use of coal in pursuit of renewable energy sources, the UK has witnessed the closure of all its coal-fired power stations. While an important part of the UK’s move to a clean energy future, the decommissioning of these power stations has caused subsequent supply issues for manufacturers of both cementitious and non-cementitious products that relied on pulverised fuel ash (PFA), a by-product of the coal fired generation process.
At the height of their use, coal-fired power stations produced more tonnes of coal derived fly ash CFFA than there was an offtake market for, so large quantities were placed in stockpiles or sluiced to lagoons, which were usually situated on power station land. Such “legacy stockpiles” are estimated to be well over 100 million tonnes. The unique characteristics of CDFA make it very difficult to replace with alternative materials and, as a consequence, the owners of these ash stockpiles are exploring the potential to unlock these valuable reserves.
Indeed, the UKQAA has played a pivotal role in the development of legacy stockpiles by ensuring CDFA is referred to in the National Planning Policy Framework as:
“Minerals resources of local and national importance: Minerals which are necessary to meet society’s needs, including…Coal Derived Fly Ash in single use deposits”.
Developing the use of legacy stockpiles can produce a number of processing challenges which are subject to the intended market. These can range from a simple screening to drying, de-agglomeration, and carbon removal. There are also often environmental and planning consent restrictions which need to be addressed.
As a materials handling contractor specialising in the excavation, transportation and processing of carbon-based products, Hargreaves offers customers a “one stop service” that addresses all these concerns.
Services Provided by Hargreaves
Hargreaves delivers operational solutions for the management and processing of ash on behalf of its customers. Services are tailored to specific site and commercial requirements and include:
- End-to-end management of ash handling, processing and dispatch from site.
- Recovery of conditioned coal PFA in accordance with the WRAP Quality Protocol, enabling supply to block manufacturers and other construction markets.
- Processing, sampling and testing of material to ensure compliance with WRAP Quality Protocol requirements.
- Marketing and sale of conditioned coal PFA into the UK construction products sector.
- Soil stripping and placement operations within previously restored areas to enable phased ash extraction and continued commercial recovery.
- Delivery of works in accordance with site and client requirements, including topographical surveys and management to agreed levels and landform profiles.
- Where required, full landfill site management, including dust suppression, provision of WAMITAB-qualified personnel, compliance with Environmental Permit and Planning Consent conditions, and liaison with local regulators on behalf of the landowner.
Impact for Customers
Hargreaves has developed practical extraction and processing solutions to meet the varying requirements of PFA users, while maintaining full environmental compliance. Through provision of integrated plant, labour and operational management, Hargreaves delivers material to specified size fractions and quality standards.
Outcomes include:
- Recovery of PFA, transforming a former waste liability into a commercially viable raw material.
- Bespoke screening and processing solutions aligned to customer specifications.
- Support for clients in meeting environmental and remediation obligations following the cessation of coal-fired power generation.
Hargreaves. Delivering essential services for industry and infrastructure.