PRIMARY PRODUCTION
Hong Kong used 20 million tonnes of aggregates and other rock products in 1994. About 55 per cent of the territory's demand for aggregates and rock products was met locally, with the balance imported from China. Local quarries and stone-processing sites are supervised by the division.
A rehabilitation contract for the Shek O quarry was implemented during the year to facilitate the progressive rehabilitation of the quarry site within a defined time-span, in return for the granting of rights to the quarry operator to process and sell surplus rock excavated during the course of this work. The quarry site will be rehabilitated by recontouring and extensive planting to blend with the surrounding natural hillsides in accordance with guidelines set down in the Metroplan Landscape Strategy for the Urban Fringe and Coastal Areas. Rehabilitation schemes for the Anderson Road and Lamma Island quarries were being arranged at the year-end.
In 1994, there was one kaolin mine operating under a mining lease.
The division manages three government explosives depots, which provide bulk storage facilities for imported as well as locally-manufactured explosives, and undertakes the delivery of explosives from the depots to blasting sites. It also issues shotfirers' blasting certificates.
The largest use of explosives during the year was for site formation works for the new airport project. A government explosives depot is in operation at the airport site on Chek Lap Kok Island to ensure uninterrupted supply for site preparation work. Explosives were also used in Hong Kong for quarrying works, sewerage tunnel construction and seismic surveys. The overall consumption of explosives was 25 000 tonnes.
In 1994, there were 24 applications for the use of pyrotechnics in the production of television programmes and theatrical performances. The division is responsible for issuing storage licences and removal permits, and provides technical support to the Recreation and Culture Branch in assessing the suitability of pyrotechnics and pyrotechnicians.
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