PRIMARY PRODUCTION
Hong Kong used 12 million tonnes of aggregates and other rock products in 1998. About 67 per cent of Hong Kong's demand for aggregates and rock products was met locally, with the balance imported from the Mainland.
One quarrying contract and three quarry rehabilitation contracts were under way in 1998. The rehabilitation contracts require the operators to rehabilitate the quarries within a defined period, in return for the granting of rights to process and sell surplus rock excavated during the course of the works. The rehabilitation works involve recontouring and extensive planting to blend with the surrounding hillsides.
The division manages two government explosives depots one on Lantau Island and one in Piper's Hill, Sha Tin which provide bulk storage facilities for imported explosives. It also undertakes the delivery of explosives from the depots to blasting sites and issues shotfirer certificates.
The largest use of explosives during the year was for site formation and quarrying works. The overall consumption of explosives was 3 621 tonnes.
The division is responsible for issuing storage licences and removal permits and provides technical support to the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority and Home Affairs Bureau in assessing applications for the use of pyrotechnics and fireworks respectively. In 1998, there were 42 applications for the use of pyrotechnics in the production of television programmes and theatrical performances, and 11 applications for the use of devices containing explosives in film production.
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