New Service Area | Lighting Design
Lighting is a critical element of any development or refurbishment project. Light has a significant impact on how we live and enjoy internal and external environments. Our team have extensive experience in delivering technically or aesthetically led solutions with a major emphasis on energy reduction and the circular economy.
‘Finds of a Lifetime’ | Discovery of Roman Sculpted Stone Heads
Our archaeologists have once again made national and international news with discoveries from our community excavations at Carlisle Cricket Ground in Cumbria being described as ‘finds of a lifetime’. Previous excavations revealed the remains of a bath house that existed on the site during the Roman period. However, on the second day on site this year, two large and very unusual sculpted heads were found. It is thought that the two heads are local versions of Roman theatre masks.
WATCH: Froth Flotation
Froth flotation remains one of the most widely used industrial beneficiation techniques for most base metals and an increasing number of other non-sulphide ore bodies.
Exploiting differences in surface chemistry, froth flotation can be applied to a wide range of commodities and will be key in producing the metals necessary to drive the transition towards a greener economy.
Action! Wycombe Film Studios Receives Unanimous Approval at Planning Committee
We were pleased to hear that the next seven stages of the Wycombe Film Studios in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire received unanimous approval at planning committee!
Wardell Armstrong’s multidisciplinary team have been involved with this high profile project since 2021, and have assisted in the preparation of assessments for flood risk, drainage, ground conditions, air quality, noise and utilities. Our team were also involved in the liaison to support two temporary planning submissions and one permanent planning submission. We are now in the process of submitting a proposal to support discharge of drainage, noise and odour related conditions.
WATCH: Optimising the Design of a Comminution Circuit
It’s an often quoted figure that crushing and grinding accounts for approximately 50% of a mine’s total energy consumption and is therefore a significant contributor to operating cost.
With a global trend for reducing ore grades, increased energy costs and the need to process larger quantities to meet demand, the below video shows an insight into the comminution testing that we offer from our mineral processing facility in Truro. We are able to optimise the design of a comminution circuit to reduce costs and ensure resource efficiency.
Do Roman Snails Require Specialist Survey Works in the UK?
Roman snails Helix pomatia are the country’s largest terrestrial snail species. Their distribution is primarily across south-east England, with the main hotspots being the North Downs, Chilterns and Cotswolds. They require well-drained, chalk or limestone soils and are found in a range of habitats, including, grasslands, hedgerows, open scrublands, allotments, embankments, and quarries. In 2008, the Roman snail was added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This legal protection can have implications on development projects.
Wardell Armstrong Reappointed by Isle of Man Government as their Mineral Agent
The Isle of Man Government recently completed a full public procurement exercise to appoint a mineral agent for the next 3 years with the option to extend the contract for a further 2 years. Our role is to will be of a technical, strategic and operational nature. In addition to permitting extraction from quarries and sand pits in the Isle of Man, we will also advise the Department on the legacy of the numerous abandoned mines and associated workings and provide advice to address issues relating to old mine entries as and when they arise.
Benefits of Battery Electric Vehicles in Mining Operations
The mining legacy of decades past, largely associated with environmental destruction and social disruption, has proven a persistent challenge for the industry to overcome – particularly post Paris Accord with a growing environmentally conscious demographic. With the current global drive for decarbonization combined with the ever-increasing focus on Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) for project permitting, the long-term sustainability of the mining industry may well depend on the industry’s own ability to adapt to evolving public opinion and prove that it can continue to operate in a socially acceptable manner. One such way the industry is addressing the issues described involves the integration of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) into mining operations.
New Senior Appointments at Wardell Armstrong
We are pleased to announce that from the 1st of April 2023, Caroline Mellor is appointed as Deputy Managing Director of Wardell Armstrong UK, Alison Allen is appointed as Deputy Managing Director of Wardell Armstrong International and Helen Kennedy is appointed as a Director.
Air Quality Permitting Update for Medium Combustion Plant (MCPs) and Specified Generators (SG)
Earlier this year, the Environment Agency (EA) issued a Briefing Note: Existing MCP and SG Phase II preparations update – England only with the aim to implement new MCP permit requirements in response to Schedule 25 of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (England and Wales). Updates allow for permitting obligations for MCP and SG to be met in phases depending on the capacity of the combustion plant and the date it was brought into operation.