new silt press boosts capacity and recovers 90% of water at holcim uk's hillhead quarry

Leading building materials supplier Holcim UK has made a significant investment in the long- term capability and environmental performance of its Hillhead Quarry in Devon through the installation of a new, multimillion pound silt press.

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Situated in the village of Uffculme, Hillhead Quarry operates as an aggregate and readymix plant that supplies a comprehensive range of essential building materials to projects across Devon and beyond.

The primary goal of the investment – Holcim’s largest ongoing project in the South West – is to reduce the reliance on Hillhead Quarry’s traditional silt lagoon, which is nearing capacity, and to minimise water loss from the site’s silt washing and processing operations.

The new silt press will enable the quarry to recover and recycle up to 80% of the water currently used on site, dramatically reducing the amount of clean water needed to maintain production. 

The press works by separating the slurry – a mixture of water and fine particles generated during aggregate washing – into dry, pressed cakes and reclaimed water. 

Through the new process, these cakes will be reused as landfill lining, ensuring that none of the material is wasted. Meanwhile, the water will be returned directly to the quarry’s washing system, maintaining production without drawing as heavily on external water sources. 

Holcim UK has partnered with CDE, a global leader in wet processing solutions for natural and recycled materials, since the project began last year, with the new system set to become fully operational in the coming weeks.

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Jordan McCooe, Project Management Team Manager at CDE, said: "Collaborating with the Holcim team at Hillhead has been a highlight of our ongoing work in the South West. This project reflects a growing recognition within the industry that sustainable resource management is not just an environmental goal, but a strategic imperative for the long-term future of UK material processing."

Brian Wiltshire, Area General Manager for Devon & Cornwall at Holcim UK, said: “We are thrilled to be investing in the sustainability and capability of operations at Hillhead with the new silt press. This new technology plays a significant role in Holcim’s commitment to circular construction through the reduction of waste and the reuse of materials.

“It is also key for securing the long-term future of the quarry. Without additional silt handling capacity, the site would eventually be unable to continue its operations, which are instrumental for construction projects across the UK.

“The team, working together with CDE and led by our Quarry Manager Anthony Allday, have done a wonderful job in bringing this investment to life. I am excited to see the new press begin operating in the next few weeks.”

Hillhead Quarry has been integral to major infrastructure projects, including HS2, making this upgrade essential not only for sustainable practices, but also for maintaining a reliable supply of high-quality construction materials across the UK.

To find out more about Holcim UK, visit: https://www.holcim.co.uk/.