sustainable aggregates manufacturing

Aggregates are granular materials used in construction to manufacture concrete, mortar, asphalt and other products needed on construction sites. Their availability and quality are essential for the construction of infrastructure.

Aggregates are generally classified according to their origin and size, the most common being:

• Natural aggregates: these are extracted from quarries or gravel pits and, once processed, are classified according to size, from fine sand to coarse gravel or rubble. The transformation process from natural rock or river gravel requires special treatment facilities and heavy machinery.
• Recycled aggregates: these are obtained from recycled construction materials, such as asphalt, concrete or ceramics, and can be used in the construction of new infrastructures, reducing the amount of natural aggregates to be used and consequently the amount to be landfilled, thus contributing to the circular economy.
• Decorative aggregates are used for aesthetic purposes in constructing gardens, patios and other outdoor areas. They can be of different colours and sizes.
• Lightweight aggregates are mainly used to reduce the weight of building structures. They can be made of natural or man-made materials, such as expanded clay or polystyrene foam.

Sando Materiales has several quarries in Andalusia, such as Sillero in Malaga, Ronda de La Ventilla and La Cabaña in Seville.