How was the silver sand transported from the mines to the screening and grinding installations, without having to use trucks? Do you have an idea?
Intensive excavation of silver sand
Where once the sloping slopes towards the Oude Beek were, the Zuidplas is now located. This is a large-scale excavation of silver sand, which started after the closure of the mines. The Sibelco quarry (then called the Sigrano quarry) is one of the companies that had to absorb the loss of employment due to the closure of the mines.
Hence the large scale of excavation work. The construction of the viewpoint refers to the conveyor belts on which the sand is transported to the sieve and grinding installations. The installations sort the sand into the correct grain size, so that exactly the right type of silver sand can be supplied to the processing industry.
Moreover, the conveyor belt is an efficient means of moving sand (but also cover soil and lignite) within the quarry over great distances.
From the quarry you can look at the natural relief of South Limburg. The remains of the mineral extraction are only visible in the form of the Zuidplas in the foreground and the slag heap of the former Staatsmijn Wilhelmina (including the Snowworld ski hall) in the background.
The wooded heights on the horizon form the edges of the Caumerbeekdal and Geleenbeekdal with their side streams, with from left to right the Wagestooteberg, the Bousberg, the Kapellerbos, the Kisselsbos, the Aambos and the Imstenraderbos. These wooded heights conceal the large residential areas of Heerlen and Landgraaf and gave Parkstad Limburg its name.
Have you already spotted wild animals?
Due to the silver sand extraction, the Zuidplas and the surrounding area have been closed to the public for years. After completion of the extraction, Natuurmonumenten became the manager of this area from mid-2021.
This gives priority to nature development in this quarry zone. For example, the badger, beaver, fox, deer and wild boar have established themselves in and around the water. For example, at quiet times in the early morning and late evening you have a good chance to see the animals when they are looking for food. And also the activities of the beaver are clearly visible. He will redesign the banks of the Zuidplas with his gnawing and at his own discretion.
Birds of prey such as the goshawk, peregrine falcon and kestrel have also found their territory in this area and can be observed hunting. Sand martins breed in the adjacent parts of the quarry. In addition, the reed beds, bushes and thickets provide a habitat for numerous songbirds.
Various amphibian species count the Zuidplas as their habitat. In addition to common species such as the brown frog and common toad, the rarer species of water frog, natterjack toad and Alpine newt occur here. They are often difficult to see, but the trained listener will recognize their sounds!
This text has been automatically translated using an online translation service.
