What is the latest information on limestone mining in Galong?
Mr KERRY HICKEY: As members will be aware, New South Wales has abundant deposits of limestone. Our largest limestone deposits supply processing plants within economical haulage areas of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. The limestone sector continues to provide tremendous economic benefits to the regional areas. Production figures in 2002-03 were 4.5 million tonnes, valued at about $32.3 million. Limestone is used in the manufacturing of cement, iron and steel, treating water, dusting coal, chemical production, and agriculture. Some limestone is used as coarse aggregate, usually where suitable materials are not available. Approximately 50 per cent of the State’s limestone production is used in the manufacture of cement. Boral Limited owns Australia’s largest limestone quarry, in the Southern Highlands, and reserves are estimated to be between 200 million and 300 million tonnes of high-grade limestone. In May 2003 Boral Limited acquired the Galong limestone mine, which is south-east of
