Restoring nature through quarry rehabilitation
The Quarry Life Award is our unique nature based international scientific and educational competition addressing biodiversity on our sites. The competition promotes and protects biodiversity within our quarries with the winner producing an innovative project that can be replicated across our operations for the benefit of the environment.
For the sixth time since 2012, the award aims to raise awareness of biodiversity associated with extraction sites and is a key element of our biodiversity strategy, ensuring we move from biodiversity loss to gain.
The aim of this award is to find and recognise commercially viable projects which can be replicated for the benefit of our operations and the Group.
Habitat restoration
Supporting native habitats through quarry rehabilitation and environmental care.
Species recovery
Helping protect threatened species through research and practical action.
Community collaboration
Working with researchers, schools and local communities to support biodiversity.
Science-led conservation
Using data, monitoring and expert insights to improve environmental outcomes.
A decade of impact
Since 2012, the Quarry Life Award has brought together researchers, students, local communities and environmental organisations to improve biodiversity outcomes across Heidelberg Materials sites worldwide.
Key achievements:
- 70+ participating quarries globally
- Projects supporting species recovery and habitat restoration
- Community-led conservation initiatives
- Scientific research informing rehabilitation practices
- Nature-positive outcomes across operational sites
2025 Quarry Life Award Winner
Conserving the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly project
Discover how the 2025 Quarry Life Award project is restoring habitat for the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly at Wolffdene and Nerang quarries.
Introducing our 2025 QLA jurors
Each juror brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to the evaluation process, ensuring the award continues the importance of biodiversity across our quarries.
Phil Schacht - CEO
Our CEO Phil Schacht plays a key role in driving progress in the circular materials economy.
With over two decades of experience in the mining and resource sectors across national and international markets, Phil has been instrumental in integrating sustainable practices within operations.
His experience ensures that initiatives such as the Quarry Life Award are championed, making him a valuable juror for the Quarry Life Award 2025.
How does it work?
Submit an idea
Researchers, students, NGOs and communities submit project proposals.
Collaborate
Teams work together to develop practical solutions.
Implement
Projects are delivered onsite at quarry locations.
Measure impact
Outcomes are monitored and shared to support improvement.