After over 40 years of operation, Cemex UK’s Denge quarry officially closed on 31st July 2025, marking the end of an extraordinary journey that began with a planning application in the 1970s. Since the 1980s the site has supplied over 6 million tonnes of high-quality material for major projects including the Channel Tunnel, sea defences along the south coast, and our readymix plants across the south east.
A Brief History
Denge quarry’s journey began in the 1970s with a planning application, followed by ground preparation in 1980 and the plant built in 1983. During its operational years, the site has been led by four Quarry Managers and five Assistant Quarry Managers, each contributing to its legacy. The quarry sold over 6 million tonnes of high-quality stone, contributing to numerous projects including Readymix plants in the South East, the Channel Tunnel, Cemex’s Thorpe Head Office roof gardens, plus sea defences at Eastbourne, Jurys Gap Camber, and Littlestone in Kent.
Over the years, the site had seven trucks based on site during the construction of the Channel Tunnel, with nine members of staff working over two miles of field conveyor feeding the processing plant. The quarry also had two loading shovels and one RB71 dragline. When the dragline operation finished, the team transitioned to using a hydraulic long-reach excavator to extract material. In the last five years of operation, they worked on the water with an excavator on a pontoon.
Remarkable Discoveries
The quarry has also been a site of significant discoveries. In 2022, a 16th-century cargo ship was unearthed, and human remains found in the 1980s are now housed in the local Lydd Museum.
Safety Achievements
One of the most commendable achievements of Denge quarry is its impressive safety record. The site maintained a continuous 27 years of Lost Time Injury (LTI) until it’s close in the final week of July. This is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the current and past teams who have worked at the quarry.
Looking Ahead
As the site has been restored, it will be handed over to the RSPB later this year. This marks a new chapter for the area, and we are proud of the contributions Denge quarry has made to various projects and the community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part in its extraordinary journey.