The 6th edition of the Quarry Life Award, launched by Heidelberg Materials this past year, is well underway. This competition, held every three years, aims to raise awareness of the ecological value of mining sites and discover new ways to enhance them. Established in 2011, this flagship initiative in the building materials industry has generated over 450 innovative project ideas to promote and protect biodiversity.

For North America, we are proud to have a strong candidate for the International Competition in the Research Stream segment of the contest. The project is titled, “Population Status of the Hoosier Cavefish (Amblyopsis hoosieri) in Hamer Cave, Lawrence County, Indiana” and is located on quarry property near our Mitchell, Indiana, cement plant. 

This project involves a multiple-visit population study of the Hoosier Cavefish, found only in caves in southern Indiana. Conducted in Hamer Cave, owned by Heidelberg Materials and located within the Spring Mill State Park watershed, the study aims to determine the current status of the cavefish compared to observations that date back to 1873 and establish a new baseline population for future habitat management.

The project is led by a researcher from the Indiana Karst Conservancy (IKC), a nonprofit focused on cave and karst ecosystem conservation.

“Understanding the population of the endangered Hoosier cavefish is crucial for protecting its limited habitat and the biodiversity of cave ecosystems,” said Thomas Sollman, Principal Researcher and member of the IKC Board of Directors. “Knowledge of individual cave populations helps prioritize effective management activities, especially when habitat protection is linked to surface protection and usage.”

Although the cave passages are under protected land, much of the recharge watershed is on private property. Raising awareness among residents and visitors about the cave's biodiversity is valuable. 

“The Quarry Life Award raises awareness about the ecological value of mining sites, helping communities understand the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts,” said David Perkins, Senior Vice President of Sustainability & Public Affairs for Heidelberg Materials North America. “The projects that have come out of the Quarry Life Award are great examples of Heidelberg Materials’ commitment to sustainability and demonstrate how mining operations, research and environmental organizations and the local community can collaborate to enhance biodiversity and contribute to a nature-positive future.”

Between now and September of this year, IKC team members will be conducting several site visits. Stay tuned to the Quarry Life Award page for more information and updates this year throughout the project. 

Photo courtesy of Chris Schotter, Indiana Karst Conservancy