Introduction:
Stone crushing industry is an important industrial sector in the country engaged in producing crushed stone of various sizes depending upon the requirement which acts as raw material for various construction activities such as construction of roads, highways, bridges, buildings, and canals etc. It is estimated that there are over 12,000 stone crusher units in Kenya.
Objectives:
The main objectives of the project are to:
- Assess the current market demand for crushed stones in the country.
- Evaluate the financial viability of establishing a stone crusher unit in the country.
- Determine the technical feasibility of setting up a stone crusher plant.
- Identify potential suppliers of raw materials required for the production of crushed stones.
- Conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the proposed project.
- Develop a comprehensive business plan for the proposed project.
Methodology:
The project was carried out in two phases: a preliminary survey and a detailed feasibility study.
The preliminary survey involved collecting data on the current market demand for crushed stones in the country, identifying potential suppliers of raw materials, and conducting a site visit to identify suitable locations for the proposed stone crusher plant.
The detailed feasibility study involved a comprehensive analysis of the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of the proposed project. This included conducting laboratory tests on the quality of the raw materials, preparing a detailed cost estimate for the project, and conducting an EIA to assess the potential environmental impacts of the project.
Results:
The results of the preliminary survey indicated that there is a high demand for crushed stones in the country, particularly for use in road construction. The survey also identified potential suppliers of raw materials in the form of stone quarries located in various parts of the country.
The detailed feasibility study indicated that the proposed project is technically feasible and financially viable. The study estimated that the total capital cost of the project would be Ksh 10 million and that the project would generate a net present value (NPV) of Ksh 5.5 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 33%. The study also identified a suitable location for the proposed plant and recommended appropriate machinery and equipment to be used in the production process.
The EIA conducted for the proposed project identified potential environmental impacts such as air pollution, noise pollution, and land degradation. However, appropriate mitigation measures were recommended to minimize these impacts.
Conclusion:
Based on the results of the feasibility study, it is recommended that the proposed stone crusher plant be established in the selected location. The project is expected to be economically viable and will contribute to the development of the construction industry in the country. It is important, however, that appropriate measures be taken to mitigate potential environmental impacts of the project.