Environmental statement

See our technical information sheet.

Pyrolave’s lava stone comes from our quarry in Volvic, central France.  The stone is extracted from lava flows within the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park in France, with the extraction sites upon the flow being very small. All aspects of extraction are carefully monitored by Pyrolave to ensure stringent observance of environmental controls and standards. 

Each extraction area is subjected to an "administrative authorisation for extraction within a classified zone" following a 2 year study of the zone.  Additionally, the undertaking of regular environmental impact studies and site restoration processes after extraction are compulsory requirements.

The authorisation file includes the analysis & control of direct & indirect, temporary & permanent effects upon the environment & specifically a landscape study, a study on noise, dust & vibration analysis, and hydro-geologic & hydrologic studies. The developer must prove that there is no risk of pollution due to hydrocarbon, organic or mineral waste.

The annual extraction limit imposed by regulation is the equivalent of an area 50 sq m x 10 m high. We can guarantee a yearly yield of 10,000 - 20,000 sq m continually over a 20 year period in strict respect of the environmental rules.  The lava extraction sites are situated over the flow zone of Volvic mineral waters owned by the multinational food company Groupe Danone who are equally stringent about the environmental risks.