New mining techniques on Portland have ensured the future of a cricket club.

Albion Stone plc had planning permission to quarry land at Red Triangle Cricket Club on Tophill.

But bosses decided to cut stone out from underground rather than blast the famous rock out from above on the Jordan’s Quarry site.

The move has helped secure the future of the 87-year-old club.

Albion Stone managing director Michael Poultney said: “Jordans Mine is our third mining operation on Portland and follows the trial mine in Bowers Quarry that started in 2003 and the High Wall mines to the eastern boundary of Bowers Quarry that started in 2007. “As with the two Bowers sites, we had permission to quarry the Cricket Field Site in Jordans but the company decided on environmental grounds to mine rather than quarry. “The advantages for the Red Triangle Cricket Club are obvious, but also the reduction in noise, dust, blasting vibration and visual impact will be appreciated by local residents.”

The mining technique, called ‘room-and-pillar’, cuts the stone away, rather than using blasting. As well as not disturbing the cricketers, the method results in a higher yield of stone, reduces the impact and results in less noise and dust.

Albion says that mining also allows stone to be extracted with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, potentially reducing carbon emissions by nearly 50 per cent.

The mine will provide 10 years of Whitbed and Basebed stone.

Cricket club secretary Grant Neven said: “Portland Red Triangle Cricket Club have been fully consulted and informed of developments by Albion Stone.

“Albion Stone have helped the club with sponsorship towards its new boundary fence and have continued to sponsor and retain close relations with the club.”

Alan Laidlaw, who is head of new business development for The Crown Estate’s rural estate, added: “Albion Stone’s approach demonstrates how mineral extraction can be approached with minimum