Our quarry at a glance — origin, ownership & legal status
Citadel Stone sources premium basalt from established quarry operations with proven geological reserves and active extraction permits. Our supply relationships include long-term concession agreements that ensure consistent material characteristics across production runs and project phases. Quarry locations are selected for optimal basalt quality, infrastructure access, and regulatory compliance with local environmental and mining regulations.
All basalt quarry USA quarry operations maintain current extraction permits, environmental compliance certifications, and insurance coverage appropriate to commercial-scale stone production. Material traceability begins at the quarry face, with lot identification systems that track blocks from extraction through fabrication and delivery. This documentation chain supports batch matching requirements for large architectural projects and enables verification of material origin for green building certifications or import compliance.
Buyers specifying Citadel Stone basalt for projects requiring supply-chain transparency should request formal documentation confirming quarry identity, legal operating status, and reserve capacity. This verification becomes especially critical for multi-year projects, federal contracts requiring material sourcing disclosure, or specifications demanding certified sustainable sourcing.
| Field | What to request from Citadel Stone | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Quarry location & geological source | Country/region of origin; geological formation name; GPS coordinates if required | Verifies material origin for import compliance, green building credits, and material consistency claims |
| Ownership or concession documentation | Proof of ownership, long-term extraction rights, or exclusive supply agreements | Confirms supply security for multi-phase projects; protects against supply disruptions from ownership changes |
| Operating permits & compliance | Current extraction permits; environmental permits; safety certifications | Ensures legally sourced material; supports corporate due diligence and regulatory compliance reporting |
| Reserve capacity & mine life | Geological survey data; estimated remaining reserves in cubic meters or years | Validates ability to supply consistent material for long-term projects or repeat specifications |
| Traceability & lot identification system | Documentation of quarry-to-delivery tracking; lot tagging protocols | Enables batch matching, quality claims verification, and supply chain transparency for certifications |
Annual production capacity — how we measure & certify it
Production capacity represents the maximum volume of finished basalt products a quarry operation can extract, process, and deliver within a defined timeframe under normal operating conditions. Citadel Stone measures capacity through multiple metrics including raw tonnage extracted, finished square footage produced, and pallet counts shipped—each providing different perspectives on supply capability relevant to specific project types.
Raw tonnage extraction represents quarry-face output before processing losses from sawing, calibration, quality sorting, and breakage. Finished square footage accounts for usable tile and slab area after all fabrication steps, providing the most relevant metric for architectural specifications. Pallet counts reflect logistical capacity and help buyers estimate freight requirements and site staging needs. Understanding these distinctions prevents misalignment between stated capacity and deliverable quantities.
Production capacity varies seasonally due to weather impacts on extraction operations, equipment maintenance cycles, and shipping logistics constraints. Peak production periods typically align with favorable weather and construction demand cycles, while winter months or monsoon seasons may reduce output in some regions. Citadel Stone provides production calendars identifying high-capacity windows and potential constraint periods to support project scheduling.
Machine bottlenecks—particularly at gang-saw operations, calibration lines, and finishing equipment—often determine practical throughput more than quarry extraction rates. Custom sizing, special finishes, and tight tolerance requirements reduce effective capacity by increasing processing time per unit. Quality assurance holdbacks for testing and inspection further reduce the percentage of extracted material reaching finished inventory.
| Metric | Document to request | Verification field |
|---|---|---|
| Annual tonnage (raw extraction) | Audited production certificate or quarry report showing tonnage by year | Total metric tons extracted; compare to previous 2-3 years to verify consistency |
| Finished square footage (usable product) | Mill sheets or fabrication reports showing sq ft/sq m produced by finish type | Finished area by thickness and finish; account for 15-25% processing loss from raw tonnage |
| Pallet yields & shipment volumes | Recent shipping manifests or packing lists | Pallets shipped per month; verify against your project’s pallet requirements and delivery schedule |
| Machine throughput rates | Equipment capacity documentation; processing line specifications | Gang-saw cuts per shift; calibration line meters/hour; finishing line capacity—identifies custom-order bottlenecks |
| Seasonal variation & peak capacity | Production calendar showing monthly output trends over 12-24 months | High/low production months; planned maintenance shutdowns; weather-related constraints |
Buyers should request production certificates audited by third parties or certified by quarry management, covering the most recent full calendar year. Compare stated capacity against actual shipment records and verify that capacity figures account for quality holdbacks and processing losses. For projects requiring sustained multi-truck loads per week over extended periods, request confirmation that your volume falls within normal operating capacity rather than peak surge production.
Verification note: Production capacity, lead times and custom sizing capabilities must be confirmed by Citadel Stone with supporting production records or supply agreements. Do not rely on unverified numeric claims for procurement or contract awards.
Custom sizing capabilities — formats, tolerances & finishes
Citadel Stone’s fabrication capabilities extend beyond standard tile and slab formats to accommodate project-specific dimensional requirements, edge profiles, and surface finishes. Custom sizing services begin at the gang-saw stage where block cutting programs can be adjusted to produce non-standard thicknesses, then continue through calibration, edge rectification, and finishing operations tailored to architectural specifications.
Available slab sizes range from standard modular formats through large-format panels limited by handling equipment and shipping constraints. Thickness options include thin-format tiles for weight-sensitive applications, standard commercial thicknesses for general use, and heavy-gauge slabs for structural or vehicular loading. Cutting precision and dimensional tolerances depend on equipment calibration and material characteristics—Citadel Stone provides specification sheets detailing achievable tolerances for rectified edges, thickness variation, and flatness under specific production conditions.
Surface finishing capabilities include honed, sawn, flamed, brushed, polished, and tumbled treatments, each requiring different equipment and processing time. Honed and polished finishes demand additional grinding and buffing stages, while flamed finishes require thermal treatment equipment and careful quality control to achieve consistent texture. Custom finishes or multi-step treatments (such as honed-then-brushed) extend lead times proportionally to added processing complexity.
Special fabrication services include edge profiling (beveled, bullnose, chamfered), precision cutouts for drains or fixtures, kerfing or grooving for slip resistance or drainage, and prefabricated elements like pool coping or stair treads. These custom operations require CAD file submission, shop drawing approval cycles, and often full-scale template verification before production runs commence.
| Service | Specification to request | Lead-time implication |
|---|---|---|
| Custom slab dimensions | Available size ranges (length × width); maximum dimensions; handling constraints | Standard sizes: minimal lead-time impact; oversized formats: add 2-4 weeks for special handling and equipment setup |
| Non-standard thicknesses | Available thickness range; calibration tolerances; minimum order quantities | Common thicknesses: minimal impact; unusual thicknesses: add 1-3 weeks for gang-saw program adjustment and test cuts |
| Rectified edges & tight tolerances | Achievable dimensional tolerances (+/- mm); rectification capabilities | Rectified edges: add 1-2 weeks for secondary processing; tight tolerances may require hand-selection and increase waste |
| Surface finish options | Available finishes; sample photos (wet & dry); finish consistency specifications | Standard finishes: minimal impact; custom or multi-step finishes: add 2-4 weeks for equipment changeover and QC |
| Edge profiles | Available profiles (beveled, bullnose, chamfer, etc.); minimum edge dimensions | Simple profiles: add 1-2 weeks; complex profiles: add 2-4 weeks plus shop drawing approval cycle |
| Cutouts, grooves & special fabrication | Fabrication capabilities; CAD file requirements; template verification needs | Add 3-6 weeks minimum; requires shop drawings, template approval, and often full-scale mock-ups before production |
Request Citadel Stone’s custom sizing specification sheet detailing available services, dimensional limits, tolerance capabilities, minimum order quantities, and lead-time multipliers for each fabrication option. Submit project-specific requirements early in design development to identify potential constraints and establish realistic procurement schedules.
Production workflow — from block extraction to finished pallets
Understanding the end-to-end production workflow helps buyers identify lead-time drivers, quality control points, and stages where custom specifications affect throughput. Citadel Stone’s basalt production begins with selective extraction at the quarry face using controlled blasting or mechanical methods that minimize fracturing and preserve block integrity for high-yield sawing operations.
Primary block cutting occurs at the quarry-adjacent processing yard where extracted material is inspected, photographed for traceability, and cut into manageable sizes for gang-saw loading. This initial sizing stage establishes lot identification that follows material through all subsequent fabrication steps. Blocks showing excessive fracturing, off-color zones, or other quality defects are segregated at this checkpoint to prevent processing losses downstream.
Gang-saw operations slice blocks into slabs of specified thickness using multi-blade frames that cut dozens of slabs simultaneously. Blade spacing, feed rates, and coolant management determine cut quality and processing time. Standard thickness runs optimize gang-saw efficiency, while custom thicknesses require blade reconfiguration and test cuts to verify dimensional accuracy. Saw-yard throughput often represents the primary bottleneck in production capacity, particularly during periods of high custom-order volume.
Calibration lines grind slab undersides to precise thickness specifications and improve flatness for installation. This stage generates significant waste material but ensures dimensional consistency critical to thin-set installation methods and large-format applications. Calibrated slabs proceed to finishing operations where surface treatments (honing, polishing, flaming) are applied using specialized equipment matched to desired texture and appearance.
Quality control checkpoints occur after each major processing stage: visual inspection and dimensional verification post-sawing, thickness and flatness measurement post-calibration, surface finish evaluation and slip testing post-finishing. Slabs failing QC standards are downgraded, reprocessed if feasible, or rejected from finished inventory. Final inspection before packing includes verification against customer specifications, lot-tag application, and photographic documentation for traceability.
Packing and palletizing operations prepare finished material for shipping using protective layers, strapping, and weatherproof covering appropriate to freight mode and destination. Crating for export or long-distance transport adds cost and lead time but protects material from damage during handling. Staging areas hold completed pallets pending freight availability and delivery scheduling coordination.
| Stage | Key control | Acceptable evidence to request |
|---|---|---|
| Block extraction | Selective extraction minimizing fractures; geotechnical quality assessment | Quarry extraction protocols; block grading criteria; photographic records of extraction areas |
| Primary block cutting & lot assignment | Lot ID application; traceability documentation; off-color/defect segregation | Lot tagging procedures; photographic records by lot; reject/downgrade criteria |
| Gang-saw operations | Blade spacing accuracy; thickness consistency; cooling/lubricant quality control | Gang-saw calibration records; sample thickness measurements; coolant testing protocols |
| Calibration & thickness control | Dimensional tolerance verification; flatness measurement; waste material handling | Calibration equipment specifications; tolerance measurement records; batch acceptance criteria |
| Surface finishing | Finish consistency; texture uniformity; slip resistance verification | Finish sample library (wet & dry); slip test results by finish; equipment maintenance records |
| Final QC & inspection | Specification compliance verification; visual grading; dimensional acceptance | QC checklists by lot; non-conformance reports; acceptance/rejection documentation with photos |
| Packing & palletizing | Protective packing adequacy; pallet stability; lot identification retention | Packing standards documentation; pallet configuration photos; lot-tag placement verification |
Request Citadel Stone workflow documentation showing quality checkpoints, acceptance criteria at each stage, and procedures for handling non-conforming material. Understanding where custom specifications add processing steps or quality holdbacks enables realistic lead-time estimation and contingency planning.
Quality assurance & testing — what reports we provide
Comprehensive quality documentation supports specification verification, regulatory compliance, and project acceptance protocols. Citadel Stone provides material testing results, dimensional verification records, and traceability documentation that enable architects and engineers to confirm basalt products meet project requirements before installation begins.
Technical Data Sheets (TDS) summarize physical and mechanical properties including absorption rate, apparent density, compressive strength, flexural strength, abrasion resistance, and freeze-thaw durability. TDS documents should reference specific test standards (ASTM, EN, ISO) and include laboratory accreditation information for independent verification of testing competence. Request TDS covering the exact finish specified, as surface treatments significantly affect measured properties.
Absorption and porosity testing per ASTM C97 or equivalent standards verifies low water uptake critical to freeze-thaw performance and stain resistance. Flexural strength testing per ASTM C880 confirms load-bearing capacity for unsupported spans or thin-format applications. Slip resistance testing using DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) methods or pendulum testing validates suitability for wet areas, accessibility requirements, and safety standards compliance.
Finish consistency documentation includes photographic sets showing material appearance in both wet and dry states, color range samples representing natural variation within lots, and surface texture measurements for slip-critical applications. These visual references support architectural approval processes and establish baseline expectations for installed appearance.
Batch and lot identification tags applied during production enable traceability from quarry to installation. Lot tags should include quarry source, extraction date, production batch number, finish type, and dimensional specifications. Retaining lot tag information supports warranty claims, allows future material matching for repairs or expansions, and provides supply chain transparency for sustainability certifications.
| Test or document | What it proves | Procurement note |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | Physical and mechanical properties; compliance with material standards | Request TDS specific to your specified finish; verify test standard citations and lab accreditation |
| Absorption & porosity (ASTM C97) | Water resistance; freeze-thaw suitability; staining vulnerability | Critical for exterior, cold-climate, and wet-area applications; specify maximum acceptable absorption percentage |
| Flexural strength (ASTM C880) | Load-bearing capacity; breakage resistance | Required for structural calculations, large-format tiles, vehicle loading, or unsupported spans |
| Slip resistance (DCOF or pendulum) | Safety for barefoot, wet, or accessibility-required applications | Must test on exact finish specified; request wet testing for pools, showers, and exterior areas |
| Finish photographic samples | Visual appearance; color range; texture consistency | Request wet and dry photos; use for client approvals and contractor reference during installation |
| Batch/lot tag documentation | Material traceability; batch matching capability; warranty support | Verify lot-tag retention policy; photograph tags during delivery for future reference |
| Dimensional inspection reports | Thickness tolerance; flatness; edge rectification quality | Request for tight-tolerance projects; compare measured values against specification limits |
Specify in purchase orders that Citadel Stone must provide complete QA documentation with each shipment, including batch-specific test results rather than generic material certificates. Establish acceptance criteria defining when material may be rejected based on test result deviations or missing documentation.
Lead times, scheduling & production calendar
Delivery timelines for basalt products depend on multiple variables including current inventory levels, production queue position, custom fabrication requirements, quality control durations, and freight availability. Citadel Stone manages lead times through production scheduling that balances ongoing orders, prioritizes time-sensitive projects, and maintains buffer capacity for expedited requests.
Standard-format products with common finishes typically ship from existing inventory or near-term production runs, while custom sizes, unusual finishes, or tight tolerance specifications require dedicated production scheduling with extended lead times. Lot-matching requirements for large projects further extend timelines by necessitating coordinated extraction and processing from specific quarry areas to ensure color and texture consistency.
Machine capacity represents the primary constraint on production throughput. Gang-saw operations, calibration equipment, and specialized finishing machinery operate on multi-day or multi-week cycles depending on material volume and complexity. Custom orders queue behind ongoing production runs unless expedite fees justify rescheduling. Understanding these capacity dynamics helps buyers request realistic delivery dates rather than driving unrealistic schedule commitments that lead to project delays.
Seasonal factors affect both production and logistics. Weather impacts on quarry operations may reduce extraction rates or halt blasting during periods of heavy precipitation or freezing conditions. Shipping availability varies with freight market conditions, peak construction season demand, and holiday periods when carriers reduce capacity. Ocean freight for international sourcing introduces additional variables including port congestion, customs clearance durations, and container availability.
Citadel Stone’s production calendars identify high-capacity windows optimal for large orders, maintenance shutdown periods when production pauses, and seasonal constraint periods requiring extended lead times. Staged delivery schedules for multi-phase projects are coordinated with production batches to maintain lot consistency while accommodating construction sequencing requirements.
Lead Time & Scheduling checklist (what to request from Citadel Stone):
- Current production calendar — Showing next 6-12 months with capacity windows, planned shutdowns, and constraint periods
- Lead-time estimates by product category — Standard formats, custom sizes, special finishes with realistic timeframes from order to ship-ready
- Lot-matching timeline requirements — Additional lead time needed to reserve and process material from specific quarry areas for color consistency
- Production queue status — Current backlog and estimated position for new orders; factors affecting prioritization
- Expedite capabilities and costs — Conditions under which rush orders can be accommodated; premium charges for schedule acceleration
- Staged delivery coordination procedures — How multi-phase shipments are scheduled; minimum order quantities per delivery; re-stocking timeframes
- Seasonal constraint notifications — Advance notice of weather-related slowdowns; holiday shipping blackout dates; maintenance shutdown schedules
- Inventory availability report — Current stock of standard products; quantities available for immediate or near-term delivery
- Long-lead custom fabrication notice periods — Minimum advance notice required for complex custom orders; shop drawing approval cycle times
- Freight coordination timelines — Typical duration from production-complete to freight booking; factors affecting shipping availability
Build contingency into project schedules by adding buffer time beyond stated lead times, particularly for first-time orders with Citadel Stone, custom specifications, or projects in constrained seasonal windows. Establish contractual provisions defining acceptable delivery date ranges rather than fixed dates to accommodate production realities while protecting project critical paths.
Logistics, packing & shipping capacities
Material handling from production facility to project site involves coordinated packing, staging, freight booking, and delivery logistics that affect cost, timeline, and material condition upon arrival. Citadel Stone provides detailed packing specifications, pallet configurations, and freight coordination support to ensure basalt products arrive installation-ready.
Pallet yields—the square footage or linear footage per pallet—vary by tile format, thickness, and packing method. Standard pallets optimize for freight cube utilization and forklift handling capacity, while custom orders may require specialized crating or reduced pallet heights to meet weight restrictions. Buyers should request pallet configuration diagrams showing layer counts, piece counts per layer, total pallet weights, and dimensional footprints to plan site staging and unloading equipment requirements.
Maximum shipping capacities depend on production facility staging area size, available freight equipment, and carrier relationships. Commercial-scale operations typically maintain capability to load multiple trucks weekly during high-demand periods, though custom orders requiring special packing or mixed loads may reduce throughput. Verify Citadel Stone’s ability to sustain your project’s required delivery rate across the full construction schedule, not just initial shipments.
Export packaging for international freight adds protective materials, fumigation treatments, and documentation requirements that increase cost and processing time. Ocean freight requires weatherproof crating, secure strapping to prevent shifting during transport, and compliance with container load limits. Import compliance documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, and material certifications must accompany shipments to clear customs efficiently.
On-site unloading requires appropriate equipment—typically forklifts rated for pallet weights, overhead cranes for crated large-format slabs, or specialized rigging for architectural elements. Establish clear delivery access requirements including pavement load ratings, overhead clearances, and staging area dimensions. Coordinate delivery timing with site readiness to avoid double-handling or weather exposure before installation.
| Item | What to verify | Procurement note |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet configuration & yields | Sq ft per pallet; pieces per pallet; pallet dimensions and weight | Request diagrams showing packing layout; verify forklift capacity adequate for loaded pallet weights |
| Crating & export packaging | Crate dimensions; protective materials used; weatherproofing methods | Required for ocean freight or long-distance truck; adds cost and increases cubic volume vs. standard pallets |
| Maximum truckloads per timeframe | Trucks per week/month sustained delivery capability; surge capacity limits | Verify capability matches your project delivery rate requirements; identify constraints during seasonal peaks |
| Freight coordination services | Who arranges freight; FOB vs. delivered pricing; freight damage responsibility | Clarify whether Citadel Stone coordinates shipping or buyer arranges; understand damage claim procedures |
| Import/export documentation | HS codes; customs documentation; phytosanitary certificates if required | Essential for international sourcing; verify Citadel Stone provides complete customs documentation package |
| Delivery access requirements | Minimum road widths; weight restrictions; unloading equipment needed | Communicate site constraints early; some locations require partial loads or specialized delivery equipment |
| Lot-tag retention & visibility | How lot tags are applied; whether they remain visible after packing | Lot tags must be accessible for verification upon delivery and photographable before unpacking |
Request sample packing photos showing actual pallet configurations, protective materials used, strapping methods, and lot-tag placement. Specify in purchase orders whether delivery includes tailgate service, forklift unloading, or jobsite placement, and clarify responsibility for unloading equipment and labor.
Sustainability, reclamation & community commitments
Responsible quarry operations balance commercial production with environmental stewardship and community relationships. Citadel Stone participates in or requires from quarry partners environmental management practices addressing water use, dust control, habitat protection, and site reclamation planning throughout the operational lifecycle.
Water management systems recycle process water from cutting and washing operations, reducing freshwater consumption and preventing sediment discharge to natural waterways. Settling ponds, filtration systems, and closed-loop cooling circuits minimize environmental impact while maintaining production efficiency. Buyers pursuing LEED, SITES, or other green building certifications should request documentation of water management practices and consumption metrics.
Dust control measures including water sprays, road maintenance, and equipment enclosures reduce particulate emissions from drilling, crushing, and material handling operations. Air quality monitoring at quarry boundaries and nearby communities demonstrates compliance with environmental permits and protects local residents from nuisance dust impacts.
Reclamation planning addresses post-mining land use through progressive restoration that returns quarried areas to productive ecological or community purposes. Reclamation approaches vary by jurisdiction and geological context but may include reforestation, wetland creation, recreational development, or industrial site repurposing. Financial assurance mechanisms like reclamation bonds ensure funding availability for site restoration independent of ongoing quarry profitability.
Biodiversity management protects sensitive species and habitats within or adjacent to quarry operations. Pre-extraction ecological surveys, seasonal work restrictions during breeding periods, and habitat creation or enhancement projects demonstrate environmental responsibility beyond minimum regulatory compliance. Community engagement programs provide employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements, and transparent communication channels for addressing local concerns about noise, traffic, or environmental impacts.
Sustainability evidence checklist (documents to request from Citadel Stone):
- Environmental permits & compliance records — Current extraction and environmental permits; inspection reports; violation history or clean compliance record
- Water management documentation — Process water recycling systems; consumption metrics; discharge quality monitoring if applicable
- Dust & air quality controls — Control measures implemented; community air quality monitoring data if available
- Reclamation plan & financial assurance — Approved reclamation plan showing post-mining land use; proof of reclamation bond or financial guarantee
- Biodiversity assessments & protections — Pre-extraction ecological surveys; protected species management plans; habitat enhancement initiatives
- Community engagement evidence — Local employment data; community investment programs; communication protocols for addressing concerns
- Sustainability certifications — ISO 14001 environmental management; third-party sustainability assessments; industry association memberships
- Carbon footprint & transportation impact — Quarry energy sources; transportation distance and mode to U.S. markets; carbon offset programs if applicable
Sustainable sourcing verification supports corporate social responsibility reporting, green building certification applications, and stakeholder communication about supply chain ethics. Specify sustainability documentation requirements in RFQs and purchase agreements to ensure Citadel Stone provides evidence supporting your organization’s environmental commitments.
Health, safety & on-site compliance
Quarry operations involve inherent hazards including heavy equipment operation, explosive materials handling, elevated working surfaces, and exposure to noise and dust. Citadel Stone requires or maintains comprehensive health and safety programs addressing these risks through engineering controls, administrative procedures, and personal protective equipment protocols compliant with local occupational safety regulations.
Blasting operations follow strict safety protocols including blast plans prepared by certified engineers, clearance of personnel from blast zones, vibration and overpressure monitoring at sensitive structures, and timing restrictions to minimize community impact. Heavy equipment operators receive specialized training and certification appropriate to machinery types, with equipment maintenance programs ensuring mechanical reliability and built-in safety system functionality.
Noise mitigation measures protect workers and nearby communities through equipment selection favoring quieter technologies, operational hour restrictions, and hearing conservation programs for personnel in high-noise areas. Personal protective equipment requirements including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, respiratory protection, and high-visibility clothing are enforced across all operational areas.
Incident reporting and investigation procedures ensure that accidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions receive prompt attention with corrective actions preventing recurrence. Lost-time injury rates, safety training hours, and compliance audit results provide quantitative measures of safety program effectiveness.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) checklist (certifications & documents to request):
- Safety program documentation — Comprehensive written safety program; evidence of worker training; incident reporting procedures
- Equipment operator certifications — Proof that heavy equipment operators hold required licenses and certifications; training records
- Blasting permits & protocols — Blasting plans; certified blaster credentials; vibration monitoring records; community notification procedures
- OSHA or local safety compliance — Recent inspection reports; violation history; corrective action documentation for any citations
- Injury & incident statistics — Lost-time injury rate; total recordable incident rate; near-miss reporting evidence (demonstrates proactive safety culture)
- Emergency response plans — Procedures for medical emergencies, equipment failures, environmental spills; coordination with local emergency services
While buyers typically don’t oversee quarry operations directly, requesting HSE documentation demonstrates due diligence for corporate social responsibility reporting and supply chain risk management. Projects requiring conflict-free or ethically sourced materials should establish HSE performance thresholds as procurement criteria.
When to request a capacity certificate or signed supply agreement
Formal capacity verification becomes critical when project success depends on reliable material availability, delivery scheduling, or multi-year supply continuity. Citadel Stone recommends requesting capacity certificates and signed supply agreements for projects meeting any of the following thresholds:
Projects exceeding moderate commercial volume—those requiring sustained multi-truck deliveries over extended periods—should demand audited capacity documentation proving the quarry can maintain required production rates without disrupting other customer commitments. High-value contracts where material delays trigger liquidated damages or project financing penalties justify the additional due diligence of third-party capacity verification.
Multi-phase developments requiring lot-matched material across several years need supply agreements reserving specific quarry areas and establishing protocols for maintaining color consistency between phases. Without contractual lot reservation, later phases risk encountering unavailable or mismatched material as quarry extraction progresses to different geological zones.
Public sector contracts, federal projects, or developments requiring performance bonds often mandate capacity proof and supply agreement guarantees meeting specific regulatory or bonding company requirements. Schedule-sensitive projects with immovable completion deadlines—such as hotel openings, retail lease commencements, or infrastructure milestones—cannot tolerate supply uncertainties that generic material orders might encounter.
Sample supply-agreement clause (non-legal template for RFQ/RFP):
“Supplier shall provide, within [10 days] of contract execution, an audited capacity certificate or quarry production report demonstrating commercial-scale annual basalt production capacity adequate to fulfill this contract’s delivery schedule. Certificate shall include: (1) most recent 12-month production volume by product category; (2) current backlog and committed production capacity; (3) identification of production periods allocated to this project; (4) attestation by quarry management that capacity claims are accurate and supported by operational records. For projects requiring lot-matched material, Supplier shall provide a lot reservation agreement identifying specific quarry extraction areas designated for this project, protocols for maintaining visual consistency across delivery phases, and contingency procedures if reserved areas prove insufficient. Staged delivery schedule shall be confirmed in writing with delivery windows defined as [+/- X days] from specified dates. Supplier shall provide [30 days] advance notice if any scheduled delivery will miss its window, triggering discussion of acceleration measures or schedule adjustments. Failure to provide capacity documentation or maintain agreed delivery schedule constitutes material breach.”
Adapt this template to your project’s specific requirements and have legal counsel review before incorporating into contracts. The clause establishes clear expectations for capacity proof and delivery reliability while providing contractual remedies for supply failures.
Procurement checklist — exactly what to demand from Citadel Stone
Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you receive all documentation and commitments necessary for informed procurement decisions and successful project execution:
- Audited annual production certificate or tonnage report — Showing previous 12-month extraction volume, finished product output, and shipment totals; ideally third-party verified or certified by quarry management
- Recent shipment manifests or delivery records — Demonstrating actual fulfillment of comparable orders; proves operational capability beyond stated capacity claims
- Mill sheets or fabrication reports — Documenting processing yields, quality grading results, and finished product inventories by format and finish
- Pallet yield specifications with photographs — Showing exact packing configurations, pieces per pallet, pallet dimensions, weights, and lot-tag placement
- Lot identification and retention policy — Written procedures for lot tagging, photographic documentation, and how long lot records are maintained for future matching
- Complete Technical Data Sheets (TDS) — Covering all specified finishes with test results referencing ASTM/EN/ISO standards and laboratory accreditation information
- Material-specific laboratory test reports — Absorption, flexural strength, slip resistance, freeze-thaw durability, and other tests relevant to your application
- Current production calendar — Showing next 6-12 months with capacity windows, maintenance shutdowns, seasonal constraints, and lead-time estimates by product category
- Custom sizing specification sheet — Detailing available services, dimensional limits, tolerance capabilities, minimum order quantities, and lead-time multipliers for custom work
- Sample slabs and finish photographs — Physical samples showing specified finish in both wet and dry states; photographic records of color range and natural variation
- Mock-up and acceptance protocol — Written procedures for field mock-up installation, quality evaluation, sign-off requirements, and criteria for material acceptance vs. rejection
- Lead-time guarantee or delivery schedule commitment — Contractual delivery windows with defined acceptable variances; procedures for addressing schedule delays
- Freight and logistics coordination details — Clarifying FOB point, freight arrangement responsibility, delivery access requirements, unloading equipment needs, and damage claim procedures
- Insurance and bonding documentation — Proof of commercial general liability insurance; performance bonds or payment bonds if required by contract value or project type
- Contingency stock or buffer capacity confirmation — Written commitment that specified material quantities include allowance for breakage, cutting waste, and quality rejects
Verification note: Production capacity, lead times and custom sizing capabilities must be confirmed by Citadel Stone with supporting production records or supply agreements. Do not rely on unverified numeric claims for procurement or contract awards.
Submit this checklist with your RFQ or initial inquiry to Citadel Stone to establish clear documentation expectations from the outset. Make provision of these materials a condition of purchase order issuance for projects requiring supply reliability verification.
Common buyer FAQs — short practical answers
How many pallets per week can Citadel Stone ship?
Shipping capacity depends on product type, production schedule, and freight availability. Request a project-specific delivery schedule showing sustained pallet-per-week capability across your construction timeline. Standard products from inventory ship more rapidly than custom orders requiring dedicated fabrication runs.
What is the maximum custom slab size available?
Maximum dimensions depend on gang-saw capacity, handling equipment limits, and shipping constraints. Request Citadel Stone’s custom sizing specification sheet detailing dimensional limits, thickness options, and whether oversized formats require specialized equipment or fabrication surcharges.
Can you guarantee lot matching across phased delivery?
Lot matching for multi-phase projects requires advance planning and contractual lot reservation agreements. Request written confirmation that specific quarry areas will be reserved for your project and ask for protocols ensuring color consistency between delivery phases spanning months or years.
What lead time should I allow for custom-sized basalt with special finishes?
Custom sizing and specialized finishes extend lead times beyond standard products. Typical additions range from several weeks for simple dimensional changes to multiple months for complex fabrication requiring shop drawings, templates, and approval cycles. Request Citadel Stone’s production calendar and lead-time estimates specific to your custom requirements early in design development.
Do you maintain contingency stock for project overruns or damage replacement?
Discuss contingency requirements during initial procurement. Some suppliers maintain buffer stock for large projects, while others require buyers to order overage quantities upfront. Clarify whether additional material from the same lot remains available for future orders or whether new material may exhibit color variation from original shipments.
How do I verify that stated production capacity is accurate?
Request audited production certificates showing actual tonnage or square footage output over the previous 12-24 months. Compare stated capacity against recent shipment manifests demonstrating fulfilled orders of comparable volume. For critical projects, consider independent verification through site visits or third-party supply chain audits.
Can Citadel Stone provide material for federal contracts requiring domestic content or origin certification?
Material origin and domestic content compliance varies by quarry location and fabrication operations. Request origin certificates, supply chain documentation, and guidance on meeting specific federal procurement requirements such as Buy American Act compliance. Verify that necessary certifications will accompany shipments for customs and contract compliance.
What happens if the quarry cannot meet the delivery schedule?
Establish contractual provisions defining remedies for schedule delays including advance notice requirements, opportunities for delivery acceleration, schedule adjustment procedures, or provisions for sourcing from alternative suppliers. Clear delay notification and mitigation protocols protect project schedules while maintaining supplier relationships.
Conclusion & Citadel Stone CTA
Understanding basalt quarry annual production capacity and custom sizing capabilities enables confident procurement decisions for projects demanding reliable supply, consistent material quality, and flexible fabrication services. Citadel Stone provides comprehensive documentation supporting capacity verification, from audited production records through detailed custom sizing specifications and staged delivery coordination. Request our quarry capacity certificate, custom-sizing specification sheet, current production calendar, and sample pallets with complete technical documentation. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and establish supply agreements supporting successful project outcomes from specification through installation completion.
Verification note: Production capacity, lead times and custom sizing capabilities must be confirmed by Citadel Stone with supporting production records or supply agreements. Do not rely on unverified numeric claims for procurement or contract awards.
