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The Boulonnais Quarries at the Heart of EDF Gravelines’ Safety Culture
The Boulonnais Quarries play a key role in embodying the strong safety culture at EDF’s Gravelines nuclear power plant
At the entrance to EDF’s Gravelines nuclear power plant, a six-metric-ton stone quarried in Ferques now carries a powerful message promoting safety, security, and health. Through this symbolic project, Carrières du Boulonnais, a subsidiary of the CB Group, is putting its expertise to work on an iconic project that exemplifies both local industrial excellence and the shared commitment of the region’s stakeholders.
At the entrance to the Gravelines Nuclear Power Plant, a massive limestone block now welcomes employees, contractors, and visitors with a key message:
“Safety, Security, Health: A commitment from leaders, a duty for all.”
Commissioned by EDF Group Chairman Bernard Fontana, this installation embodies the values that guide daily operations at Western Europe’s leading nuclear power plant. To bring this symbol to life, the EDF Gravelines power plant turned to Carrières du Boulonnais, a subsidiary of the CB Group, with the goal of selecting a local stone; the company supplied a massive six-metric-ton rockfill extracted from the Ferques quarry.
Beyond simply supplying a material, this project demonstrates the trust placed in the expertise of the teams at Carrières du Boulonnais and the quality of the long-standing relationships forged with local industrial partners.
“Seeing one of our stones serve as the medium for such a powerful message is a source of great pride for our teams. This project perfectly illustrates how our materials contribute to meaningful projects that benefit the men and women who keep French industry thriving,” said Vincent Amossé, Managing Director of the CB Group’s Aggregates Division.
An Exceptional Resource for Major Projects
Located in Ferques, in the Pas-de-Calais department, Carrières du Boulonnais has been mining a massive limestone deposit dating back nearly325 million years for over a century.
Known for its mechanical properties and high calcium carbonate content, this material is used in many industrial sectors and is being utilized in several large-scale national projects, notably the construction of the futureEPR2 reactorsat Penly.
This latest project with EDF in Gravelines once again demonstrates the CB Group’s ability to supply high-quality materials that meet the requirements of the most strategic infrastructure projects.
Want to go behind the scenes at Western Europe’s largest nuclear power plant?
The Gravelines Nuclear Power Plant welcomes visitors year-round for tours that provide a better understanding of how low-carbon, safe, and controllable electricity is generated.
To mark European Heritage Days and the EDF Group’s 80th anniversary, a special day of tours will be offered to the general public on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
To learn more and register:https://www.edf.fr/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2026-la-centrale-nucleaire-de-gravelines-vous-ouvre-ses-portes