Blasting at Tunstead limestone quarry. A klaxon and countdown precede the blast. Limestone is a major mineral product which has vital industrial and environmental applications. Although Carboniferous limestone gives rise to the beautiful scenery of the White Peak, quarrying remains an important industry in this part of Derbyshire. The largest producer of limestone in the Peak District is Tunstead Quarry. This quarry, along with the adjacent Old Moor Quarry, produces around 5.5 million tonnes of limestone annually. It is the largest producer of high purity industrial limestone in Europe. In terms of output, it rivals the large limestone 磗uperquarries?of the Mendip Hills in Somerset which primarily exist to supply construction aggregate to south_ east England. Tunstead is a big local employer, 400 people work at the site and a larger number are employed by contractors and local businesses which provide goods and services to this major industrial operation.