Mining and underground works involve the presence of crystalline silica, a naturally occurring mineral known to be carcinogenic. To address this risk, we have implemented a continuous, real-time monitoring system designed to protect the professionals working on our projects.

Royal Decree 1154/2020 classified Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) as a carcinogenic agent, significantly reinforcing employers’ obligations in the field of occupational health and safety. In addition, the General Regulations on Basic Mining Safety Standards require an accredited Administration Collaborating Entity (ECA) to take dust samples every four months at workstations where there is a risk of exposure.

Our Health and Safety Department has gone beyond regulatory requirements by deploying a mobile system for continuous, real-time silica monitoring: the AIR S Silica Monitor.

“Having access to real-time data raises awareness of RCS exposure for both workers and management,” explains David Barreda, Prevention Manager at Sacyr Engineering and Infrastructure in Northern Spain.

Crystalline silica is a very common mineral found in rocks, sand, and soil. It is present in construction materials such as concrete and brick, as well as in activities like mining, quarrying, and construction. When its fine dust particles are inhaled, respirable crystalline silica becomes a serious health hazard, increasing the risk of lung cancer, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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The AIR S Silica Monitor was used during excavation works in the tunnels of the Access to the Outer Port of Langosteira project and will later be deployed during ballast spreading for track installation.

RCS levels can vary significantly depending on the stage of construction, with different exposure levels during blasting, debris removal, and drilling operations.

“This new system allows us to make informed decisions and continue reducing our employees’ exposure to RCS,” says David Barreda.

“The company is committed to protecting both our employees and our subcontractors. They value our concern for their health and the continuous control we maintain over the working environment,” he adds.

How the Monitor Works

The system analyzes multiple parameters in real time to detect RCS, including particle size, symmetry, and a range of unique optical markers characteristic of respirable crystalline silica particles.

At the same time, it uses optical refraction technology combined with light-scattering photometry, analyzing each sampled particle and classifying it according to its identifiable optical properties.

This approach allows the system to detect all forms of RCS — including alpha and beta quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite — across all relevant particle sizes within the respirable fraction.

The resulting data is combined with particle mass analysis to provide measurements in both mg/m³ and particles per liter.
Thanks to this comprehensive information, site management can make timely, well-informed decisions to ensure the safety of everyone working on the project.

Conocer el fondo marino es clave antes de iniciar una obra marítima. La batimetría, o mapeo detallado de los fondos marinos, se enfrenta siempre a muchas dificultades, incluida las propias condiciones del mar.

Estos retos se han presentado en la obra de Ampliación del Espigón Central, Fase 2, del Puerto de Bilbao y en el Puerto de Barcelona. Tradicionalmente, se usan barcos para realizar estas pruebas. Pero en esa ocasión, hemos innovado, con pruebas de verificación para poder trabajar con vehículos no tripulados semi-sumergibles que son fáciles de transportar. 

“Hemos innovado con la instalación en estos aparatos de una sonda multihaz y un sónar de barrido lateral. Mediante ondas acústicas, obtenemos datos de cota del fondo marino”, explica Alfredo Pérez, jefe de Obras Marítimas de la Dirección de Servicios Técnicos de Sacyr Ingeniería e Infraestructuras. Pérez ha sido galardonado recientemente con el premio Innovadores Naturales 2025, un programa interno de promoción e impulso de la innovación. 

“Gracias a este dron, reducimos las emisiones de CO2 y aumentamos la operatividad en las condiciones climáticas más desfavorables”, explica. 

“Se han realizado pruebas tanto en mar abierto, como dentro de la dársena portuaria. De esta manera, se pueden probar mejor las características de este aparato semi-sumergible y hacer una comparativa con el método convencional”, añade Alfredo Pérez.

Las sondas acústicas son las únicas que se propagan en medios acuosos con turbidez. Esta sonda de alta frecuencia genera un cono que aporta una nube de datos con más información del fondo marino que las sondas monohaces. La nube de puntos sirve para hacer un procesado de datos, interpolación y limpieza de ruido y se refleja en un curvado para interpretar el fondo marino.

Las batimetrías realizadas con este método se comparan con las obtenidas por medios convencionales y se analiza si las tolerancias entre ambas están dentro de valores aceptables. 

La sonda de Bilbao ofrece un esceneo que permite visualizar lo que hay en el fondo marino en tiempo real. Enseña la dureza y rugosidad del terreno y hace barridos laterales para detectar objetos. Sus mediciones pueden hacerse en un entorno hasta cuatro veces más desfavorable del que soporta el método convencional.

“En el futuro, buscamos que el cono interior de datos se amplíe a 160 grados. También queremos instalar una antena a la sonda para usar un lídar batimétrico aéreo que aporte datos terrestres y marinos en una misma operación. De esta manera, tendremos perfiles completos del terreno, solapando la parte marina y la terrestre”, dice Alfredo.

We present the 2025 Innovation Report, a journey through everything we have been able to achieve together. Every project, every idea and every collaboration demonstrates that innovation is the driving force behind our drive to transform the world and meet our challenges.

During 2025, we allocated €8.2 million to the development of new solutions and launched 42 innovation projects. In addition, 40% of the initiatives had sustainability at their core, reaffirming our will to care for the planet as we move forward.

Innovation was also born of collaboration. Thanks to our commitment to Open Innovation, we developed 13 projects in alliance with startups, demonstrating that shared talent amplifies our capabilities and allows us to look further ahead.

Internal participation is also key. More than 2,700 professionals joined initiatives such as the 3 iFridays and 8 iPodcasts, spaces that inspire, connect and bring together new ways of thinking. And we celebrated the 10th edition of the Natural Innovators Awards, with 117 nominations from 11 countries, where we recognized the talent, creativity and innovative drive of 18 people.

With each step taken, we reinforce our commitment to a more efficient and sustainable infrastructure model with a positive impact on society and the environment. Innovation will continue to guide our roadmap and open up new opportunities to continue transforming the world we share.

Discover the 2025 Innovation Report here.