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2016 MPA/RTPI Mineral Planning Conference calls for long-term planning to enable sustainable growth

The MPA/RTPI annual minerals planning conference that took place in London on 18th May 2016 heard that more than 5 billion tonnes of mineral products are going to be required by the economy and society over the next 25 years, and the challenges and opportunities arising from an emerging UK mineral strategy.

MPA chief executive Nigel Jackson, who opened the conference, said: ‘A long-term industry needs a long-term plan. The mineral products industry is a significant and essential industrial sector that requires large investment in major operations for the long term.

‘Mineral planning is a good thing when done well, and can provide the certainty and confidence industry requires for the medium to long term. But to do this it is important that government resources and supports this key function properly, so that it can be an enabler for sustainable growth rather than an obstacle.’

The conference heard that Minerals extraction in the UK contributes over £15bn in terms of raw mineral output and £235bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) generate by those minerals from extraction, products manufacture and “first use’ markets. Minerals contribution to the UK economy represents 16% of GVA. Some 34,000 people are employed directly in mineral extraction.

However there is a growing shortage of land with planning permission for aggregates in particular, within the southern half of England and the latest population growth estimates suggest the need for more minerals can only increase.

Halletec are familiar with the issues involved and are well placed to advise landowners with regard to proposals for mineral extraction on their land.

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