Demographic vs economic variables in the modelling and forecasting of the demand of aggregates: The case of the Spanish market (1995-2016)

摘要

Aggregates, including sand, gravel and crushed stones, are the first mined resource by volume of production and the second most employed natural material, only after water. The demand of aggregates depends on the level of activity of the building and construction industry, which supplies housing and infrastructures to society. Knowing the variables controlling the demand of aggregates permits an estimation of future demand. This figure is of great interest for both the private sector to take strategic decisions and for the public sector to optimize permits and to promote or limit extraction in certain areas.