Environmental constraints: Implications for aggregates and industrial minerals resource development

摘要

The diverse geological history of Britain and its adjacent Continental Shelf has contributed much to our national wealth from the ancient trading of Cornish tin to the close association of coal and iron ore that contributed greatly to the Industrial Revolution, and more recently the development of North Sea oil and gas. That same geological diversity has blessed Britain with a varied and attractive landscape and contributed to the wide range of habitats that are now valued for their nature-conservation importance. Moreover, the built environment, the most visible aspect of our cultural heritage owes much of its character to the diversity of the natural stone, and indeed bricks and tiles, used in its construction. That variety has helped create and preserve attractive environments in our villages, towns and cities. In a densely populated island like Britain, competition and conflict between different uses of land is increasing and notably in the minerals field. Achieving the right balance between the protection of the environment and wealth creation through the development of indigenous mineral resources is one of the major issues facing the minerals industry and planning process today.