GB primary aggregates market totals 160m tonnes

The primary aggregates market in Great Britain totalled over 160 million tonnes in 2020, according to an estimate from market research consultancy BDS.

By Liam McLoughlin November 18, 2021 Read time: 1 min

Crushed rock accounts for over 65% of the British aggregates market. Image source: Mineral Products Association

Figures decreased in 2020 when compared to 2019 & 2018 which BDS in part attributes to the extensive working limitations and government restrictions implemented to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Over 700 aggregates sites have been identified in the 2020 BDS report, with crushed rock accounting for over 65% of the aggregates market in Great Britain. Combined land won and marine won (primary) sand & gravel take the remaining 35% of the market.

The report confirms Tarmac as the largest producer of aggregates in Great Britain followed by Aggregate Industries and Hanson. The top five producers of aggregates in Great Britain were estimated to have a combined market share of 70% of the total aggregates market in 2020. The 2020 GB aggregates market was found to be the strongest in the East Midlands, followed by Scotland and the South West.

Quarry Products

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BDS Marketing Research

BDS Marketing Research report analyses UK aggregates replenishment

A new BDS Marketing Research report highlights how UK aggregates demand is set to increase over the next decade supported by major infrastructure projects including HS2, Hinkley Point C, Crossrail 2, Heathrow Runway 3, Road Investment Strategy 2 and government plans to provide 300,000 new homes each year.

Critical to this delivery, says the BDS report, is the provision of an adequate source of aggregates across Great Britain from all sources including primary land-won and marine, recycled and secondary.