The UK Minerals Strategy, which sets out an agenda for industry, government and others to drive sustainable supply of minerals for the next generation, was being launched today in London at the 'Living with Minerals 6' (LWM6) conference organised by the CBI Minerals Group and
Minerals and mineral products are essential to the economy and our quality of life. However, there is growing concern that their supply and the policies supporting the industry are increasingly being neglected by Government. The supply of the raw materials essential for all sectors of the economy, not least for housing and infrastructure, cannot be assumed; it needs planning, monitoring and managing.
Entitled 'The Future of Minerals and the UK Minerals Strategy', the half day event at Church House in Westminster includes speakers and panel sessions drawn from the industry, regulators, planners, and non-governmental organisations including; Andrew Bloodworth, science director, British Geological Survey; John Cowley on behalf of Wolf Minerals; Mark North, director of planning at the MPA; Andy Tickle from CPRE and Dr. Ian Selby, chair of UK Minerals Forum, amongst others. These experts were due to consider recent investments and developments, including changes in national planning policy, and of the challenges faced to ensure supply is maintained.
LWM6 was expected to attract an audience of around 200 delegates, including many senior figures within the British aggregates industry. It provides an excellent opportunity to get up-to-speed on a range of issues, participate in debate and network.
Speaking ahead of today’s conference and strategy launch, Nigel Jackson, chairman of the CBI Minerals Group and MPA chief executive, said: "Our sixth Living with Minerals event could not be more topical or urgent: Minerals and mineral products are essential for the economy and their supply cannot be assumed: it needs planning, monitoring and managing. Government has taken its eye off the ball and is failing to make the link between the need for a secure supply of minerals and mineral products to enable the delivery of much needed housing and infrastructure, and to underpin wider economic growth.
“The conference, and the UK Minerals Strategy that we will be launching, aim to galvanise the industry, planners, NGOs, other relevant stakeholders and Government into action to ensure supplies of over 5 billion tonnes of minerals and mineral products are secured and properly planned and supplied for the next 25 years."
