Thirty-eight pits and quarries have opened as aggregates companies in the UK over the past year in response to higher order volumes, according to the latest annual report by industry specialists
Markets increased by 4% in 2015 and further growth is expected in 2016, the key BDS report entitled Estimated outputs of pits, quarries and marine wharves in Great Britain also concludes.
Reviewing the latest trends, the report author Andy Sales said: “The industry has been successful in opening new quarries or re-opening existing sites that shut during the recession. However, aggregates companies have also closed 47 quarries over the same period. Most of these were the result of reserves being exhausted. This is an increasing issue for the industry.”
The BDS outputs report has identified Tarmac as the largest quarrying company. The consultancy estimates that Tarmac’s share is around 25% of the aggregates market.
The top five companies are
The BDS report provides an estimated output for all of the 800 pits, quarries and marine wharves currently operating in Great Britain. It is the only independent source of information on the outputs and shares of all sites and companies in the country.
The report also includes details of major planning developments since the last report was published, as well as BDS’s own independent three-year industry forecast.
The consultancy expects further growth in aggregates volumes during 2016, of around 5%. For next year, BDS are expecting some further growth but at lower levels, due to economic uncertainty and the timing of major infrastructure schemes.
By 2018, BDS are forecasting stronger growth, as schemes such as Hinkley Point and several major road contracts will require significant volumes of aggregates.
The report on quarry outputs has been published at the same time as equivalent reports on ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and concrete products. BDS are also publishing new reports in 2016 on rail depots, rock wharves and secondary aggregates.
