UEPG heralds sustainable industry

Aggregate production by 962 UEPG member countries reached a new high of 3.54billion tonnes in 2008 but the industry is more sustainable than ever before, according to the association.

In his opening comment, UEPG president Jim O’Brien said, “The first year of my Presidency has been very busy. We have achieved much progress, yet much more remains to be done. It has been a very tough year for many of our members, yet I believe our industry faces the new economic realities with optimism.”

O’Brien outlines work on the Raw Materials Initiative, efforts to help the Commission draft Guidelines for Extractive Activities within Natura 2000 areas and efforts to improve sustainability and the association’s recent Sustainable Development Awards as notable highlights in the last 12 months.

Looking ahead, O’Brien said that the UEPG’s objectives for the next year will include promoting biodiversity, further improving health and safety, as well as continuing efforts to complete the Raw Materials Initiative.

The UEPG is also pleased with the expansion of its organisation with four new members accepted in May this year. Addition of Hungarian Mining Association, the Cyprus Aggregate Producers Association, DTD Kamenko Gagr in (680 Holcim Serbia) and Halyps (726 Italcementi Greece) brings the representation up to 26 countries across Europe.