Minerals - Overview and Policy Context

Minerals, including valuable minerals, are an important natural resource and their responsible exploitation is supported by government. The minerals industry makes an essential contribution to the economy and to our quality of life, providing primary minerals for construction, such as sand, gravel and crushed rock, and other uses, and is also a valued provider of jobs and employment, particularly in rural areas. The Sustainable Development Strategy recognises that while it is important that we respect the limits of our natural resources and ensure a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of our environment, 'sustainable development' does not prevent us from using and capitalising on such resources. An enduring successful economy will effectively use natural resources and contribute towards the protection of the environment. While minerals development delivers significant economic benefits, there are also a number of challenges arising from this form of development which fall to be addressed through the planning system. The effects of specific proposals can have significant adverse impacts on the environment and on the amenity and well-being of people living in proximity to operational sites. This presents a challenge because minerals can only be extracted from sites where they occur, and there may be limited opportunities for consideration of alternative sites. A further challenge is related to the restoration of sites upon completion of work associated with the extraction and processing of materials. The planning system has a key role to play in facilitating a sustainable approach to minerals development, and ensuring the appropriate restoration of sites after working has ceased. However, as the impact of mineral working on the environment can never be entirely reversed the broader role and responsibilities of government, the industry, customers and key stakeholders also need to be recognised. For example, the Sustainable Development Strategy advocates the greater use of recycled building rubble in construction so as to reduce the depletion of natural resources and to limit transportation of such materials.