Belfast·LDP Plan Strategy 2035 (adopted 2023)·Page 210·9.3.2
Minerals Extraction and Environmental Sustainability
Local minerals should be used where possible to minimize transport (proximity principle). New development must not sterilize important underground mineral reserves, though extraction and processing can significantly impact the countryside and environment.
Minerals are natural resources and they can only be exploited where they naturally occur. The proximity principle aims to minimise the need to transport minerals in the interests of more sustainable development and this means, where possible, local minerals should be incorporated into new development. In addition, new development should not prejudice the future exploitation of important minerals, for example through surface development that sterilises important underground reserves that are needed for future development. However, extraction and processing can have a significant impact on the countryside and wider environment.
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