The mineral products industry works hard to carry out its work sensitively and responsibly.
Production sites such as quarries are tightly controlled to ensure they meet high standards of environmental performance set by government and local planning authorities.
And the industry itself continues to push standards still higher, recognising that the way its sites are managed today will influence its ‘licence to operate’ tomorrow.
Environmental Management
These days virtually all mineral products operations are covered by certified environmental management systems that are independently audited to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Britain’s expertise in managing quarries to the highest standards has been exported all over the world.
Besides providing essential building materials, the industry has consistently demonstrated its commitment to restoring quarries to create new and enhanced wildlife habitats that are proven to increase biodiversity and geodiversity.
See the section on Quarries and Nature on the UK website.
Quarries & Local Communities
Most quarries have good relations with their local communities who recognise that such sites have to exist to provide the essential materials that make life better and support the local and national economy.
Besides tight controls on the way quarries operate, many sites run regular local liaison groups – attended by community representatives – to explain current activities and future proposals. These also serve as a forum for concerns to be raised and any issues to be resolved quickly.
MPA member companies go to great lengths to minimise the impact of their operations on those who live and work nearby.
Other common features in the calendar of a typical quarry are public open days and school visits allowing people to see first-hand what happens within the boundaries of a quarry.