Aggregate reserve problem growing in the UK

Failure to match aggregate production with consents for new reserves in the UK is now having a serious impact on the industry, according to a new report.

671 BDS Marketing Research’s latest research estimates the volumes of reserves and reserves life at each operating and inactive pit and quarry in Great Britain. The findings show that of the largest regions, the south east and Yorkshire have the lowest sand and gravel reserves life. Areas such as London, West Sussex, Hampshire and South Yorkshire are particularly badly affected.

By company, BDS believes that 1343 Hanson has above the industry average for sand and gravel reserves life, whilst 1707 Aggregate Industries is thought to have slightly below the industry average. In terms of volumes, BDS estimates that 868 Tarmac has the most consented reserves, followed by Hanson and 643 Cemex.

The market position for hard rock reserves is better but there is still some local areas where shortages may impact, along with the availability of specialist products such as high PSV stone for highway construction.

In terms of the position company by company, Aggregate Industries is believed to be in a better position as it is thought to have the highest volume of consented reserves. BDS has identified Aggregate Industries as having a particularly strong reserves position in Scotland and the south west.

The order of the companies with the highest volume of crushed rock reserves is believed to be Aggregate Industries, Tarmac and Hanson.