Report claims shortage of quarry reserves in GB is a growing problem

A major new report by industry marketing specialist, 671 BDS Marketing Research claims the quarrying industry has failed to replenish aggregates production for many years with consents for new reserves and that this “is now having a serious impact on the industry.”

The report estimates the volumes of reserves and reserves life at each operating and inactive pit and quarry in Great Britain, and concludes that, of the largest regions, the south-east and County Yorkshire have the lowest sand and gravel reserves life. Areas such as London, Counties West Sussex, Hampshire and South Yorkshire are particularly badly affected.

The problem is not limited to these regions. Elsewhere, Warwickshire and the Cotswold Water Park also suffer from a shortage of reserves.

BDS has identified that over 100 pits and quarries could close in the country, within the next five years, unless new reserves are granted, claims the report.

“Many of these sites will be the subject of an application to extend reserves. However, some quarries have no physical reserves left that are adjacent to the site. With markets picking up strongly, aggregates companies need to get their planning applications submitted soon to ensure continuous aggregates supply,” says principal consultant Julian Clapp.

By company, BDS believes that 1343 Hanson has above the industry average for sand and gravel reserves life, while 1707 Aggregate Industries is thought to have slightly below the industry average. In terms of volumes, BDS estimates that 7235 Lafarge Tarmac has the most consented reserves, followed by 1343 Hanson and 643 Cemex.

“The reserves position is much better in crushed rock, although here to, there are some local shortages. One concern is the future supply of nationally important high psv stone from quarries in North Yorkshire.

“In crushed rock, the position of Aggregate Industries is believed to be better 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, Lafarge Tarmac and Hanson.

“As well as site specific information, this 150-page report just published by BDS also includes details of over 500 planning developments. Supporting graphs and analysis identify the reserves position at a county, regional and national level for all aggregates companies in the industry,” says BDS.

This analysis has been prepared by BDS Marketing Research which has monitored planning applications and consents for new minerals since the consultancy started in 1989. Research for the current study included contact with local authorities, drilling into planning applications for reserves data, and reviews of Mineral Plans and other published documents.

Further details of the report, Estimated Reserves of Pits and Quarries in Great Britain in 2013, are available by contacting Julian Clapp on (01761) 433035 or email: julian.clapp@bdsmarketing.co.uk or www.bdsmarketing.co.uk