Mineral resource maps and safeguarding areas : a Welsh case study

Access to economic mineral resources in the UK, such as sand and gravel and crushed rock aggregate, is vital to ensure the continued supply of raw materials that are essential for maintaining national infrastructure and underpinning the economy. Increasing pressures on land use threaten adequate mineral supply in the long term if the location of mineral resources is not considered when siting other types of development. Security of supply of minerals is, therefore, becoming an increasing priority for local and national government organisations responsible for planning for development.