MPA warns over falling aggregate reserves

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has called for urgent action after a government-funded report revealed a sharp decline in permitted aggregate reserves across Great Britain.

The Aggregate Minerals Survey 2023 (AM2023), published by the British Geological Survey (BGS) for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, shows reserves fell by 46% between 2001 and 2023. The MPA warns that without stronger planning policy and long-term management, national ambitions to build 1.5 million homes and new infrastructure are at risk.

Aggregates represent the largest material flow in the UK economy, supplying foundations, floors, concrete, rooftiles, driveways, and roadstone. Despite abundant geological resources, permitted reserves have continued to dwindle, with the latest report showing a 7% fall in total reserves since 2019. England and Wales saw a 10% decline, while many planning permissions are due to expire in 2042.

Mark Russell, executive director for mineral resources at the MPA, said: “Aggregate Minerals surveys are a vital part of the Managed Aggregate Supply System. Failure to respond to the findings of AM2023 would create a serious and costly risk not just to the minerals sector but also to the construction industry and the wider national economy, especially given that up to half of all aggregates are procured, directly and indirectly, by the Government.”

The report underlines the importance of inter-regional supply. London, the South East and East of England remain heavily reliant on imports from the East Midlands, South West, Wales and Scotland. In 2023, England was a net importer of 11.7 Mt of primary aggregates, while Wales and Scotland exported 3.9 Mt and 6.2 Mt respectively.

MPA argues that government has “taken its finger off the pulse” of the sector, focusing on critical minerals while neglecting the “bread-and-butter” construction materials that underpin housing and infrastructure. National and sub-national guidelines for aggregate provision have not been updated since 2009, and the last set expired in 2020.

The Association is urging government to renew its commitment to the Managed Aggregate Supply System (MASS) and provide stronger support for mineral planning as part of the upcoming refresh of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Concrete is the single largest use of both land-sourced and marine sand and gravel, accounting for around 50–60% of sales, while crushed rock is vital for concrete aggregates, sub-base, asphalt and roadstone.

With total aggregate consumption in 2023 reaching 164.9 Mt, the MPA warns that securing long-term permitted reserves is essential to avoid supply shortfalls and protect the UK’s construction pipeline.