All current built environment ambitions – from homes to major infrastructure – rely on one often-overlooked factor: the supply of essential minerals. But has government and the construction sector taken this seriously enough? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
It was incredible to bring together our amazing panel discussing Essential Minerals at UKREiiF on 21st May.
The panel discussed the importance of minerals and the continued supply to support built development in the UK covering:
- The role of minerals in housing and infrastructure
- Supply chain challenges and solutions
- Mineral safeguarding and environmental considerations
We tackled some of the most pressing, and often overlooked questions facing the built environment. Including:
- Are developers becoming more aware of the importance of minerals?
- Is the lack of consideration of minerals rooted in communication, education, or both?
- Why isn’t the minerals sector louder about its biodiversity and restoration success stories?
- How do we reconcile the drive to build 1.5 million homes with the raw materials needed to do it?
We explored the untapped potential at the intersection of minerals, planning, and sustainability and the opportunity to move from an independent approach to mutually beneficial partnerships.
The takeaway? The minerals sector has a powerful story to tell, but we need others to listen. The Government, developers, planners, and operators must collaborate early, openly, and with a shared vision for long-term value.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed to such a dynamic discussion and especially to our fellow panellists:
- Chris Heffernan (MPG )
- Samantha Brooman (Lovell Partnerships Ltd)
- Jack Tregoning (Tarmac )
- Hannah Haeffner PIEMA MCIWM (The Booth Group)
- Pierre Bidaud (The Stonemasonry Company Limited)
- Erica Kemp (Envance )
Let’s keep the momentum going!
