Making the best use of a valuable resource

MQP companies fully support the principles of sustainable development including recycling. Some operate their own recycling businesses, using material from local sources such as demolished buildings and old road surfaces.

Limestone is also being conserved by reclaiming high quality aggregate and sand from quarry waste. New techniques treat the waste by washing it to remove silt.

Minerals and planning

The Government's planning guidelines indicate the amount of stone that the nation requires and how much local authorities should make available.

Somerset County Council produces a plan which examines all the issues surrounding quarrying and makes recommendations on where it should take place in the future. Quarry companies then put forward detailed planning applications and environmental impact assessments to the county council. These are carefully scrutinised by a range of consultees before a decision is made.