The BGS comprehensively monitors mineral production, trade flows and other relevant statistics within the UK, together with associated analysis related to the circular economy (for construction/industrial minerals) and material supply security issues.
By monitoring the geology and spatial distribution of UK onshore and offshore mineral resources and the location and activity status of mineral extraction sites, we respond to the challenges posed by demand in the economy for the raw materials required for construction and industry.
In the built heritage sector, we continue to research the role indigenous building stones can play in decarbonising the built environment and help to ensure suitable maintenance and upkeep of the stone-built heritage of the UK.
Limestone quarry extracting material for both industrial minerals and aggregates. BGS © UKRI.
Dry-stone walling and meadow restoration at a limestone quarry, Buxton. BGS © UKRI.
Sand and gravel aggregates quarry. BGS © UKRI.
Buchanan Street, Glasgow. BGS © UKRI.
Our research
Our team undertake applied research on issues related primarily to the secure supply of mineral resources, including:
- provision of effective mineral resource management expertise, data and information to government, industry and the general public
- providing specialist expertise on building stones, quarries and building conservation to clients in all parts of the UK
- targeting research on meeting society’s requirements for construction and industrial minerals in the UK and internationally, given increasing global population and levels of urbanisation
- maintenance and development of the BGS’s key minerals datasets, such as the UK database of mines and quarries and mineral resources map data
Relevant outputs from our research, along with information on our capabilities and the services we provide, are made available via our website MineralsUK. These include:
- building stones
- commodity and statistical data
- mineral exploration
- mines and quarries
- spatial minerals data
- UK mineral planning
For further information please use the contact details provided via the MineralsUK pages or email us.
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