Exploration and maps

Exploration

For a country of its size, the UK is well-endowed with mineral resources and mining of non-ferrous metals was an important industry for centuries. In south-west England, the granite-related mineralisation was principally mined for tin and copper. Base metal deposits have been extensively worked in many areas of the UK including the Pennine Hills of central and northern England, central Wales and the Southern Uplands of Scotland. Over the past decade, exploration for critical minerals, including lithium, nickel and tungsten, along with other commodities, such as gold, tin and copper, has grown in the UK.

Maps

Effective planning for the sustainable development of the UK’s mineral resources requires a wide range of up-to-date and impartial information. Minerals Information Online is a web-based geographical information system (GIS) that provides online access to minerals-related data and information. It can also be used to identify areas where mineral extraction may conflict with other land use and conservation interests, and in the definition of Mineral Safeguarding Areas.