UK Minerals Yearbook 2024 released
The annual publication provides essential information about the production, consumption and trade of UK minerals up to 2024.
21/05/2025 By BGS Press
Published annually by BGS, the UK Minerals Yearbook provides comprehensive statistical data on the production, consumption and trade of UK minerals. The yearbook includes definitive updates to inform decision makers, the minerals industry and those interested in the contribution of minerals to the national economy.
The UK is an important producer of a range of minerals that are consumed in many sectors of the economy, including construction and industry. In 2023, some 176.3 million tonnes of minerals were extracted from the UK landmass for sale both within the UK and internationally.
After the initial recovery in the mineral sector experienced post-COVID-19 (2022), economic uncertainty and decreased demand from the construction sector in particular resulted in reduced production of most minerals during 2023. One exception to this was a rise in the production of natural gypsum, due to the cessation of coal-fired power generation in the UK and the resultant loss of alternative desulphogypsum production.
| Mineral category | Millions of tonnes | % total production |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed rock (for both construction and industrial uses) | 121.5 | 69.0 |
| Sand and gravel | 37.4 | 21.2 |
| Other construction materials(not included in crushed rock) | 5.8 | 3.3 |
| Industrial minerals | 9.8 | 5.5 |
| Coal | 0.6 | 0.3 |
| Oil and gas (oil equivalent) | 0.8 | 0.8 |
In 2023, a further 82.6 million tonnes, consisting mainly of oil and gas (oil equivalent) and marine-dredged sand and gravel, were extracted from the UK Continental Shelf.
Download the UK Minerals Yearbook from the Minerals UK website.
Relative topics
Related news
Funding awarded to map the stocks and flows of technology metals in everyday electronic devices
12/02/2026
A new BGS project has been awarded Circular Electricals funding from Material Focus to investigate the use of technology metals in everyday electrical items.
New UK/Chile partnership prioritises sustainable practices around critical raw materials
09/02/2026
BGS and Chile’s Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería have signed a bilateral scientific partnership to support research into critical raw materials and sustainable practices.
Can sandstones under the North Sea unlock the UK’s carbon storage potential?
02/02/2026
For the UK to reach its ambitious target of storing 170 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by 2050, it will need to look beyond the current well-studied geographical areas.
BGS agrees to establish collaboration framework with Ukrainian government
11/12/2025
The partnership will focus on joint research and data exchange opportunities with Ukrainian colleagues.
Making research matter: BGS joins leading research organisations in new national initiative
10/12/2025
A new alliance of 35 organisations has been formed that is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities.
BGS welcomes publication of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy
23/11/2025
A clear strategic vision for the UK is crucial to secure the country’s long-term critical mineral supply chains and drive forward the Government’s economic growth agenda.
New funding awarded for UK geological storage research
21/11/2025
A project that aims to investigate the UK’s subsurface resource to support net zero has been awarded funding and is due to begin its research.
How the geology on our doorstep can help inform offshore infrastructure design
19/11/2025
BGS is part of a new collaboration using onshore field work to contextualise offshore data and update baseline geological models which can inform the sustainable use of marine resources.
Funding awarded for study on hydrogen storage potential in North Yorkshire
22/09/2025
A new study has been awarded funding to explore the potential for underground hydrogen storage near the Knapton power plant.
New geological ‘pathways’ discovered beneath Welsh capital
02/09/2025
Scientists have discovered cavities in the clay underneath Cardiff, which will influence the siting of future geothermal developments.
Dr Kathryn Goodenough appointed as honorary professor by the University of Aberdeen
25/08/2025
Dr Goodenough will take up the position within the School of Geosciences with a focus on critical minerals and the energy transition.
New platform highlights geothermal potential across the UK
11/08/2025
A new government-funded geothermal initiative, which includes an interactive map, has launched to help decision makers assess the geothermal potential across the UK.