Facts & Figures

The Mineral Products Industry supplies the essential raw and manufactured mineral products to support future sustainable economic growth, whilst also playing its part in the transition to a low carbon and more circular economy.

The sector represents the largest element of the construction supply chain, a supplier of essential key raw materials and products to many other industries, and the largest material flow in the UK economy.

A healthy domestic Mineral Products Industry is vital for the UK.

The Mineral Products Industry At A Glance (2021)

419 Million Tonnes

Supplying the nation's needs

The vast production of essential minerals and mineral products, surpassing 1 million tonnes of materials daily.

2,300 Active Sites and Plants

Delivering across the nation

Across the UK, an impressive network of 2,300 active sites and plants are working tirelessly to meet the nation’s demands.

£22 Billion Turnover

Contributing to economic prosperity

The industry generates a remarkable £22 billion turnover directly, supporting many other industries along the way.

£8 Billion Gross Value Added

Providing a foundation for the UK economy

The £8 billion in gross value added in the industry serves as a pillar supporting 11% of the UK economy.

£99,000 Labour Productivity per Worker

Outperforming the nation

An exceptionally productive workforce, with productivity 1.5 times higher than the UK average.

£178 Billion of Construction Output

Enabling our main customer to deliver

The industry is the largest component of the construction supply chain, building and improving housing and infrastructure.

80,000 People Directly Employed

A thriving workforce

The skilled individuals, who are driving the industry’s success through their commitment and expertise.

3.2 Million Jobs Supported in the Supply Chain

The multiplier effect

The industry supports an impressive 3.2 million jobs in its direct supply chain markets.

UK production of minerals and mineral products, 2021 (Million tonnes)

CONSTRUCTION USES			397.8
Aggregates			279.8
of which:	Crushed rock		148.2
	Sand & gravel – land won		47.7
	Sand & gravel – marine		14.3
	Recycled and secondary aggregates ^(a)		69.6
Cementitious			11.2
of which:	Cement		9.0
	Other cementitious materials (Fly ash, GGBS)		2.1
Ready-mixed concrete ^(b)			52.7
Concrete products			24.8
Asphalt			28.3
Dimension stone ^{(a, c)}			1.0
NON-CONSTRUCTION USES			20.8
Limestone & dolomite ^(c)			14.9
including:		Industrial lime	1.2
		Agricultural lime ^{(a, c)}	1.6
Industrial sand			4.2
China clay			0.7
Ball clay			0.9
ALL CONSTRUCTION AND NON-CONSTRUCTION USES			418.6

(a) GB only. (b) Converted using 2.38 tonnes per cubic metre of ready-mixed concrete.
(c) Latest data available is for 2014. (d) Totals may not add up due to rounding.

Further information is available in our publication “Profile of the UK Mineral Products Industry - 2023 Edition”.

Profile of the UK Mineral Products Industry - 2023 Edition

In this report, the MPA highlights the industry’s significant contribution to the UK economy through the domestic production of construction and industrial mineral products from 2,300 active quarries and plants nationwide.

Published: 2023

Download

Statistical Workbook

‘Profile of the UK Mineral Products Industry’ supporting statistics workbook.

Published: 2023

Download