News

03 Sep 2025

Government building plans at risk as UK cement production falls to 75-year low

UK cement production has hit its lowest level since 1950 as high energy, regulatory and labour costs stifle the sector’s competitiveness, according to new data from the Mineral Products Association (MPA). The UK made 7.3 million tonnes of cement in 2024, around half of what it produced in 1990.

03 Sep 2025

Viewpoint: In defence of BS 8500

Swiss concrete recycling specialist Neustark complains that British Standard BS 8500 holds back greener building opportunities. Not so, says Mineral Products Association director Elaine Toogood.

13 Aug 2025

Government-funded report triggers call for action on falling aggregate reserves

A new report for the Government showing declining reserves of aggregates over two decades has prompted fresh calls for urgent action if Britain’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes and futureproofed infrastructure is to be realised.

04 Aug 2025

Concrete market plumbs new depths as business confidence shrivels across mineral products sector

New figures showing that concrete volumes hit a 62-year low in the second quarter of 2025 are fuelling fears of plummeting business confidence, stalling investment and further driving down construction demand.

28 Jul 2025

Landfill Tax reforms could trigger shortages and damage growth ambitions

Misguided tax reforms meant to reduce landfill would have a devastating impact on one of the UK’s key foundation industries, with a knock-on impact for UK construction and nature conservation.

23 Jul 2025

MPA asks members and other organisations to share water safety messages with their staff and external networks in a joint initiative with the NFCC and Canal and River Trust

In partnership with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and Canal and River Trust, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) has created some videos that help raise awareness of the potential hazards associated with inland water and explain what to do if either you find yourself in trouble in water or see someone else in difficulty.

16 Jul 2025

MPAS welcomes Scottish aggs tax alignment amid concerns over future policy

The Scottish Government’s decision to align the newly devolved Scottish Aggregates Tax (SAT) with the UK Aggregates Levy for 2026–27 has been welcomed by the Mineral Products Association Scotland (MPAS).

16 Jul 2025

MPA Launches 2026 Health & Safety Awards

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) is calling for entries to the prestigious 2026 Health & Safety Awards and announcing the launch of a new award for the Outstanding Contractor working within the mineral products industry.

24 Jun 2025

Industrial Strategy positive but devil is in the detail

Government proposals to reduce industrial energy costs are vital to protect the competitiveness of UK producers, but the Industrial Strategy is a missed opportunity to take a more strategic approach to the UK’s domestic mineral supply, according to the Mineral Products Association (MPA).

20 Jun 2025

MPA welcomes Government’s 10-year Infrastructure Strategy

The Government’s £725 billion plan to modernise public assets, decarbonise infrastructure, and boost housing, transport, health and justice has been welcomed by the Mineral Products Association (MPA).