The UK Minerals Strategy, which sets out an agenda for industry, government and others to drive sustainable supply of minerals for the next generation, will be launched and published at the 'Living with Minerals 6' (LWM6) conference organised by the CBI Minerals Group and Mineral Products Association (MPA) on 10 July at Church House in Westminster.

Minerals and mineral products are essential to the economy and our quality of life. However, there is growing concern that their supply and the policies supporting the industry are increasingly being neglected by Government.  The supply of the raw materials essential for all sectors of the economy, not least for housing and infrastructure, cannot be assumed; it needs planning, monitoring and managing. 

Entitled 'The Future of Minerals and the UK Minerals Strategy', the half day event will include speakers and panel sessions drawn from the industry, regulators, planners, and non-governmental organisations including; Andrew Bloodworth, Science Director, British Geological Survey, John Cowley on behalf of Wolf Minerals, Mark North, Director of Planning at the MPA, Andy Tickle from CPRE and Dr. Ian Selby, Chair of UK Minerals Forum amongst others. These experts will consider recent investments and developments, including changes in national planning policy, and of the challenges faced to ensure supply is maintained.

LWM6 is expected to attract an audience of around 200 delegates and will provide an excellent opportunity to get up-to-speed on a range of issues, participate in debate and network. Details of the event, which is being managed by the MPA on behalf of the industry, can be obtained from Jane Blake.

Nigel Jackson, Chairman of the CBI Minerals Group and Chief Executive of the Mineral Products Association said:

"Our sixth Living with Minerals event could not be more topical or urgent: Minerals and mineral products are essential for the economy and their supply cannot be assumed: it needs planning, monitoring and managing.  Government has taken its eye off the ball and is failing to make the link between the need for a secure supply of minerals and mineral products to enable the delivery of much needed housing and infrastructure, and to underpin wider economic growth. The conference, and the UK Minerals Strategy that we will be launching, aim to galvanise the industry, planners, NGOs, other relevant stakeholders and Government into action to ensure supplies of over 5 billion tonnes of minerals and mineral products are secured and properly planned and supplied for the next 25 years."

Ends.

Notes for Editors

All replies to: Jane Blake, Mineral Products Association

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 963 8024 / +44 (0) 7501 254 499