UK Mineral Production – Market Overview

UK Mineral Production 2023

The UK remains a significant producer of a diverse range of minerals, many of which are essential to various sectors of the economy. In 2023, approximately 176.3 million tonnes of minerals were extracted from land within the UK.

These minerals fall into the following primary categories, with each contributing the respective proportion of total output:

• 121.5 million tonnes (69%) of crushed rock, used in both construction and industrial applications
• 37.4 million tonnes (21.2%) of sand and gravel
• 5.8 million tonnes (3.3%) of other construction minerals
• 9.8 million tonnes (5.5%) of industrial minerals (excluding those accounted for in crushed rock)
• 0.6 million tonnes (0.3%) of coal
• 1.4 million tonnes (0.8%) of oil and gas (in oil equivalent terms)

Additionally, a further 82.6 million tonnes — mainly comprising oil and gas (oil equivalent), along with marine-dredged sand and gravel were extracted from the UK Continental Shelf.

Breakdown of Mineral Production (2023)

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the minerals extracted, measured in thousand tonnes:

Construction Aggregates

• Crushed rock (including industrial use): 121,471
• Land-won sand and gravel: 37,368
• Marine-dredged sand and gravel: 17,578

Additional: Around 1,800 thousand tonnes were used for beach replenishment, land reclamation, and fill purposes.

Other Construction Minerals

• Clay & shale: 3,380
• Natural gypsum: 2,200
• Slate: 170

Industrial Minerals (excluding crushed rock)

• Brine / Rock salt: 2,715
• Polyhalite: 1,009
• Silica (industrial) sands: 4,741
• Kaolin (china clay): 514
• Ball clay: 729
• Fluorspar: 7
• Barytes: 30
• Other minerals (including lead, talc, gold, and silver; excludes peat): 5

Mick George – Aggregates

Our aggregate supply capabilities and outstanding reputation has been largely established on our ability to deliver quality materials, a reliable service, and competitive rates; variables that are only possible courtesy of our ongoing investment to create infrastructure that continues to exceed client expectations.