Minerals Information Online

7 July 2006

Mineral resource information goes live on the internet.

An innovative internet Geographical Information System (GIS) to provide quick access for all to information about mineral resources in the English regions is now live on the web.

The GIS, which will aid the sustainable development of vital mineral resources, such as sand, gravel and limestone, was developed by the British Geological Survey (BGS) and is called "Minerals Information Online".

Andrew Bloodworth, the programme manager, says, "This is a highly effective new tool for planning authorities, the minerals industry, consultants and environmental bodies. It provides definitive and impartial information to assist debate, planning and decision-making for the supply of minerals in England."

As a major world economy, and despite significant imports from overseas, the UK still depends heavily on supplies of minerals from its own sources, particularly for construction materials. Effective planning for the sustainable and environmentally sensitive development of our mineral resources requires access to a wide range of up-to-date and impartial information.

The online system, developed by BGS's Centre for Sustainable Mineral Development, provides a tool for all stakeholders, nationally, regionally and locally, who plan for the sustainable supply of minerals. By providing statistical, geographical and text-based information, it enables users to relate minerals information to other forms of land-use, such as urban areas, nature conservation areas and transport infrastructure. It shows areas where mineral extraction is currently taking place and can also be used to identify areas where future mineral extraction may potentially conflict with other land-use and conservation interests.

The development of the system was supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Through its 'Joint Information Programme' with DCLG, BGS provides information and advice on minerals and selected broader geological issues to assist the Department in monitoring and developing land-use policy, and in responding to national and European policy issues. DCLG also supports the BGS's 'MineralsUK.com' website, which provides a wealth of information on minerals issues.

Minerals Information Online is provided on a regional basis and covers all the regions of England except central London. Geographical information is provided at scales from 1:2 500 000 to 1:250 000.

Further information

Andrew Bloodworth
Programme Manager
Tel: 01159 363 495

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. The British Geological Survey (BGS) is the world's oldest geological survey, formed in 1835. It is the nation's principal supplier of geoscience expertise and custodian of much of the country's geoscientific information. BGS provides objective, impartial and up-to-date geoscientific information, advice and services which meet the needs of customers in the commercial, governmental, and scientific communities of great Britain and overseas, thereby contributing to the economic competitiveness of the country, the effectiveness of public services and policy, and quality of life.

2. Minerals UK is the BGS Centre for Sustainable Mineral Development. Run by the BGS Economic Minerals Programme, the centre is a global leader in compiling, providing and analysing mineral statistics, and the major UK national provider of spatial and statistical minerals information. We also carry out research in areas directly relevant to our user community, such as metallogenesis, land-use impacts of mineral extraction and geomaterials.

3. The British Geological Survey is a research centre of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), one of the UK's Research Councils. It uses a budget of about £350m a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the next generation of independent environmental scientists. It is addressing some of the key questions facing mankind, such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development.

Minerals Information Online

External links

Press links

Recent press news