Aggregate production

Aggregate plant

The issues and challenges for the Aggregate Industry suggest that the BAT (Best Available Technology) term most appropriately be understood as a Best Available Concept ("BAC") - including environmental and sustainability aspects along the entire process line from materials inventory, via production and use, to final area reclamation.

More than most industries, the aggregate industry will be strongly dependant on local conditions relating first of all to geological conditions and resource availability. Therefore the preparation of a BAT ("BAC") will have to take into consideration the different situations prevailing in different parts of Europe, ending up with a set of best concepts for key areas, within which specific BATs may be developed based on the characteristic, local conditions in order to meet the Eco-Serve objectives of:

• Reducing the adverse environmental impact of the pavement and concrete construction industry on the external environment,
• Improving the working environment within this industry,
• Ensuring European growth and wealth by increasing the productivity and competitiveness of the raw materials, production and the construction industry as well as enhancing the quality, durability and service life of pavements and concrete structures through sustainable developments.

Note as to local, geological conditions that it may some times be relevant to consider typicality more than country when choosing a best available technology in a specific place of use. Most countries offer geological differences (hard rock, weak rock, different rock types, sand/gravel sediments etc). Though some characteristic, regional differences do exist and must be taken into consideration.

Somewhat simplified, the activities of the aggregate industry can be compiled into four essential phases:

1. Inventory and planning
2. Quarrying and production
3. Use of aggregates in construction
4. Reclamation of mined-out area

Each of these phases will contain a number of sub-activities. Within each essential phase there will also be a set of environmental challenges and sustainability issues to be handled. Elements of BAT will have to be identified for each of these within the overall concept - to reduce environmental impact and to improve sustainability.

In addition, some research needs have been identified for the aggregates sector.

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