Planning
The extraction of minerals and the disposal of waste requires planning permission as it is a land use and schemes for quarrying, opencast mining and underground mining can be prepared to support a planning application.
Planning permissions for minerals are active and are continually monitored by the Mineral Planning Authority throughout the life of the extraction and restoration. Our surveyors and engineers are able to ensure that clients operation comply with planning permissions and can provide schemes for submission to the MPA, negotiate with the planning officer and attend the compliance visit with the MPA to discuss any issues that may arise from the operation.
The restoration may include importation of material to bring levels in the quarry back to the original surface or to a new landform. Negotiations with the MPA and the Environment Agency are undertaken to ensure the correct licence or permit is in place.
With the Mine Waste Directive being introduced into UK legislation between 2008 and 2012 the mine waste plan will have to be produced by all mineral operational units within 4 years and this will entail a detailed survey, an assessment of what is waste and what is not and how the waste may be handled and treated at a unit.
Our engineers and surveyors are familiar with these designs and the criteria that may be used for categorising mine waste.
Most mineral and waste applications require an assessment of the environmental impact and the provision of an environmental statement to accompany a planning application. Statements are prepared after a screening and scoping exercise and the surveyors are experienced in assessing the impact a mineral operation may have on the local environment.
Contact: John Carlon or Andy Hollingworth