ASRP announces invitation to tender

THE Aggregates Strategic Research Programme (ASRP) has announced an invitation to tender, to carry out a number of projects to enhance the evidence base to support the sustainable supply of aggregates. The projects will be funded from the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF).

The call opened on 3 June 2010 with a deadline for submission of proposals of 5pm on 1 July 2010. Full call documentation including project specification and application forms can be found on the Sustainable Aggregates website at: www.sustainableaggregates.com.

The programme is open to both public and private sector organizations including commercial organizations, academic institutions, public sector agencies and associations, with the projects to be delivered in England. While it is envisaged that the projects will be 100% funded, co-funded applications will be welcomed.

Proposals are invited in the following eight projects:

1. Implications of 2042 and beyond of the continued application of MPS1 and related policies.
2. Exemplar quarries – identifying transferable lessons.
3. Understanding the barriers to underground mining.
4. Assessing the evidence in areas where there may be specific constraints on aggregates supply.
5. Distributing bulk minerals to future markets.
6. Optimization of lorry capacity.
7. Updating of legislation guide.
8. Assessing the environmental implications of regional and sub-regional supply options.

ASRP is managed by the Mineral Industry Research Organisation (MIRO) on behalf of DEFRA. For further information refer to the Sustainable Aggregates website or contact Abbie Drew (abbie.drew@miro.co.uk) or Bob Fenton (bob.fenton@miro.co.uk).