MPA proud to support European Minerals Day
Association to contribute to European Minerals Day with ‘Quarries & Nature’ showcase
THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) is supporting the tenth anniversary of European Minerals Day today [21 September] and says it welcomes the fact that the European Union is making the link between the need for minerals and mineral products because of their use in construction, manufacturing and the wider economy.
Events and activities organized by mineral producers across Europe are expected to attract an estimated 30,000 people, giving visitors an opportunity to find out what goes on behind the gates of quarries, mines and plants. More than 130 events have been registered in 26 countries, and activities include school visits, guided tours, workshops, exhibitions, and biodiversity projects.
The sector is important to the EU jobs and growth agenda, as it directly employs around 1 million people across 30,000 active mines, quarries and plants throughout Europe, and has an annual turnover of more than €150 billion. The minerals sector forms an integral part of the European value chain with 70% of EU manufacturing depending on the minerals, metals and raw materials mined.
Nigel Jackson, chief executive officer of the Mineral Products Association, commented: ‘The MPA is an active member of 12 European mineral-based trade associations representing the aggregates, cement, concrete, dimension stone, lime, mortar, and silica sand industries.
‘We are proud to work with our European colleagues highlighting the significant contribution our great industries make to the European economy, whilst also sharing ideas, best practices and influencing technical standards and design codes. This is important work which we will continue to support post Brexit.
‘Our contribution to European Minerals Day will be our Quarries & Nature 2017 event at the Royal Society on 19 October, where we will showcase and celebrate the high-quality restoration of our members’ quarries, and the contribution they make to nature conservation and the environment. We will also be using our social media platforms to make the link.’
