Mines and quarries
There are more than 2,000 active mines and quarries in the UK, producing a wide range of minerals including:
- Construction aggregates
- Building stone
- Coal
- Industrial minerals
The British Geological Survey (BGS) continually monitors the location and nature of active onshore mineral workings in the UK and publishes this information in its Directory of Mines and Quarries. They also research and maintain an overview of these key individual sectors of the UK minerals industry and their relationship with issues such as economic development, environment and heritage.
For further information about incidents involving mines see National Operational Guidance: Sub-surface, height, structures and confined space.
Common hazards may include:
- Security features
- Working at height
- Working in confined spaces
- Unstable ground
- Unstable structures
- On-site vehicles, including trains
- On-site machinery
- Combustible dust
- Respirable dust, fibres and fumes
- Noise
- Explosives
- Lifts
- Conveyor belt systems
References and further reading