The Mineral Products Association (MPA) is calling for action from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA)
The MPA call on NISTA to “seize the moment” to deliver transport, energy, and other infrastructure.
The MPA has welcomed the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy Working Paper and the establishment of NISTA earlier this month.
Key changes are at the forefront of the MPA’s call
The Mineral Products Association represents aggregate, asphalt. Cement and concrete producers, all of which are vital for infrastructure including roads, railways, energy networks, and water management systems.
NISTA was established by combining the National Infrastructure Commission with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, and has launched a 10-year Infrastructure Strategy alongside the authority to be delivered.
The MPA has supported this, but is encouraging the government to make some changes to better benefit materials suppliers, planning authorities, and infrastructure providers, including an improved infrastructure pipeline to enable the government to be held to account for delivery, and construction material supply audits to help the mineral planning system to determine future needs of major projects.
The MPA has been concerned about infrastructure delivery in recent years, including projects like HS2, RIS 1&2, and East West Rail, especially with the delays, descoping and partial or full cancellations they have seen.
“The intention is definitely in the right direction”
Mark Russell, MPA executive director for environment and mineral planning, said: “The development of a new quarry may be up to 15 years from identifying the resource to the first supplies of material, so restoring long-term confidence is essential to ensure there is a steady and adequate supply of construction aggregates for future infrastructure needs. The proof of the Government’s strategy will be in the delivery, but the intention is definitely in the right direction.
“We have long called for a national minerals strategy to support ongoing delivery of the housing and infrastructure the country badly needs. This is even more important in the context of declining construction aggregate reserves — not because we’re running out of mineral but because the planning and permitting process is so slow and onerous that operators are deterred from investing.”
Robert McIlveen, senior director for communications and public affairs, said: “The Government has made kickstarting economic growth their number one mission, and rightly so. Delivering on infrastructure is vital for the long-term success of the UK and this 10-year strategy looks set to support our industry in helping to deliver public projects that in turn will boost the economy. It’s easy to call for greater certainty, harder to deliver it, but this Working Paper sets out some promising steps. We encourage the Government to listen to our additional suggestions to make the most of the opportunity.”
