Minerals resource assessments
The presence of mineral resources can significantly influence the type, timing, and feasibility of development on a site. Fisher German’s Minerals team offers expert guidance to help you identify, manage, and mitigate associated risks, while unlocking potential opportunities.
This assessment evaluates the potential impact of the proposed development on underlying mineral resources and helps inform planning decisions.
When are minerals resource assessments required?
Mineral resources are finite and can only be extracted where they naturally occur. Under National Planning policy, local authorities are required to safeguard mineral resources by designating Mineral Safeguarding Areas (MSAs) and Mineral Consultation Areas (MCAs) these designations aim to prevent valuable minerals from being sterilised by non-mineral development.
Most planning authorities now require that any planning applications for non-mineral development within an MSA and MCA is supported by a Minerals Resource Assessment to outline the impact of proposed development on the mineral resource beneath.
How are minerals resource assessments carried out?
Typically a desk-based report, that will:
• Identify the mineral on-site
• Assess the quality of the mineral
• Present estimated tonnage & economic value of the mineral
• Discuss potential constraints and opportunities for mineral extraction
• Discuss prior abstraction / incidental mineral extraction
• Conclude whether a resource is likely to be viable or not
• Make recommendations including for further investigation where information is limited
