New conveyors and elevators for mineral extraction could be required across the West Midlands if a campaign to change Staffordshire’s mining quota is successful.
The county is one of the richest sources of sand and gravel in the whole of the area, currently accounting for over half of supply across the West Midlands, the Tamworth Herald reports.
Under current plans, Staffordshire would likely be required to open quarries at Weeford, Fisherwick and Comberford in order to produce an extra 15.5 million tonnes of aggregate and meet 65 per cent of the region’s supply.
However, Staffordshire County Council is petitioning what it views as "unreasonable and unfair" extraction demands, which could see new quarries opened elsewhere in the West Midlands instead.
According to the newspaper, the local authority is campaigning for its supply target to be reduced by ten per cent, in a move that would see more minerals needing to be extracted from other areas.
Speaking on the topic last month, councillor Robert Marshall, cabinet member for regeneration and infrastructure, said that Staffordshire has excellent minerals reserves and a "thriving industry".
However, he added: "We have to get the balance right. Local people need to be protected from the adverse impact of sand and gravel extraction."