QPA commits to restoring UK quarries

The Quarry Products Association (QPA) has strengthened its commitment to restore quarries in the UK by extending its Restoration Guarantee Fund to cover all aggregate operations, including rock.

The fund is committed to provide financial indemnity to planning authorities where a rock, sand and gravel, or silica sand producer member of the QPA defaults on restoration obligations by becoming insolvent.

Set up as an arms length limited company, the fund provides for a £1m overall guarantee against restoration default with a single claim limit of £500,000.

"We recognise that some local authorities may, when granting planning permission for a quarry, require the security of knowing that they can ensure its ultimate restoration. This fund provides them and their local communities with an important safety net," said QPA director general Simon van der Byl.

"At a time when the government is reviewing how the nation's aggregate needs will be met in the future, we are pleased to be able to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable quarrying," added van der Byl.

The original fund, covering only sand and gravel quarries, was set up in 1975 and has never been drawn upon.