Tarmac and public policy

Public policy debate

We actively participate in a number of trade associations, industry bodies and forums so that we are able to communicate with and inform policymakers, including representatives of Government, about issues affecting Tarmac and in which we have a legitimate business interest. Examples of such public policy issues include:

Mining Waste Directive 

The EU Directive on the "Management of Waste from Extractive Industries", more commonly known as the Mining Waste Directive, came into force in May 2008. Implementation will take place in the period to 2012 (2014 for some aspects). Tarmac has been heavily involved in discussions of the CBI Minerals Group with regulators about the detailed implementation of the Directive. Most of the materials generated by Tarmac to which the Directive has the potential to apply will be soils, overburden and silts used in site restoration. These materials are already managed in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner consistent with the objectives of the Directive and Tarmac's implementation effort is mainly directed towards the additional permitting requirements that will arise.

Access to reserves 

The future shape and operation of the Managed Aggregates Supply System (that provides guidance on the amount and location of aggregates extraction in England to be facilitated through Minerals Development Frameworks prepared by mineral planning authorities) is under discussion. The guidance and the Mineral Development Frameworks are important to Tarmac as they shape where mineral resources will be made available to meet the needs of society and on which we can continue our business.