Thanks-Minor extraction on land: sand, gravel and clay

The map shows the geological recoverable amount of sand, gravel and clay when no more than 5 meters of coating has to be excavated. Surface minerals are used for the production of many building materials. In the Netherlands, around 150 million tonnes of building materials are needed each year. Part of it comes from abroad, part is obtained by reuse (15 to 20 %), but a large part is still obtained from primary extraction. Since 1900, the extraction of high sand has been carried out at various locations by reducing ground level in the context of agricultural improvements (exchange plotting). Since the 1970s, there has been a decline in superficial dissipation due to increasing social resistance and stricter legislation. Sand extraction is now mainly carried out in concentrated wells. In addition, extraction takes place through the ‘work making’ principle. For example, in new construction projects sand is extracted for use in the project and at the same time creates water storage. The extraction of surface minerals requires around 400 hectares of land per year. About half of this, about 200 hectares, remains as deep water. The other 200 hectares will be given a new spatial destination through refurbishment, for example as a nature or recreation area. Alternative is the extraction of sand from the IJsselmeer, the Randmeren and the North Sea. The extraction of gravel is mainly foreseen from the mesh works in Limburg. The extraction and reservation of sand and gravel are regulated by law and land based win locations are designated by the province. The extraction of sand and gravel creates a space shed that can conflict with other uses on the one hand, on the other hand, extraction can also go hand in hand with design issues such as the provision of space for the rivers and temporary water storage.