Sustainable management of aggregate resources in Norway

Norway has a significant aggregate industry and there is potential for further growth. However, there are usually competing land-use interests. Integrated land-use planning requires accessible and unbiased information on natural resources. The Geological Survey of Norway manages and maintains databases of Norwegian aggregates, sand, gravel and hard-rock deposits, with maps, qualitative and quantitative information. In the Jæren region on the southwestern coast, regional authorities are planning the future supply of aggregates. In a neighbouring region, a quarrying company is developing the Såt hard-rock deposit. These cases are used to underline the importance of geological information in the future development of existing quarries or when there are conflicting land-uses at the planning stage.