Areas of raw materials

Raw material excavations Sand, stone, gravel and clay are primarily to be dug within the local or regional excavations. The excavation areas cannot be classified for any other purpose that makes it difficult for subsequent extraction of raw materials. Within the digging areas of the Raw Material Plan, municipalities are in principle obliged to grant permission for raw material extraction, taking into account special protection interests, including ancient monuments and protected habitat types, etc. Proposals for consultation — see the region’s website. Areas of interest in raw materials The Regional Council shall, in accordance with the Raw Materials Act, carry out a mapping of and after raw material deposits on land. Therefore, a number of raw materials interest areas are identified. In these areas, based on knowledge of geology, there is a certain likelihood of finding suitable occurrences. During the planning period, the Regional Council intends, in cooperation with the raw materials industry and landowners, to examine these areas in more detail. This closer examination, together with an assessment of other planned conditions, will then determine whether the areas in question will later be classified as quarrying areas. Only exceptionally and to a limited extent can the extraction of raw materials in areas of interest be permitted if there is a proven occurrence, when the public interest speaks for it and if it is not contrary to other essential interests. The region must give prior consent to an authorisation. The areas shall not be used for purposes which may prevent or interfere with the future exploitation of possible occurrences. In addition, no legal effect is attached to these areas. Proposals for consultation — see the region’s website. Section 5 of the Raw Materials Act No 950 of 24 September 2009