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Minerals and Waste Planning

In January 2011 the Minerals and Secondary Aggregate Technical Group (MSATG) was established. Comprising representatives from the Islands minerals industry, Department of Economic Development (DED) and Department of Infrastructure – Planning and Building Control (DOI), the remit of the MSATG was to identify and discuss technical aspects of minerals planning, and to present a technical report to advise the drafting of the minerals and waste policies and proposals.

The MSATG held eight meetings between January and September 2011, during which they identified, and discussed, a broad range of technical minerals issues, and made a series of recommendations to advise policy preparation. The issues, summary of discussions and recommendation have now been compiled into the MSATG Technical Report.

Purpose of the Technical Report

The purpose of the Technical Report is to advise:

  1. the development of policies, proposals and planning policy guidance for the winning and working of minerals, and restoration and aftercare of former mineral workings;
  2. the need for, production, and management of, recycled and secondary aggregates; and
  3. consideration and determination of planning applications for the extraction of minerals

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has determined not to progress with the drafting of an all Island Area Development Plan covering minerals and waste. Minerals planning policy is currently delivered through the 2007 Isle of Man Strategic Plan. It is proposed that Strategic Minerals policies will in the short/medium term be supplemented by:

  • The 2012 MSATG Technical Report;
  • Publication of a Minerals Planning Policy Statement (MPPS) based on the recommendations of the MSATG Technical Report and with reference to other UK minerals policy guidance (MPS,PPS, TAN)
  • The Minerals and Secondary Aggregate Technical Planning Group (MSATPG) Annual Minerals Monitoring Report which includes a statement of minerals need and landbanks, and identifies major minerals issues;

In the longer term it is proposed to revise the 2007 Isle of Man Strategic Plan Policies for Minerals and Waste, taking account of the MSATPG Annual Monitoring Report and the Minerals Planning Policy Statement.

The need for new minerals reserves will be identified with reference to data contained within the Department of Economic Development Mineral Resources Plan.

The  Government’s waste strategy document - the Waste Policy and Strategy 2012-2022 is currently under review.

Status of the Technical Report

The MSTAG Technical Report is a non statutory document until assimilated within a Minerals Planning Policy Statement. However, once endorsed by the Department, the Report will be a material consideration for the determination of minerals or secondary or recycled aggregate related planning applications.

The planning policy guidance notes and statements and other technical reports consulted in the drafting of the MSATG Technical Report are listed in Annex 1 to the report.

Annual Minerals Monitoring Report - AMMR

In December 2011, following the work of the Minerals and Secondary Aggregate Technical Group and publication of the Technical Report the Minerals and Secondary Aggregate Technical Planning Group (MSATPG) was established. With a membership drawn from the minerals and recycled aggregate sectors, the purpose of the MSATPG is to advise Government on minerals planning, including the preparation and review of minerals policies and guidance, and to act as a forum for consultation on mineral matters.

A key function of the MSATPG is to prepare an Annual Minerals Monitoring Report (AMMR) which includes data and information on aggregates. This baseline information can be used by all sectors and groups involved in planning for the provision of minerals and recycled aggregate.  The AMMR will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

The first monitoring report was published in September 2012. The Department has continued to work with the MSATPG to prepare the subsequent Annual Reports. The AMMR is published as the joint industry/government statement on the availability of, and need for, minerals on the Island. It details mineral availability, supply and forecasted need, and identifies key issues affecting aggregate and mineral supply on Island.

During the course of 2016/17 it is intended that the membership of the MSATPG will be expanded to include waste industry representatives. This is to recognise the synergies between minerals and waste planning and operations. The remit of the revised Minerals and Waste Technical Planning Group will be developed in correspondence with the Group membership.   

First Annual Monitoring Report

Second Annual Monitoring Report

Third Annual Monitoring Report

Fourth Annual Monitoring Report

Hard copies are available on request from the office for a charge of £17 per colour copy, £13 greyscale.

If you have any queries concerning this or any other mineral planning policy matter please contact: stephanie.gray@gov.im +44 1624 686429.

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