From quarries to climate adaptation

The Delabole slate quarry, Cornwall, UK. Quarrying can enhance geodiversity and former quarries often become Sites of Special Scientific Interest (© Alamy)

Society faces a range of complex challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability, that span physical, societal, legislative, and financial concerns. At the 23rd biennial Extractive Industry Geology (EIG) conference, held at the University of Hull in September 2024, delegates discussed the ways in which geoscientists are driving the non-petroleum extractive industry. By reviewing current and future trends, innovation and best practice, discussions aimed to explore how the minerals industry is responding to these challenges and can adapt to meet current and future regulations. 

Liverpool 2026: To get involved with EIG 2026 at the University of Liverpool, visit eigconferences.com 

Strength to strength 

Since its inception in 1978, the EIG conference has brought together geoscientists, academics, and industry experts to share knowledge and innovation, and promote good practice within the UK minerals industry. Typically hosted by university geology and Earth science departments, this year’s event at the University of Hull continued the tradition, with Chair Alex Finlay (Chemostrat Limited) welcoming over 170 delegates to discuss trends in the extraction and processing of bulk minerals, aggregates, building stone, and transition minerals throughout their material lifecycles.  

During the opening address, Mark Anderson, the University of Hull’s new Head of the School of Environmental Sciences, highlighted the deep ties between the university’s geology teaching and the extractive industry, in particular through the institution’s former Industrial Minerals master’s course. The course ran from 1965 until 1987 under Peter Scott (Camborne School of Mines, Ret.) who, along with Ansel Dunham, trained many post-graduates – some of whom were in the audience and on the conference committee. It was fitting, therefore, that Peter’s profound contributions to the EIG (as a committee member, scientific contributor, past conference Chair and now retiring company secretary) were recognised with a lifetime achievement award, to the gratitude of the entire conference delegation. 

A key theme was the exploration and management of critical minerals and scarce resources

Sustainable extraction 

Collaboration and the effective application of knowledge are critical for achieving solutions across the mineral extractive industry and this was reflected in the conference programme; this focused on climate adaptation, net zero and nature recovery alongside resource optimisation and evaluation, and quarry design. Anna Bird and Eddie Dempsey, both from the University of Hull, set the scene for the meeting with an overview of the geology of East Yorkshire, underscoring the essential role for geoscientists in ensuring the future sustainable use of Earth’s natural resources.  

Achieving net zero (or better) is on everyone’s mind today. Numerous presentations highlighted initiatives aimed at decarbonising the extractive industry including the use of new modelling tools to optimise shallow mine water geothermal systems, and the production of calcined clays to decarbonise cement production. We also learned how efforts to reduce mineral extraction waste to zero on Earth have led to research centred around supporting human habitats on the Moon. Microwave processing of lunar rocks and certain minerals in the laboratory appears to offer the potential of disassociating water, metal and other useful resources from the parent rock. 

Climate adaptation is a key consideration in the design of mineral extraction operations

Climate adaptation is a key consideration in the design of mineral extraction operations. Attention was drawn to the impact of future regional-level climate trends on the stability of excavation sites and tips, including existing mine slopes. Strategies including improved drainage systems and geotechnical approaches can mitigate some of the challenges associated with climate change. Additionally, Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) offer a form of climate adaptation. When implemented within mineral restoration plans, LNRS provide a strategic planning framework to create new habitats that significantly benefit the wider environment by reducing flood risks, managing nutrients, sediment and soil degredation, supporting water resources and encouraging biodiversity. 

A key theme of the conference was the exploration and management of critical minerals and scarce resources, with presentations on managing water resources, controlling pollution, and exploring lithium resources in sensitive environments. For example, the globally scarce but vital gas helium has perhaps surprisingly had some links to more conventional mineral extraction (Fin Stuart, University of Glasgow). Helium is crucial for medical, scientific, and industrial uses, yet despite its rarity, the UK Government does not classify helium as a critical mineral. There is a need for more strategic thinking in the UK around helium resource management, aligning with broader efforts to secure scarce mineral supplies. 

Responsible mining 

A session on “Nature Recovery” celebrated the unique role of quarrying in nature-based recovery and enhancing geodiversity (that is, preserving sites that demonstrate the variety of rocks, fossils, minerals and soils, as well as the natural processes and landforms that determine the character of our landscape). A new regulatory burden – the legal requirement for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG, which became law in the UK in February 2024) – uses metrics that are not appropriate to the minerals industry but, if implemented properly, could be viewed as an opportunity to enhance natural capital during the entire lifecycle of a quarry, especially during its restoration. Numerous example sites showcased the substantial contributions already made (and those being delivered) by reinforcing and enhancing the natural, geological, and cultural diversity of our landscapes, along with the associated benefits for the natural environment and our own health and well-being. 

Responsible mining is not just about compliance with regulations but also about actively engaging with local communities

A keynote address by Ruth Allington (former President of the Geological Society) focused on achieving responsible mining practices by designing extraction operations that are safe and meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, while maintaining a ‘social licence’ to operate. Responsible mining is not just about compliance with regulations but also about actively engaging with local communities and maximising opportunities that benefit society and the environment.  

From colour pencils to drones  

Adrian Charters (Quarry Design Ltd.) delivered the keynote Ansel Dunham Lecture, documenting the rise of the ‘digital geologist’. Adrian reflected on the dramatic technological advancements in the field over the past four decades, sparking reminiscence for some, and intrigue amongst the younger audience. Where geologists once relied on colour pencils and slide rules, they now employ multispectral drone technology, virtual reality, and machine learning to improve extraction efficiency, safety, increase resilience and reduce environmental impact. Presented entertainingly by Adrian, we heard how he has enthusiastically embraced and helped lead the industry through this technological evolution. The discussion not only celebrated innovation but also invited the audience to consider how these tools can continue to shape the industry’s future, especially in supporting more sustainable practices. 

While the conference presented emerging technologies, there was also a celebration of traditional information, integrated and reinterpreted for modern applications. A presentation by Shaun Johnson (Breedon Group plc) and Dan Pestell (Land and Minerals Consulting Ltd) demonstrated how Victorian-era mine plans were used to build a new 3D digital model of the Llanberis slate mines in Wales. Confirmation, if any were needed, that old data can be good data – when critically evaluated and used in context. 

Fostering the next generation 

A significant aspect of EIG’s mission is to support early career geoscientists and improve equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across the extractive industry. An innovative “Back-to-Basics” session provided practical training for early years professionals looking to expand their university learning to an applied geology setting. The new EIG bursary scheme enabled seven delegates to attend the conference with full financial support. The bursary aims to open doors and encourage individuals from diverse under-represented backgrounds to pursue careers in geoscience and the minerals industry. 

Katie Barrett (McCann Ltd) shared positive personal experiences of inclusion and quarry life in what can only be described as a genuine, down-to-earth, comedic process of self-reflection. The conference closed with an impromptu session where early career delegates had the opportunity to present their experiences and share humorous anecdotes. It provided a safe and supportive environment in which to build individual confidence and presentation skills as part of their journey towards Chartership. 

Practical Insights and Community Building 

Field trips to the Drax Power Station and Broomfleet clay quarry operation and tile manufacturing facility showcased the operational side of extraction, while a trip led by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust explored the natural history of Spurn Head. 

The conference dinner (with a raffle that raised over £2,500 for the RNLI and Hull Children’s University), trade exhibition and icebreaker event (funded by Land and Minerals Consulting Ltd) at Hull’s ‘The Deep’ provided networking opportunities and reinforced EIG’s collaborative spirit. The conference committee thanks the Mineral Products Association for continued support. 

Looking ahead 

The success of this year’s event at the University of Hull, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and students (and, in particular, university liaison David Bond), ensured that the momentum of the EIG’s mission to provide unique scientific and technical training events for all geoscientists working in the extractive minerals sector continues to grow. 

Addressing critical challenges while supporting the professional development of our workforce and future leaders are essential ingredients for success

Planning for the next EIG conference, to be held at the University of Liverpool in 2026, is already underway. EIG will remain at the forefront of exploring how geoscientists can drive innovation in the mineral extractive industry – an industry that is vital to society and the built environment. Addressing critical challenges, from net zero to nature recovery, while supporting the professional development of our workforce and future leaders are essential ingredients for success. 

Authors

Dr Leigh Sharpe CGeol

Coal Authority, UK

Duncan Wardrop CGeol CSci

Wardrop Minerals Management Ltd, UK

Dr Eleanor Williams CGeol

Chartership Officer, the Geological Society of London, UK

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