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Rolv Magne Dahl, Geological Survey of Norway (Norway)
Eyolf Erichsen, Geological Survey of Norway (Norway)
Knut Wolden, Geological Survey of Norway (Norway)
Peer-Richard Neeb, Geological Survey of Norway (Norway)
Arnhild Ulvik, Geological Survey of Norway (Norway)
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Norway has a significant aggregate industry, and there is potential for further growth. However, there are usually competing land-use interests to be taken into account whenever quarrying and extraction is on the agenda. In accordance with the concept of sustainable development, integrated land-use planning requires accessible and unbiased information on natural resources. In order to meet the demand for such information, NGU has for several years managed and maintained mineral databases. The databases of Norwegian aggregates, sand, gravel and hard-rock deposits offer maps as well as qualitative and quantitative information for approximately 10,000 deposits. Based on information from the databases, general trends for the quality, as defined by several mechanical properties, are documented for different rock types. In order to enable transparency, the databases have a geographical interface and are accessible on the Internet. Information from these databases can also be combined with other types of information on natural resources and land use available on the Internet.
Two cases of resource management will be discussed. In the Jren region on the south-western coast, regional authorities are planning the future supply of aggregates. In a neighbouring region, a quarrying company is developing the St hard rock deposit. These cases are used to underline the importance of geological information when the future development of existing quarries or conflicting land use is at the planning stage. Such information can be extracted from the mineral databases maintained by NGU.
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