The request for further information (RFI) published on 28 July 2021 sets out the significant additional work required by Hanson for their proposed plans to be assessed by Government, including in relation to potential impacts in later stages of Hanson’s proposed extension of the quarry.
Reliable and cost-effective supply of construction materials is fundamental to sustainable growth, and for this reason quarrying operations, particularly strategic metropolitan resources, are typically long-term activities. Quarrying regulation is focused on the proposed activities rather than time, and as a consequence the legislation requires that MOPs must be reviewed every seven years during the life of a quarry to ensure that they remain contemporary.
In this instance Hanson are required to provide significant additional information about their proposed future operations in order that those operations can be assessed against the requirements of the Mining Act.