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Budget 2002 - response from Alfred McAlpine Slate

For Alfred McAlpine Slate Ltd, the Levy presents a unique chance to reduce the historic, current and future impact of mineral extraction.

The company is the world's largest producer of natural slate, and, over two centuries the creation of large volumes of slate waste has resulted in some environmental concerns. Exemption from The Aggregates Levy will enable slate waste to compete as a secondary aggregate across the UK, securing existing employment in North West Wales and delivering significant socio-economic and environmental benefits.

It is estimated that the total tonnage of slate waste in existing tips without environmental or archaeological constraints is 370 million tonnes. Whilst the material meets the specification for almost 70% of the UK's crushed rock demand and has been used in numerous building and civil engineering projects, it has been restricted from entering more distant markets by the current transport network in North Wales.

Exemption from The Levy has encouraged Chris Law, Alfred McAlpine Slate's Managing Director, to propose a major scheme for slate aggregate transportation and distribution. This alternative to the present domination by road haulage provides hitherto unrealisable commercial and environmental possibilities. All materials currently leaving our three major quarries, says Mr.Law, are transported by road either through the Snowdonia National Park or along a village high street. His master plan capitalises on existing rail lines and the development of a multi-use railhead to link operating sites to rail freight facilities. He explains how major environmental benefits would result from this initiative and their significance:

Blaenau Ffestiniog slate operations will provide positively for the working of mineral in a sustainable way.

The substitution of slate waste for primary aggregates will reduce the impact of mineral extraction across the UK and address areas despoiled by slate extraction.

By sensitively removing these tips that have an adverse environmental impact, operators can achieve a higher standard of restoration and after use. Chris Law is adamant that the four key sustainability objectives published by the DETR in 1999 are met by his proposed project namely:

Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment;

Effective protection of the environment;

Prudent use of natural resources;

Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone.

Without exemption from The Aggregates Levy it is very unlikely that we could have considered such a proposal argues Chris. If our plans are accepted, the future of the Industry and those working in it will be brighter and more secure than ever. Other local industries will also benefit as will local heritage and tourism. It could even facilitate attracting inward investment to the area and reverse the trend of depopulation and progressive economic decline.