Minerals Matter

Minerals Matter is a resource for young people and adults to learn about careers in the minerals industry. Created by minerals industry organisations and employers, Minerals Matter is also useful for parents, guardians, carers, school teachers, careers advisors and educators who would like information about the minerals industry to guide people with their career choices.

The Mineral Products sector

Mineral Products, such as crushed rock, sand and gravel, asphalt, concrete, cement and bricks, are both essential to our economy, and to our quality of life. Around 400 million tonnes of Mineral Products are used annually in the UK as the main constituents of our built environment and for products within vital sectors such as agriculture, automotive and pharmaceuticals. These products represent the largest material flow within the UK, critical for our homes, hospitals, schools, railways and roads. Additionally, Mineral Products are key enablers to improved energy infrastructure and climate change mitigation and adaption.

Such a diverse industry requires hundreds of professional roles – Operators, Planners, Technicians, Designers, Engineers, Supervisors and Managers over a variety of disciplines – Operations, Commercial, Quality, Health, Safety and the Environment, Transport and Distribution, Sustainability, Net-Zero, Learning Development and Human Resources, and Finance and Accounting to name but a few.

Currently, many sectors face recruitment challenges, and the Mineral Products Industry is no exception. Also, in common with all other sectors the Mineral Products Industry faces significant challenges in the transition to a net zero economy. But, within the challenge lies opportunity - the opportunity for the next generation to innovate, introduce new thinking, transform historical manufacturing methods and deliver sustainable solutions.

Mineral Products courses

Our Mineral Products courses have been developed in partnership with the industry's professional bodies to ensure that they represent the training needs of the industry.

• BSc (Hons) Minerals Management (Top up)
• Certificate of Credit in Ready Mixed Concrete Technology
• Certificate of Credit in Construction Materials Technology
• Certificate of Credit in Clay Drying and Firing
• FdSc Asphalt and Pavement Technology
• FdSc Cement Technology
• FdSc Clay Technology
• FdSc Concrete Technology
• FdSc Mineral Extractives Technology
• Mineral Products Technician Higher Apprenticeship
• University Certificate in Concrete Technology
• University Diploma in Asphalt and Pavement Studies
• University Diploma in Cement Studies
• University Diploma in Clay Studies
• University Diploma in Concrete Studies
• University Diploma in Mineral Extractives Studies
• University Diploma in Road Surface Treatments