The quarrying, mining and mineral products industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. It’s the bedrock of construction and the built environment, from extracting and processing minerals to making building materials. It also supports many vital sectors such as agriculture, automotive, pharmaceuticals and technology.

A diverse industry means hundreds of role opportunities and locations to work in. Whatever your interests, be part of an industry that’s essential to our everyday lives.  Click here to apply now to some of the key operators in our sector.

Make a difference

If you want to make a difference, a career in the minerals industry means you could get involved in:

  • Extracting, mining and processing products that are used in everyday items
  • Improving the local community and infrastructure
  • Restoring used sites to create wildlife habitats and encourage biodiversity
  • Developing products and solutions to reduce climate change
  • Using and developing technology to improve ways of working
  • Taking your skills all over the world to improve environments globally

And so much more!

How quarries make a difference

How quarries make a difference

400 million metric tonnes produced annually
400 million metric tonnes produced annually
5.8 billion added to the economy
£5.8 billion added to the economy
81 thousand people directly employed
81,000 people directly employed
2,000 active sites and plants in the UK
2,000 sites and plants in the UK

Minerals are everywhere

The minerals industry plays a vital part in our everyday lives. Mineral products are all around you. From your smart phone and TV screen, the crockery and cutlery you use daily, wind turbines and solar panels, to the roads, cars, electric vehicles, trains, buildings and built environment, they’re everywhere.

Did you know?

You interact with objects made by or with minerals approximately 14 times before you leave the house in the morning!

Many things including cleaning your teeth, drinking out of a glass, watching TV or looking out of the window wouldn’t be possible without minerals!

More about how minerals are used in everyday life

Positive impact on the environment

Through extracting and processing minerals, the industry is closely linked with the environment. Climate change, sustainability and biodiversity are a big part of the world we live in. We are actively working to reduce waste, restore sites and develop solutions to these global challenges.

Supporting all life

Supporting all life

28% total market is recycled aggregates
28% total market is recycled aggregates
5000 Hectares
5,000 hectares of restored public space
CO2 down 53%
CO2 emissions reduced by 53% for concrete and cement production

Start shaping your world…

Starting my career
Starting my career

There are lots of different ways you can get into the industry. From work experience and apprenticeships, through to graduate level jobs and career changers, there are many ways to start.

Get started

Job roles available
Job roles available

There are many different roles covering different skills and knowledge. From engineering, environmental, technology, logistics or office-based roles, there’s something to suit you.

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Discover how other people are shaping their world

Mark Yates, Operations Manager, Heidelberg Materials

Mark Yates, Operations Manager, Heidelberg Materials

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Bethany Cleaver, Mineral Surveyor at SLR Consulting

Bethany Cleaver, Mineral Surveyor at SLR Consulting

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The apprenticeship route

The apprenticeship route

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An exciting and varied career in quarrying, mining or mineral products awaits. Hear from people already working in the industry and find out more about what it’s like. And what it’s not!

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