Proposals are being developed by Imerys Minerals for a major investment in the continued operation of Dorset’s traditional ball clay industry.
Imerys is to seek approval to extend its Doreys Pit site, near Wareham, securing future production, the jobs of dozens of employees and the significant indirect employment and economic activity generated by mining operations in Dorset.
Ball clay has been regarded for many years as a mineral of national and international importance because of its special qualities and rare occurrence. It is used for the production of wall and floor tiles, sanitaryware, tableware and electrical and refractory products.
Imerys has operated at Doreys for more than 40 years – one of five pits it operates in the Wareham area – and the ball clay industry itself in Dorset dates back to the late 1700s.
The site is situated within Dorset’s Minerals Consultation Area (MCA) set up by Dorset Council to safeguard all the county’s minerals resources but especially the Dorset ball clay resource, which it describes as “a scarce, high quality resource”, “designated as a nationally important mineral”.
With the approval of Dorset Council, Imerys has already carried out mineral exploration surveys and drilled boreholes to confirm the presence of clay in the proposed extension area at Bridewells, which lies to the south west of the existing Dorey’s South site.
The company has now submitted a Scoping Request to Dorset Council. This process will help shape the scope and extent of environmental and ecological surveys over the course of the next year and the details of a future planning application and accompanying environmental statement and restoration plan for the site. It is anticipated a planning application would be brought forward in Autumn 2022.
Imerys is known in the area as a responsible operator, winning awards for its environmental projects, most recently for its work with Bournemouth University Group to increase fish numbers in the Toll Bar Stream at Doreys, and the widely acclaimed transformation of the former Arne Ball Clay works into a RSPB nature reserve and nationally significant haven for wildlife.
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The proposed extension at Doreys is aimed at extending the life of the pit, rather than increasing production, and as a result, traffic movements associated with carrying clay and aggregates (sand and gravel) from the site would remain at existing levels.
Gary Staddon, real estate and business development manager for Imerys Minerals, said “Imerys is pleased to confirm its intention to continue investing in the future of Ball Clay operations in Dorset, in order to meet the demands of society and our customers.
“Dorset Ball Clays are a premium product, in demand the world over for their quality and properties, and our operations here contribute significantly to the local economy and the 海角视频’s Balance of Trade.
“As a responsible operator with a long history in the area, Imerys is fully aware of the environmental constraints in which it operates within Dorset and works closely with the appropriate authorities and stakeholders to minimise operational impacts and to enhance the local environment wherever possible.
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“Our proposals, when they come forward, will seek to mitigate the impact of the operations during the time the pit is active and will include a full restoration concept focused on nature conservation, and with features likely to include hedges, deciduous woodland, grassland and heathland together with an aquatic environment.
“We have already begun engaging with our neighbours in the area and local parish representatives through our Community Liaison Group, and will organise a wider public consultation once our proposals have been more fully developed, and in advance of any planning application being submitted to Dorset Council, as the mineral planning authority.”
Further details of the Scoping Request submitted by Imerys to Dorset Council are available on the council’s planning portal, click .