GAIN Virtual Meetings

Since 2020, there have been 30 video conference calls. Each call is of approx 1.25 hours, with typically 16-20 people attending, the calls kindly hosted by Aggregates Europe. Each meeting addresses just two or three topics, documented with meeting notes within a few days. These meetings span an 18-hour time zone, dictating a balance between very early/late for some (for example, 5am in Alberta, Canada, is 11pm in Wellington, New Zealand); hence their attendance confirms great dedication at a global level.

1. Promoting Responsible Extraction:

GAIN members are committed to responsible extraction, in compliance with local regulations and good practice. GAIN cooperates with UNEP in opposing irresponsible extraction, as such activity damages the environment and the reputation of the responsible industry. The WWF Vietnam report features many best practices from GAIN members in phasing out irresponsible extraction. 

2. Ensuring Access to Resources.

One of the biggest challenges of the aggregates industry is getting access to resources close to the main markets (the large urban areas). Permitting is often very slow, therefore long-term planning is essential by the operators and the permitting authorities. A recent report by the University of Leoben studied this topic closely in the European context, and similar international studies exist.

3. Production data analysis and trends.

To assist long-term planning, it is essential for the industry and its regulators to have best data on aggregates supply and demand in each country. GAIN collates the best data and trends available from all its members, and best estimates are made for all other countries to build up the best estimates of global aggregates supply and demand.

4. Implementing latest technologies.

The best practice exchanges between GAIN members cover the latest developments in blasting technology, crushing and screening, including the optimal use of information technology, not just in production but also in achieving improved safety and reduced environmental and community impact.

5. Promoting resource efficiency.

The industry has ever-increasing focus on optimising the extraction from deposits, as also in the recycling of materials from demolition sites where technically feasible and economically viable. There is ongoing research into use of secondary materials from industry processes where these can meet the rigorous standards demanded in construction. 

6. Addressing climate change.

Aggregates have a very small carbon footprint, and the industry is actively seeking further mitigation opportunities; it is also seeking to minimise water usage. Aggregates are also part of the climate adaptation solution, such as in providing flood defences and improving the resilience of infrastructure.

7. Promoting biodiversity.

The aggregates industry is inherently biodiversity-friendly through providing habitats in its quarries and pits, both in their operational and restoration phases, as proven in numerous case studies of GAIN member associations. Many quarries host rare and even endangered flora and fauna species.

8. Sharing of best practice.

GAIN members on request provide special assistance to other GAIN members, such as in a visit by Aggregates Europe to AAK Korea in November 2022. GAIN leadership has on many occasions made presentations at conferences in China, India, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, as in many European countries.

9. Developing IT and digitalization.

As in all industries, the wider application of IT and digitalization (including AI) is making huge strides in optimizing performance also in the aggregates sector at every stage of the process. It is also pushing forward in the use of on-site renewable generation, and in trialling the use of electrically-powered mobile and stationary operating plant.

10. Sustainable development awards.

Several GAIN members make sustainable development awards to companies and locations of outstanding performance, which sets an example for the rest of the industry as well as to their wider stakeholders. Such recognition also provides excellent public relations for the industry, setting it apart in its truly responsible role in society – providing essential materials for the well-being of society across the world.