In recent years, Spain has taken decisive steps to reform the legal framework governing the production and use of aggregates, aiming to drive the circular economy and promote more responsible practices in the sector. From new provisions on road construction to the adoption of advanced geodetic systems, these changes seek to balance industrial development with environmental stewardship.
Below are three key developments that are transforming the way we manage and utilize aggregates in our country.
1. Circular Order OC 1/2024: Sustainable Use in Road Construction
Circular Order OC 1/2024 marks a milestone in how road infrastructure is approached:
- Technological Innovation: The introduction of composite materials that can be applied at ambient temperature significantly reduces emissions and energy consumption. This initiative encourages the adoption of cleaner and more efficient techniques in construction processes.
- Positive Impact: By reducing the use of fossil fuels, production cycles become more efficient, and air quality improves in areas near production plants. In addition, lower operating costs strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and long-term viability.
2. Modification of the Mining Law: Adoption of the Global Geodetic System
The Modification of the Mining Law makes it mandatory to use the global geodetic system for the delimitation and control of mining operations:
- Greater Precision: This update provides more reliable cartographic and measurement tools, ensuring responsible planning. Knowing the exact boundaries of mining sites is essential to minimize environmental damage and optimize resource management.
- Sustainable Management: By consolidating geospatial information, data-driven decision-making is promoted. This comprehensive vision encourages a more balanced relationship between economic development and environmental protection, in line with best practices in the mining sector.
3. Decree 5/2023 of Castilla y León: Use of Recycled Aggregates in Public Works
Decree 5/2023 of Castilla y León promotes the use of recycled aggregates in public works:
- Circular Economy in Action: Requiring the use of recycled aggregates in large-scale projects reduces the extraction of virgin resources and fosters the reuse of materials. This not only eases the pressure on ecosystems but also helps minimize the volume of waste that ends up in landfills.
- Triple Impact: This regulation safeguards natural environments, optimizes waste management costs, and creates new job opportunities in the recycling sector. The initiative aligns perfectly with the global trend of strengthening the circular economy and sustainability.
Towards More Responsible Mining and Construction
These legislative advances confirm Spain’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility in the aggregates sector. From AMP’s perspective, the adoption of methodologies for processing and designing mineral and aggregate treatment plants becomes even more relevant in an increasingly regulated environment.
A comprehensive approach to the circular economy—encompassing materials selection, emissions reduction, and by-product reuse—helps optimize productivity while reducing ecological impact. At the same time, it enhances businesses’ competitiveness and opens up new business models aligned with the expectations of a more demanding market.
In this context, having specialized consulting and technological solutions for aggregate processing and handling is crucial to successfully implement these regulations. AMP positions itself as a strategic partner, combining expertise in plant design and the application of cutting-edge technologies to help companies comply with and make the most of current regulations.
