| The United Nations' concept of sustainable development promises a healthy and peaceful Earth for future generations. The concept considers that minerals are essential for modern living, with mining as an important activity that can enhance the path to sustainable development. Many mining-specific initiatives, are building on the concept of sustainable development. However, because aggregate resource (sand and gravel) extraction is rarely recognized as part of the mining sector, these highest consumed minerals are not being identified within the context of these initiatives. To qualify the aggregate resource sector, in context of sustainable development, the management of these resources is examined in light of geology, distribution, governance, and industry practices, within Alberta. The significance that aggregate resources have for economic, environmental, and community considerations are quantified through "Seven Questions to Sustainability" (Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development) towards a municipal planning process. Overall, the research concludes that improved governance towards the aggregate resource sector can contribute significantly to sustainable development in Alberta. |
