Heritage

Current position

There is significant archaeological activity undertaken within the sector and the MPA has chosen to reflect this by communicating the number of investigations active over the year. This indicator does not yet reflect the quality of the outcomes of these investigations, which is an area for development.

Contributions have been made by the industry to the improved understanding of life in various different era - from the unearthing of palaeontological artefacts through to the discovery of Roman pottery. The MPA’s members make a significant contribution to this important activity.

In 2005, the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association and English Heritage developed and launched a marine archaeological reporting protocol. BMAPA members have implemented this for all dredgers and wharves receiving marine aggregate from Crown Estate licence areas.

The industry remains committed to supporting the archaeological investigation of mineral sites. To provide an effective background for these investigations the MPA worked with other stakeholders (including English Heritage) to produce "Minerals Extraction and Archaeology: A Practice Guide" which was published in May 2008. Together with PPG 16 (DoE 1990) and "Archaeological Investigations: Code of Practice for Mineral Operators" (CBI 1991), the new Practice Guide forms a sound and accepted basis for specifying programmes of archaeological investigation. The Minerals and Historic Environment Forum, comprising representatives of the minerals industry (including MPA), English Heritage, archaeological professionals and planners, will monitor the effectiveness of the Guide and may produce guidance on other matters associated with the historic environment if the need arises.