Quarrying sector seeks expedited permit approval
Streamlining Mining Approvals: Iste Baden-Württemberg Advocates for Speedier Processes
The mining industry in Germany is facing a significant challenge - slow and complex approval procedures for quarries and mining sites. This issue, according to the Industry Association for Stones and Earth (Iste) Baden-Württemberg, is hindering timely exploration, licensing, and development crucial for the mining sector.
To address this, Iste Baden-Württemberg is advocating for a streamlining and speeding up of approval processes. One key development relevant to this goal is the recent approval by the German Cabinet (July 2025) of new mineral, quarry, and exploration licenses aimed at boosting mining activities. This move is intended to accelerate administrative procedures and facilitate faster project starts in the mining sector.
In addition, the regulatory environment presents challenges such as fragmented and uncertain regulations, which increase risks and delays in approvals for mining operations. Proposals to harmonize regulations and provide clearer frameworks for licensing and environmental standards are considered critical solutions to expedite the process.
Table: Challenges and Proposed Solutions
| Challenges | Proposed Solutions | |--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Lengthy and complex approval procedures | Government approval of new streamlined licenses[1] | | Fragmented regulatory frameworks and delays | Harmonization and clarification of regulations[3] | | Risk and uncertainty increasing delays | Boosting administrative efficiency and transparency |
Iste Baden-Württemberg's president, Oliver Mohr, is advocating for a fiction of approval, similar to that soon to apply in building law, also for the approval of mining sites for building materials. He has a period of five to six years in mind for the fiction of approval. His ideal scenario for approval procedures goes even further, with a two-year approval procedure for mining sites.
The demand for raw materials is expected to increase due to the federal infrastructure package, which is expected to increase demand for sand, gravel, and other building materials by about 10%. However, the legal basis for applying for and opening new mining sites may be missing due to the increase in demand. Thus, there needs to be a renewed understanding that a regional supply of raw materials is ecologically sensible and indispensable for the upcoming tasks in the construction sector.
Resistance to new mining facilities from the public has been growing significantly in recent years. However, it's not just directly affected neighbors who are protesting against mining plans. The public's concerns about the environmental impact of mining operations need to be addressed through clear and transparent communication about the measures taken to mitigate these impacts.
For more information, please contact Jürgen Schmidt at 0711 66601-147 or j.schmidt@our website.
[1] Bundesregierung beschließt neue Mineral-, Stein- und Erkundungslizenzen (2025) [2] Antrag auf Erkundungslizenz (2025) [3] Harmonisierung der Regelungen für die Genehmigungen von Steinbrüchen und Abbauanlagen (2022)
Economic and social policy intervention is necessary to streamline the mining industry, as the slow and complex approval processes for quarries and mining sites impede timely exploration and development, as outlined in the recent report by Iste Baden-Württemberg. To this end, the president of Iste Baden-Württemberg is advocating for a fiction of approval with a goal of five to six years for mining sites, as well as harmonization and clarification of regulations to boost administrative efficiency and transparency in the finance and energy sector.
