Environmental sustainability in the construction industry related to the production of aggregates. Qualitative aspects, case studies and future outlooks

Quarrying activity is a key-component of the GDP (gross domestic product) of industrialized economies, since various productive sectors depend on it. The mining industry also plays a strategic role as an employment source. In particular, the extraction of aggregates (sand, gravel, and crushed stone) is closely related to the building sector. By analyzing the building activity and its trend in time, this research will highlight the relations between quarrying activity and the construction industry, and will focus on its ability to activate the demand for aggregates, and how this could lead to environmental risks