European Minerals Day
13-15 May 2011
This initiative by the European minerals sector and related organisations gives the opportunity to the European-wide public to explore the world of minerals and discover more about an industry that affects every aspect of our lives.
This biannual event welcomed more than 30,000 visitors in over 100 sites in 17 European countries during its first edition in 2007. The European Minerals Day 2009 engaged children and adults at more than 160 sites in 27 countries.
In the 2011 edition, more than 180 sites in 21 European countries & 11 in the rest of the world have taken part - good for more than 200 events!
Minerals play an essential role in our lives with 70% of EU manufacturing production depending on mined substances. The construction, chemicals, automotive, aerospace and machinery sectors, which provide a total added value of € 1324 billion and 30 million jobs all depend on access to raw materials.
This year, special attention will again be given to biodiversity. Quarries may host a variety of rare plant and animal species, and many companies are therefore proud to guide visitors through rehabilitated areas. This and many more activities aim at raising awareness of this old, yet innovative and sustainable sector. Entertaining side activities such as fossil hunting, animations for children, jeep safaris, workshops etc. make European Minerals Day an unforgettable experience for people of all ages.
