UK&I Minerals & Waste Management Conference 2026
Leicester Marriott Hotel, Grove Park, Smith Way, Leicester LE19 1SW, United Kingdom
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From £183.83 + VAT
Overview
The Minerals & Waste Management Conference brings together surveyors, advisors, policymakers and other industry stakeholders for a timely update on the issues shaping the future of the minerals and waste sector in the UK.
Taking place at a pivotal moment for resource security, planning reform and environmental policy, the 2026 conference provides practical insight and strategic perspective on the evolving legal, fiscal and market landscape. Delegates will gain a clearer understanding of how regulatory change, planning policy and economic pressures are influencing operational risk, investment decisions and long-term site strategy.
With the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy now firmly embedded in national policy, the conference offers essential intelligence on its implications for domestic extraction, development and supply chain resilience. Alongside this, the programme addresses the regulatory and operational challenges facing waste management, including Landfill Tax, compliance obligations, waste crime and the transition towards more sustainable, circular practices.
Beyond the technical content, the conference offers valuable opportunities to engage with peers and leading voices from across minerals, waste, planning, legal and regulatory disciplines. Through expert-led sessions, panel discussions and structured networking, attendees will leave better equipped to navigate complexity, manage risk and contribute to a more resilient, future-ready sector competitiveness.
Agenda
| Time | Focus |
08:30 |
Registration & Networking |
09:30 |
Welcome remarks from conference chair
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09:50 – 10:30 |
Legal update Staying abreast of legal developments is crucial for navigating the evolving regulatory frameworks in minerals and waste management. This session will provide an essential update on recent changes in legislation, case law, and policy affecting the sector. Topics will include updates on environmental permits, changes to waste classification and recycling targets, mineral extraction rights, and implications of net-zero commitments. |
10:30 – 13:10 |
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10:30 – 10:55 |
Planning in minerals and waste This presentation provides an overview of the latest developments in UK planning policy for minerals and waste. It will cover updates on waste management plans, strategies for minimising waste, and sustainable approaches to resource extraction. The session aims to explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions shaping the future of waste reduction and resource management in the UK. |
10:55 – 11:20 |
UK minerals and their role in the UK economy Minerals are the foundation of the UK’s economy, fuelling industries from construction and manufacturing to technology and renewable energy. This session will explore how the mineral sector drives economic growth and contributes significantly to GDP. |
11:20 – 11:50 |
Networking Break |
11:50 – 12:15 |
Critical minerals As the UK strives to achieve a net-zero economy, critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are becoming indispensable for clean energy technologies. This presentation will explore their vital role in powering innovations such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, and battery storage. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges of securing sustainable supplies, the potential for domestic production, and the strategies needed to support the UK’s green energy ambitions. Confirmed speaker: Josh Conibear, Founder, J.J.Conibear |
12:15 – 12:40 |
Marine minerals This presentation explores the strategic role of marine minerals in the UK’s overall supply. It highlights their socio-economic importance, contributions to national and regional supply chains, and critical applications in construction and coastal protection. The session will also touch upon the environmental impacts of marine mineral extraction, the strict regulatory controls in place, and the industry's sustainable development plans. Confirmed speaker: Nick Everington, Marine Minerals Portfolio Manager, The Crown Estate |
12:40 – 13:10 |
Q&A discussion with Planning, UK Economy, Critical minerals & Marine mineral speakers |
13:10 – 14:10 |
Lunch and networking |
14:10 – 14:40 |
Navigating ESG and sustainability in waste management Confirmed speaker: Fiona Campbell, Head of Sustainability, Biffa |
14:40 – 15:20 |
Reclaiming nature: Unlocking biodiversity in former landfills and quarries This session delves into the intersection of waste management and biodiversity net gain (BNG), focusing on the innovative re-purposing of former landfills and quarries. These sites, often seen as remnants of industrial activity, hold massive potential for restoration when integrated into waste management strategies. By transitioning from waste repositories to biodiversity hubs, these landscapes can be transformed into habitats that enhance ecosystem services and sequesters carbon. Case studies and expert insights will examine how these initiatives can demonstrate leadership in turning past liabilities into future assets for nature and society. |
15:20 – 15:50 |
Recycled quarry materials and calcined clays in cement manufacturing In an era where sustainability is paramount, the role of surveyors in resource optimisation is more crucial than ever. This session will delve into the innovative use of recycled quarry materials and calcined clays in the cement manufacturing process. Attendees will explore how these materials can reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and improve construction practices. |
15:50 – 16:20
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Understanding the CL:AIRE protocol in practice Effective material reuse is at the heart of sustainable development. This session explores the CL:AIRE Protocol, a vital framework for managing excavated materials and soils in compliance with waste regulations. Designed for surveyors and industry professionals, this session will provide an in-depth look at the principles of the protocol and its application in mineral extraction and remediation projects whilst real-world examples will demonstrate how the protocol supports cost-effective, environmentally sound material reuse in minerals and waste management. |
16:20 – 16:30 |
Chair Final Remarks |
16:30 – 17:00 |
Networking Break |
Learning outcomes
Stay ahead of legal and regulatory change
Develop a clearer understanding of recent case law, compliance requirements and forthcoming regulatory change, enabling you to manage risk and avoid costly missteps in minerals and waste operations.
Gain strategic insight into planning reform
Understand how evolving planning policy, including national reform, affects permissions and long-term site strategy, supporting more confident advice and decision-making.
Build informed perspective on the UK’s Critical Minerals direction
Explore how national priorities around critical minerals are shaping domestic extraction, investment decisions and supply chain resilience.
Apply data-led market intelligence with confidence
Strengthen your ability to interpret aggregate supply, demand, reserves and replenishment data, supporting evidence-based planning and investment decisions.
Understand the operational impact of Landfill Tax
Gain practical insight into Landfill Tax policy direction, rates and exemptions, and how these translate into real-world cost, compliance and operational considerations.
Learn practical responses to skills and workforce pressures
Hear how organisations across the sector are addressing labour shortages, developing training pathways and strengthening capability through collaboration.
Strengthen approaches to preventing and responding to waste crime
Develop understanding of how shared intelligence, enforcement collaboration and cross-sector engagement can help protect compliant operators and reduce exposure to waste crime.
Agenda
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A practical overview of recent legal developments affecting minerals and waste operators, including case law, compliance obligations, and anticipated regulatory change.
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A strategic update on planning policy reforms, national guidance, and emerging trends shaping permissions, operational constraints, and long-term development strategies.
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An exploration of Vision 2035: UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy, outlining supply chain vulnerabilities, opportunities for domestic extraction, and implications for developers, investors, and planners.
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Join a dynamic panel of industry leaders and emerging professionals as they explore how the minerals and waste sectors can build a stronger, future-ready workforce. The discussion will unpack current skills shortages, practical pathways for attracting and supporting young surveyors entering the industry, and how innovation in training, technology, and collaboration can drive real change.
Attendees can expect actionable insights, shared experiences across different levels of expertise, and an interactive exchange designed to foster knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and long-term capability building across the sector.
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A data-driven analysis of national and regional aggregate supply, demand, reserves, and replenishment rates, exploring what the findings mean for future investment and sustainability.
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An informative session unpacking current Landfill Tax rates, policy shifts, exemptions, and the practical implications for operators, local authorities, and waste managers.
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This cross-sector panel will deliver practical insights into the evolving nature of waste crime and how it can be tackled more effectively. Drawing on perspectives from industry bodies, landowners, technical experts, and chartered surveyors, the discussion will focus on what works in prevention, enforcement, and intelligence sharing.
Attendees will gain clear takeaways on effective collaboration, emerging risks and criminal tactics, and how joined-up government and industry responses can protect compliant operators without adding unnecessary regulatory burden.
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Sponsor
Heaton Planning
Heatons is recognised as a leading provider of development advice to the minerals and waste sectors, specialising in planning, estates, geological and ecological services. With a strong track record in securing planning permissions for a wide range of developments, we offer comprehensive services tailored to meet the needs of our clients in complex and regulated industries. Our team brings extensive knowledge in project management, overseeing the successful execution of projects from inception to completion. Additionally, we provide expert environmental impact assessments, ensuring that developments are aligned with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
To find out more about sponsoring the Minerals & Waste Management Conference 2026, please contact partnerships@rics.org.
Group Discounts
- Book 3 to 5 places and get 5% off
- Book 6 to 7 places and get 10% off
- Book 8 to 25 places and get 15% off
- Book 26 to 50 places and get 20% off
- Book 51 to 100 places and get 25% off
- Book 101 and more and get 30% off
- Any subscriber to the Development Package or Qualification Support Package receives 15% discount on conferences that are not included in either package.
Only one discount available per booking. This cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer from RICS. Please note the group booking discount will not be applicable with the Early Bird rate (if any). To benefit from the group discounts, please email training@rics.org or call +44 (0) 2476868584.
