Aggregate Resources

 

Overview

The Ministry of Natural Resources' Aggregate Resources Program is responsible for the sustainable extraction of sand, gravel and crushed stone resources in Ontario. MNR works to protect mineral aggregate resources and to ensure the continued availability of these resources.

 


 
Aggregate Resource Conservation

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) encourages the reduction, reuse, and recycling of aggregate materials.

Find out more about aggregate resource conservation...

Aggregate resources include any combination of sand, gravel, or crushed stone in a natural or processed state. Aggregates are used in the construction of highways, dams and airports, as well as residential, industrial and institutional buildings.

 

Aggregates are critical ingredients in a number of manufactured products such as glass (silica sand), coated paper, paint and pharmaceuticals (calcium carbonate). Aggregates are a component in a number of manufacturing processes including the processing of steel, aluminum and plastic.

 

Did you know that aggregates are also found in fertilizer, floor coverings and even toothpaste?