A MINERALS giant plans to seek permission to continue to remove aggregate material for use in the construction industry from a china clay tip at Summercourt.

Imerys has applied for professional pre-application advice for the removal of material from the mineral working deposit at Melbur Conveyor Tip.

The planning statement said: “China Clay has been worked in the Fal District since the 1900's, by-products of the industry have been placed on the surrounding tips, including the Melbur Conveyor Tip for many decades continuing into the 21st Century.

“Imerys China Clay production processes remain active in the Fal District operational area, with material placement onto the tips continuing in the wider area as part of the ongoing restoration and rehabilitation of the site.

“In respect of Melbur Conveyor Tip, which falls within the Fal District operational area of the St Austell china clay area, Imerys is seeking consent from the mineral planning authority of Cornwall Council, for the production of secondary aggregates for use in the construction industry. In May 2023 the company successfully secured planning permission for the removal of material of any description from a mineral-working deposit other than a stockpile at Melbur Conveyor Sand and Sent Tip.

“This trial period was secured for an area under two hectares restricted the duration of the trial period to three years from the date of commencement of the development. Notice was given to the mineral planning authority confirming the commencement of the development on October 21, 2025.

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“Over the past six months it has become clear that the trial period is successfully producing suitable quality and quantity secondary aggregates, and the pre-application is being submitted in advance of a full planning application to extend both the duration and extent of this development to cover an increased area of Melbur Conveyor Tip.”