ABSTRACT
Geologically, Melbourne has a very good distribution of hard rock types to the west, north and east of the city. Within the Melbourne Supply Area planning scheme amendments are usually necessary before new Extractive Industries can be established. Melbourne is reasonably well placed with respect to good source areas for construction sands. Secured reserves under granted EI title in the Melbourne Supply Area will not meet Melbourne's requirements over a 15–20 year time frame. The bulk of the raw material for brick making in Melbourne is the clay/shale of relatively low plasticity derived from the deep weathering of Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks. The Department of Manufacturing and Industry Development does not have comprehensive, up to date information on reserves in EIL areas for the various clay types used by the structural clay industry. About 88% of clays used in Victoria are consumed by the brick making industry.
