ABSTRACT
Sand and gravel is the largest mineral commodity used and produced in British Columbia. In 1994, about 42 million tonnes were produced in the province, of which half was used in Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. The analysis of the aggregate supply and demand situation was initially done from 1978 to 1980 to provide basic data for development of aggregate resource management policy for the province. Sand and gravel resources of the southern coastal region of British Columbia may be linked to various episodes of Wisconsinan glaciation. The distribution of sand and gravel deposits in the Fraser Lowland and along the coast is controlled by a number of factors. Quarried crushed rock may substitute for natural sand and gravel in many applications. Looking at the industry and regulation practices, it may be said that the aggregate production in British Columbia is over-administered and under-regulated.
