Les granulats marins

Urbanization and the protection of sites and ground waters reduce the number of alluvial aggregate exploitation areas. The ocean provides different substitution possibilities. In France, marine aggregates represent a substantial potential in the supply of material from coastal regions. A large number of cruises on the French continental shelf, using different exploration (seismic, drilling, dredging) and identification techniques, enabled the C.N.E.X.O. to make an inventory of the resources and to bring to light some workable deposits. Aggregate exploitation in France is distributed between the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. It depends on different factors: technical elements, environmental impact and economical data. Marine aggregate dredging is regulated by the mining legislation. The companies exploiting this type of material account for 29 fleets and a total of 40 sand vessels. Other countries use marine material, including Great-Britain which is one of the most important producers.