Zlín Region adopts new raw‑material policy as sand mining faces resident opposition

The Zlín Region in the Czech Republic approved a comprehensive raw‑material policy that updates the 2003 framework. The document details the region’s mineral assets, noting that a quarter of the country’s sand (gravel) production comes from Zlín, accounting for about 25 % of national output. Extraction of sand has risen from 900,000 to nearly 1.2 million cubic metres in the past three years, and reserves are projected to decline within a decade.

Regional councilor for the environment Renata Prchlíková emphasized that the policy aims to secure sufficient raw materials for future infrastructure projects while protecting the environment and local communities. However, residents in several municipalities have opposed new mining licences, fearing environmental impact. The Czech Geological Survey’s Vratislav Pecina warned of a looming shortage of building stone, which the region currently supplements with imports from neighboring regions and Slovakia. The policy therefore balances the need to increase sand production with concerns over ecological preservation and public opposition.