Compromise between mining activities and reuse of recycled aggregates for development of sustainable local planning. (Sardinia)

Despite its economic importance, mining activity for aggregate production (sand, gravel and crushed stone), may lead to an over-exploitation of the natural environment. This paper aims to evaluate the needs of aggregates associated with urban plans for the municipalities of Cagliari, Tortolì and Sant'Antioco (Sardinia island, Italy), also identifying the potential for recycling of construction and demolition waste, in particular of concrete. The geographical position of Sardinia prevents trade of recycled aggregates, confirming that the whole needs of aggregates can economically be satisfied only by local products. In order to meet the demand for aggregates from building industry and infrastructures, the combined use of natural and recycled aggregates, although desirable (EU Parliament, 2008), is not really suitable. It was therefore proposed another way, based on keeping the levy of recycled aggregates closely linked to the implementation of urban plans through the introduction of a new parameter, the Aggregate Maximum (Fi -max)