Derbyshire County Council, along with Derby City Council are inviting local people to have their say about the Minerals Local Plan for the area. Together they are drawing up a draft plan to guide mineral-related development within Derbyshire and Derby, except in the Peak District National Park, until 2030. Minerals produced include limestone, sand and gravel, brick clay and shale, sandstone, vein minerals such as fluorspar, coal and gas − including gas in deep shale which could only be removed by the hydraulic fracturing process known as 'fracking'. The plan will set out where quarrying and mining is expected to take place and the principles we will use to decide on planning applications for mineral development. Specific sites identified for mineral working include extensions to the following quarries: Swarkestone Quarry - sand and gravel Willington Quarry - sand and gravel Whitwell Quarry - industrial limestone Ashwood Dale Quarry, Buxton - industrial limestone Mouselow Quarry, Glossop - brick clay. The latest version of the plan is available to view and comment online and a series of drop-in sessions are being held so that residents can talk to council officers about the plans at: Chapel-en-le-Frith Library, Thursday 5 April, 2pm to 6:30pm Barrow on Trent Village Hall, Thursday 5 April, 11:30am to 6:30pm Dronfield Library, Monday 9 April, 11:30am to 6:30pm Ripley Library, Thursday 12 April, 11:30am to 6:30pm Bolsover Library, Friday 13 April, 11:30am to 6:30pm Long Eaton Library, Wednesday 18 April, 11:30am to 6:30pm Chesterfield Library, Tuesday 24 April, 11:30 am to 6:30pm Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale, Thursday 3 May, 11:30am to 6:30pm Councillor Richard Iliffe, Vice Chairman of the Derbyshire and Derby Development Plans Joint Advisory Committee, said: "Minerals are important to our way of life, not only in building houses, factories and roads, but also in the manufacture of a huge rage of everyday products such as paints, paper and toothpaste. They are also important in the production of energy used to heat our homes and fuel our industries. "Derbyshire is rich in minerals, making the county one of the most important in the UK for resources particularly limestone. "But the same geology which gives rise to this wealth of resources also creates the striking landscapes which are important to Derbyshire people, the visitor industry and the local economy. "Unfortunately, mineral working almost always causes some impact on the environment and local communities. The challenge now is to set the minerals guidance and polices for the new plan so that all the relevant factors raised by these competing interests are addressed effectively − and this is where we need local people to help." To view the Spring 2018 consultation and have your say come along to one of the dates listed above or click the link provided. The deadline for comments is Friday 18th May.