Mineral extraction can have both negative and positive effects on the environment. The mineral industry can have an important part to play on conserving the county's biodiversity.

Operations need to be carefully planned in order to minimise adverse effects on biodiversity and maximise positive ones. When restoring mineral sites there is often scope to create new wildlife habitats under long-term strategic environmental planning. Biodiversity and Minerals: Extracting the benefits for Wildlife available from English Nature provides additional information on the subject.