The extractive industry is present across the Community and is relatively evenly spread over its territory. The EU remains highly dependent on imports for its raw materials supply. It is the world's largest consumer of minerals. The European metallic minerals industry has to face up to very intense world competition and it has invested a great deal outside the Community. As regards construction materials, the European Union is a major world producer and is largely self sufficient.
Natural stone is an important export product.
In the industrial minerals subsector, competition has increased markedly in recent years. Geological deposits determine the location of extractive operations. Environmental impact of extractive operations 6. The waste produced by the extractive industry is a major problem. Mining waste is among the largest waste streams in the Community and some of that waste is dangerous.