Minerals development is defined as 'the winning and working of minerals'. This means getting minerals out of the ground and taking them away for processing. Sites may be permitted for this purpose over a long period, but also need a current planning permission in order to be actively working.

Most mineral developments require planning permission. However, there are exceptions. For example, farmers are entitled to extract stone on their farmland for agricultural use, such as for track-mending, or for limestone, but may not sell it or take it out of the farm-holding.