Demand for raw materials Growing resistance to gravel pits in the Jura foot

New Kiesgruben Projects Spark Growing Resistance in Jura Mountains July 18, 2026, 16:01 Protests against new sand quarries in the Jura Mountains are intensifying in the canton of Vaud. Critics warn of potential environmental and social consequences, while authorities remain committed to the projects. The Jura region holds significant sand deposits and hosts five of the 14 priority mining sites identified by the canton. This has led to increasing opposition, particularly around the proposed quarry in Ballens, where local activists have mounted a campaign against the project. The resistance movement gained momentum after a local group submitted a petition with 15,000 signatures opposing the quarry in late June. The Vaud Department of Environment noted that the project’s approval process is still ongoing, and a public hearing date has yet to be set. Despite this, opponents refuse to wait. “It is simply no longer acceptable to destroy a forest in 2026,” said François Cuneo of the activist group, speaking to the Western Swiss radio and television network RTS. Environmental concerns center on the role of the forest in climate regulation and its importance for groundwater supply, which serves approximately 5,000 residents in the area. Opposition also extends to another planned quarry, “Les Bulles,” located between La Chaux and Grancy. This site is currently the most advanced in terms of development within the canton. Residents criticize the scale of the operation, noting its proximity to nearby villages. “We are not fundamentally opposed to the quarry, but the size and location are problematic,” stated Stéphanie Personeni, co-founder of the collective “Préservons Les Bulles.” The group fears increased road traffic and negative impacts on nearby waterways. “It seems as though economic interests have been prioritized over the common good,” she added. In contrast, cantonal officials emphasize the strategic necessity of sand extraction. They point out that 25 percent of the sand used in the canton comes from France, with another quarter sourced through recycling materials. However, these sources are insufficient to meet the annual demand of roughly two million cubic meters. “We are working to increase the share of recycled materials, but some demand will still need to be met through mining,” explained Sébastien Beuchat, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage (DIRNA). Disagreements also arise regarding alternatives to concrete. Activists advocate for materials such as compacted earth, clay, rammed earth, or straw, which can even be used for load-bearing walls. “These are serious alternatives that could replace concrete in many applications,” said Cuneo. The canton acknowledges the potential of such materials but notes they cannot fully replace sand for infrastructure projects like roads or public buildings. “We support alternative building materials and recycling, but concrete remains essential for certain structures,” Beuchat clarified. According to current data, there are 35 active mining sites in the canton. For the “Les Bulles” project, whose public hearing concluded in mid-May, preparatory work could start in 2027, with operations slated for 2028—provided all objections are resolved by then. As the debate continues, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with the future of these projects hanging in the balance.