The domestic market for raw materials extraction is important in order to reduce dependence on other countries and avoid long and emission-intensive transport routes. Politicians have long recognised this and yet companies from the raw materials extraction sector often complain that large projects in Germany can hardly be realised due to bureaucratic and legal hurdles.

Prof Dr Christofer Lenz and Dr Jens Ritter have nevertheless made it possible: for a joint venture between two large gravel works, they have obtained a building and nature conservation licence from the Biberach District Office, which will secure the supply of raw materials in the long term.