Analysis of the state of sustainable management of raw materials in the Republic of Croatia with reference to the construction industry

Mining activity in the Republic of Croatia has its own legislation harmonized with EU regulations and market economy principles appropriate for Europe. Mineral raw materials are important for starting the economy of a particular country, and their use depends on the demand for energy, supplies, assumptions about the economic growth of certain regions and the state of the environment. The goal of the research is based on the research of strategic planning documents and studies that provide data on exploitation fields and exploration areas of mineral resources in the territory of the Republic of Croatia.The results of the research are based on previous knowledge about the exploration areas/exploitation fields and the data obtained from the research, which were determined on the basis of the resource base of mineral raw materials, i.e. mining-geological studies. In conclusion, the exploitation fields of mineral raw materials in the Republic of Croatia statistically do not cover large areas and it is possible to plan and produce them only in places where they exist, because the locations for exploration and exploitation depend on the geological composition of the area. Mining activity can disrupt the natural balance of the environment and space. In such situations, it is important to establish a balance between the market's (economy's) need for mineral raw materials and society's tendency to maximize environmental protection. The construction industry in the Republic of Croatia is an important factor that determines the need for the exploitation of technical construction stone, gravel and sand, as well as brick clay.