Northern Ireland production index: mining and quarrying
Northern Ireland production index: mining and quarrying stood at 102.9 in Q2 2026, according to Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). It is one of the indicators in the Output indices, Northern Ireland and Wales table (Value · Quarterly), with a complete series running from Q1 2005 to Q2 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Output indices, Northern Ireland and Wales table
| Indicator | Q2-2026 | Q1-2026 | Q4-2025 | Q3-2025 | Q2-2025 | Q1-2025 | Q4-2024 | Q3-2024 | Q2-2024 | Q1-2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Index of Production (2023 = 100) | |||||||||||
| Mining and quarrying | 102.9 | 97.9 | 85.7 | 100.9 | 102.1 | 92.9 | 86.9 | 86.7 | 80 | 83.5 | |
| Water supply, sewerage and waste management | 100.2 | 94.1 | 96 | 97.7 | 100.5 | 100.1 | 94.8 | 97.4 | 95.5 | 97.8 |
Understanding northern Ireland production index: mining and quarrying
Extraction of non-energy materials forms the basis of this measure, tracking the physical volume yielded by local quarries and mineral workings across Northern Ireland. This specific index isolates raw stone, sand, gravel, and clay extraction, setting it apart from broader manufacturing metrics or utility outputs within the wider industrial classification. Excluded are downstream processing activities such as cut stone production or asphalt manufacturing, which sit under distinct manufacturing sub-sectors. The indicator utilises fixed-base weighting to reflect shifts in extracted volume rather than volatile market prices for raw minerals.
Interpreting this metric requires accounting for weather-related disruptions that frequently suppress quarrying activity during winter periods, necessitating careful application of seasonal adjustment factors. Early quarterly figures undergo routine revisions as operators submit late returns and sample weightings are updated. When analysing medium-term direction, comparing current output against the corresponding period from the prior year helps smooth out weather anomalies better than sequential quarter-on-quarter changes. Analysts should avoid treating this narrow mineral extraction series as a proxy for the entire industrial sector, given its distinct volatility profile compared to high-technology manufacturing.
Frequently asked questions
- What exact activities are counted within this mining and quarrying index?
- The series tracks the physical extraction of raw materials like stone, sand, and gravel from pits and quarries, excluding any subsequent manufacturing or processing.
- How does this series differ from general manufacturing output measures?
- It specifically covers earth extraction rather than the fabrication, assembly, or chemical transformation of industrial goods.
- Why might quarterly figures for this series show sudden volatility?
- Weather conditions and large-scale infrastructure project cycles frequently cause sharp short-term fluctuations in mineral extraction volumes.