Production statistics from 2007 highlight the beginning of a dip in national production figures.

by Jason Christopher Willett

U.S. production of construction aggregates in 2007 was 2.83 billion metric tons (3.12 billion short tons) valued at $22.5 billion, free on board (f.o.b.) at plant. Construction aggregates production and the associated value has increased 6 percent and 65 percent, respectively, compared with the quantity and values reported in 2000. In 2007, construction aggregates production decreased for the first time since 2002 owing to a 7-percent decrease in the production of construction sand and gravel and a 9-percent decrease in the production of crushed stone. The average unit value (price of a metric ton of material f.o.b. plant) has increased every year since 2000.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines the construction aggregates industry as those companies that mine and process crushed stone and construction sand and gravel. The construction aggregates industry is present in all 50 states and consists of more than 5,000 mining companies that manage more than 10,000 operations. In 2007, the 10 leading construction aggregates-producing states were, in descending order of tonnage, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Arizona, Missouri, Georgia, and Indiana. These 10 states accounted for 45 percent of the national total production of construction aggregates, or 1.27 billion metric tons (1.40 billion short tons).

The 25 leading companies, in order of construction aggregates production in 2007, are listed below. These companies controlled 2,030 active operations throughout the 50 states and accounted for 44 percent of the total production of construction aggregates in the United States. The 100 largest construction aggregates operations produced 13 percent of the total production of construction aggregates, valued at $2.9 billion. The 80 crushed stone operations and 20 construction sand and gravel operations were located in 28 states.

1. Vulcan Materials Co.

1200 Urban Center Dr.

Birmingham, AL 35242-2545