Today marks the 44th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual occasion on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 192 countries each year. In observance, NSSGA President and CEO Mike Johnson said, “On Earth Day 2014 it is important to note that progress has…
Read MoreMonth: April 2014
Construction Jumps Forward in March
New construction starts in March advanced 7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $521.4 billion, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial.
Read MoreNye Elected Chairman of the Board of Martin Marietta
Martin Marietta Materials Inc. announced that the longtime chairman of the company’s board of directors, Stephen P. Zelnak Jr., will retire from his role as chairman effective May 22, 2014, following the company’s Annual Shareholders Meeting. Zelnak will continue to serve as a director on the Martin Marietta Board.
Read MoreLafarge Operations Honored for Technology Solutions
Lafarge North America won two Innovation awards from the Portland Cement Association (PCA). The Paulding Cement Plant, in Paulding, Ohio, won PCA’s 2014 Cement Industry Energy & Environment Award for Innovation, while the Cave in Rock Quarry, located in Cave in Rock, Ill., won PCA’s 2014 Safety Innovation Award.
Read MoreCarmeuse Lime & Stone Expands into Colombia
On March 21st, Carmeuse Lime & Stone closed on its acquisition of a majority interest in Procecal S.A.S., a lime company headquartered in Medellin, Colombia. Procecal will be constructing a vertical 300 tpd lime kiln and hydrator. The existing stockholders of Procecal will retain a significant interest in the company and remain active in its management.
Read MoreHousing Starts Creep Up In March
Led by a 6 percent rise in single-family starts, nationwide housing production rose 2.8 percent above an upwardly revised February rate of 920,000 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 946,000 units in March, according to newly released figures from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Read MoreOntario Association Responds to Government Action
The Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA) acknowledged the comprehensive government response to the Report on the Review of the Aggregate Resources Act and said it stands ready to help implement key recommendations.
Read MoreThis Week’s Market Buzz
According to the Winona Daily News, a permit for a proposed sand mining and wash-plant operation in the Town of Waumandee, Wis., was denied 3-0 by the Buffalo County Zoning Board of Adjustment. More than 50 people testified at a second public hearing on the project, most of them opposed to granting a conditional-use permit to mine frac sand on…
Read MoreNew Book Takes On Pros, Cons of Fracking
Wall Street Journal investigative reporter Russell Gold — who has been recognized as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and is a recipient of the Gerald Loeb Award for his work – has released a new book entitled “The Boom: How Fracking Ignited the American Energy Revolution and Changed the World.”
Read MoreSuperior Silica Sand Seeks Land for Transloading
Superior Silica Sand has submitted a letter of intent to purchase 40 acres of land in North Branch, Minn.’s ESSBY Business Park off 400th Street. At a North Branch City Council meeting, City Administrator Bridgitte Konrad said a purchase agreement with the business is likely months away, according to the ECM Post Review.
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