Welcome to the 2019 edition of the “Aggregates Almanac: The Ultimate Information Resource for Quarry Operators.” Published for the third year now, feedback from our readers indicates that this is a must-have publication that is widely used and valued.
It is important to realize what this industry is all about. According to a report from the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal and Economic Public Policy Issues, the aggregates industry – literally the foundation of our nation’s infrastructure – is a significant contributor to the economic wellbeing of the United States, generating $27 billion in annual sales and employing 100,000 mostly skilled workers.
Impacts are felt throughout the broader economy. The industry supports $122 billion in national sales, $32 billion in national earnings (i.e., wages), and between 364,000 and 600,000 jobs across a wide range of occupations and industries.
Input-Output analysis reveals that each job in the aggregates industry supports an additional 4.87 jobs throughout the economy. These jobs are widely spread across industries and occupations.
Each dollar of earnings (i.e., wages) creates another $4.19 of earnings in other sectors, and each dollar of sales in the industry produces another $3.47 of sales in other industries. The effect of the aggregates industry is both large and diverse. Sizable effects on employment and output are found also at the state and county levels.
The data, statistics and features in the Aggregates Almanac are meant to create a snapshot of the industry that generates this economic value, whether that means production statistics, economic indicators or the impact of MSHA inspections.
From the equipment and technology manufacturers information in the North American Buyer and Supplier Guide section to the scientific approach to safety detailed in our two safety and health-specific articles, and everything in between, there is something for everyone in the Aggregates Almanac.
We hope you find this edition useful.
Mark S. Kuhar, editor
(330) 722‐4081
Twitter: @editormarkkuhar