An analysis of aggregates production in the United States: Historical data and issues facing the industry

Natural aggregates, primarily stone, sand and gravel, provide essential material for society. They are a major basic raw material used by construction, agriculture, and industries employing chemical and metallurgical processes. Over the last century, the growth of cities and towns and the construction and maintenance of the highways connecting them have created demand for enormous amounts of natural aggregates. This paper provides an analysis of aggregates production in the United States (US), showing the stability in the industry's historical data with respect to number of mines and employees, total production, and the value of the mineral. It then discusses the challenges that the aggregates industry continues to face, including transportation, recycling, financing and public relations, with responses that maintain its fundamental stability.

Keywords:

• Aggregates
• production
• US
• historical data
• trends
• value of mineral