Pit & Quarry, December 2018

THE INDUSTRY BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE IN 2019 C emex faced a year of strong demand for aggregate in 2018 with growth in markets like California Arizona Texas and Florida The demand for crushed stone and sand is expected to continue through 2019 and Cemex is ready to keep up providing the necessary materials to support projects in rapidly growing regions This year Cemexs Balcones Quarry in New Braunfels Texas was ranked as the top crushed stone producing operation in the nation by the U S Geological Survey USGS The designation was based on volume numbers achieved in 2016 Balcones Quarry produces at least 10 million tons of crushed rock annually to supply roads buildings schools and high rises across Texas USGS also ranked Cemexs FEC Quarry in Miami third in the nation following the same criteria processing roughly 8 million tons of aggregate each year FEC is well positioned in Florida to tackle some of the largest projects in the state producing seven different nominal sizes of aggregate and five manufactured screenings Overall Cemex was listed sixth in crushed stone volume by USGS and we are hopeful to build on that success in 2019 Cemex continued its investment program in aggregate in September acquiring a fully operational quarry in Chico Texas The 122 acre site with a quarry plant is located about 45 miles northwest of Fort Worth Texas and has more than 25 years of quality limestone reserves The quarry will serve customers in the Dallas Fort Worth region which is forecast to be one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Meanwhile 2018 created its own share of challenges including higher fuel and maintenance costs as well as extreme weather events Like many companies in our industry Cemex is looking for creative ways to attract qualified employees to our operations We are exploring options to find potential workers that include developing programs to attract more women to Cemex and connecting with high school students to generate interest in mining Entering 2019 the future of a potential U S infrastructure program could be key If the government approves a plan to directly address the nations aging roads bridges and airports the aggregate industry could see a boost Currently Cemex aggregate is being used in various infrastructure projects in Texas and our other regions Cemex will continue its involvement in both state and national organizations like NSSGA while actively participating in building U S infrastructure and advocating for smart regulations for the industry Safety is a priority for Cemex and 2018 was no exception We will continue to focus on our Zero4Life commitment striving for zero recordable injuries job related illnesses preventable vehicle accidents and environmental events As 2018 comes to a close Cemexs aggregate operations have expanded By leveraging our strong network Cemex can satisfy the needs of major projects that may be on the horizon and continue to help our communities build a better future in 2019 P Q Ignacio Madridejos is president of Cemex USA STATEOF PRODUCER OUTLOOK BY IGNACIO MADRIDEJOS 26 PIT QUARRY December 2018 pitandquarry com KEVIN YANIK USGS again ranked Cemexs Balcones Quarry as the top crushed stone producing operation in the nation The aggregate industry could experience a boost if the government approves a plan to address the nations aging infrastructure