Nonmetallic Mineral Mining & Quarrying Industry Overview

Excerpt from Nonmetallic Mineral Mining & Quarrying Report

Companies in this industry develop mine sites; mine and quarry nonmetallic minerals; and prepare plants for beneficiation, the process to separate the minerals from waste. Major nonmetallic mining companies include the US-based Vulcan Materials and Martin Marietta Materials; Rio Tinto (dually headquartered in Australia and the United Kingdom); DeBeers (South Africa); HeidelbergCement (Germany); and CRH (Ireland).

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by construction spending and agricultural spending on fertilizers. Large companies have some economies of scale in purchasing and administrative systems, and have the production volume to supply large construction projects, such as new highways. Small companies typically own just one mine and compete in a local market based on superior customer service. The industry is fragmented, with many small firms serving local geographic markets.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major products include crushed and broken limestone (35 percent of revenue), construction sand and gravel (25 percent); crushed and broken granite (10 percent); potash, soda, and borate (5 percent); phosphate rock; and kaolin and ball clay. Other products include gypsum, bentonite, clay, and other broken stone. Phosphates and potassium salts are used to make fertilizers. Crushed stone, sand, and gravel are also referred to as aggregates.