2025 Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference

Ogletree Deakins’ Margo Lopez says she’s seeing an uptick in Mine Safety & Health Administration inspector misconduct of late. As Lopez describes: “It is sometimes former disgruntled employees as an inspector, or sometimes people just having the wrong mindset to be out there in the field.” Photo: Pit & Quarry

Roundtable attendees talk MSHA inspections (Part 2)

P&Q Staff Published Apr 25, 2025

In a discussion at the Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference, industry leaders shared their experiences of late with the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA). Keep Reading

Says Luck Stone’s Raymond Slaughter: “You can have the safest site, but if [employees are] not aware then it’s hard to make the right decision.” Photo: Pit & Quarry

Working to improve safety on jobsites (Part 1)

P&Q Staff Published Apr 24, 2025

Although technology plays a role in making worksites safer, many producers say they’re intensifying training efforts to impart the basics on new employees. Keep Reading

Ronaldo Dos Santos (far right) says empowering mechanics with mobile devices has been effective for Anderson Columbia. Pictured with Dos Santos are Byron Laferriere of Vizalogix (far left), Erik Elkington of Vizalogix/Vantage Point (second from left) and Brennen Hall of Desert Aggregates (second from right). Photo: Pit & Quarry

Embracing AI and automation in aggregates (Part 2)

P&Q Staff Published Apr 21, 2025

Industry leaders weigh the pros and cons of emerging tools available to the aggregate industry. Keep Reading

Says Trux’s Kent Masden: “People are going to start to use [AI] to automate the simple stuff so you can get that off your plate. That’s what we’re all looking for.” Photo: Pit & Quarry

Evolving tech for the aggregate industry (Part 1)

P&Q Staff Published Apr 17, 2025

Producers and manufacturers share their views on the plethora of new technologies available at their fingertips. Keep Reading

FMI Capital Advisors’ George Reddin hopes to see bipartisan support for the next federal surface transportation infrastructure bill. Photo: Pit & Quarry

Industry leaders discuss the future of aggregates (Part 1)

P&Q Staff Published Apr 10, 2025

Industry leaders talk tariffs, establishing and expanding aggregate operations, and the value of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Keep Reading

Ryan Morales (center) says Gulf Coast Sand is well positioned to benefit from LNG plants that are coming on in his region. Photo: Pit & Quarry

Expectations for the 2025 aggregate market (Part 2)

P&Q Staff Published Apr 7, 2025

At the Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference, attendees shared their insights on the factors expected to shape demand in 2025. Keep Reading

Says Tecweigh’s Sheldon Shepherd: “We saw an uptick in inquiries as we approached the election and certainly after the election. We have a very positive outlook for 2025.” Photo: Pit & Quarry

Assessing the 2025 aggregate market (Part 1)

P&Q Staff Published Apr 4, 2025

Producers and manufacturers share a variety of views on the months ahead for aggregates and related markets. Keep Reading

Ogletree Deakins’ Margo Lopez does not expect any new rules to emerge from the Mine Safety & Health Administration under the second Trump administration, although she cautions the industry by saying “never say never.” Photo: Pit & Quarry

Lopez looks ahead on MSHA enforcement, rulemaking

P&Q Staff Published Apr 2, 2025

Ogletree Deakins’ Margo Lopez discussed Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) developments early this year at the Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference. Keep Reading