Darren Constantino
Positive signs at mid-year
Economist and Pit & Quarry columnist Dr. David Chereb says most things continue to be positive for construction materials. The economy is growing, albeit slowly, inflation and interest rates are very low, and employment is gaining. Add to that the… Keep Reading
Ohio association teaches kids, parents about aggregates
Since 2012, the Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) and its members have been active supporters of the Miami County Parks District's “Hug the Earth” Program. As the association transitions to incorporate its education and outreach activities to the… Keep Reading
Carnival season
It’s that time of year – when kids are out of school and carnivals, amusement parks and local festivals are in full swing. It’s also the time of year when many aggregate operations host community events at their sites. A… Keep Reading
Joy Global closes on Montabert acquisition
Joy Global has closed on its purchase of Montabert from Doosan, for €110 million (or approximately $124 million), subject to a working capital adjustment. Montabert's net sales for the 12 months ending March 31 were $100 million. "This acquisition represents… Keep Reading
What was Michigan thinking?
Many states, tired of waiting for the federal government to properly fund highway infrastructure, are taking matters into their own hands. And a few are failing miserably. Last summer it was Missouri, where the state’s voters soundly defeated a proposed… Keep Reading
Unfamiliar roles
From the Mine Safety & Health Administration comes news that operator-reported injuries reached historic lows last year. That is great news for an industry that continues to place a high priority on safety. The bad news is that there are… Keep Reading
Lafarge/Holcim back on track, but a long process
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that the Lafarge/Holcim merger, an estimated $44 billion deal, is back on track after the appointment of a new chief executive for the combined group. Eric Olsen, who currently serves as Lafarge’s executive vice… Keep Reading
Free rocks in California?
While watching a television news report about the California drought, I learned of the state's plans to cut water usage. The report discussed an initiative to replace 50 million sq. ft. of lawns throughout the state with drought-tolerant landscaping in… Keep Reading
MSHA’s Main speaks at NSSGA convention
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Joseph A. Main told members at the annual convention of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association in Baltimore that mining industry improvements in the past five years have laid the… Keep Reading
