US aggregate output reaches second-highest level ever

"AN estimated 377 million tonnes of crushed stone were produced for consumption in the US in the fourth quarter of 2002, according to the US Geological Survey’s latest quarterly mineral industry survey. This represents a decrease of 7% compared with the same period of 2001."

"Nevertheless, the estimated annual production of crushed stone for the whole of 2002 was 1.57 billion tonnes, down 1.9% on the previous year but the still second-highest production figure ever recorded in the US. Likewise, at 1.12 billion tonnes, the estimated annual production of construction sand and gravel in 2002 was down 0.9% on the 2001 figure, but it too was at the second-highest level ever recorded."

"The estimated output of construction sand and gravel in the fourth quarter of 2002 was 263 million tonnes, a decrease of 3% compared with the same period of 2001."

"According to the survey report, the dips in fourth-quarter production were due to unusually difficult weather conditions in eastern and southern parts of the US, and a nationwide slowdown in construction activity."

"The 10 leading States in the production of crushed stone for the entire year of 2002 were Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, California and Virginia, who between them represented 52.4% of the US total. The 10 leading sand and gravel States were California, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado, Washington, Wisconsin and Nevada, representing 54.2% of the total."