Pit & Quarry articles from February 2005

Pit & Quarry archives from February 2005

From the road.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)
February 1, 2005... Tilcon's Mt. Hope Quarry, Wharton, N.J., has been mined for more than 100 years. The company recently invested in Schenck belt scales to keep better track of aggregates production. Read more about it next month in Pit & Quarry.

Stock watch.(Out infront: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... STOCK WATCH (at press time) THIS LAST MONTH MONTH Cemex SA f 36.93 35.73 Eagle Materials f 79.00 84.59 Florida Rock...

Essential economics.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)(McGraw-Hill Construction)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * New construction starts decreased 3 percent in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $570.7 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Nonbuilding construction (public works and...

Mine Safety and Health Administration.(Top News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Mining fatalities in the U.S. fall to a new low in 2004 as 53 miners lose their lives in accidents on the job, 26 of those in the metal/nonmetal sector, according to preliminary information from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Martin Marietta Materials forms a joint venture company with Hunt Midwest Enterprises.(Top News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Martin Marietta Materials forms a joint venture company with Hunt Midwest Enterprises to operate substantially all of the aggregates facilities of both companies in Kansas City and surrounding areas.

Hanson.(Top News)(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Mike Welton will take over as president of Hanson on April 20, replacing Christopher Collins.

Texas Industries.(Top News)
February 1, 2005... * Texas Industries will spin off its steel business.

Lafarge North America.(Top News)(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Eric Olsen assumes the position of executive vice president and CEO of Lafarge North America. For more producer news, see the Stockpile section on page 10. For Breaking News, visit our Web site at www.pitandquarry.com.

Survey says.
February 1, 2005... Survey Says Will you attend the ConExpo-Con/Agg show in Las Vegas? Yes 77% No 23%

A buying state of mind.( )
February 1, 2005... ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005, held next month in Las Vegas, comes along every three years, and with it comes a buying state of mind. Producers get an extraordinary opportunity to look at a wide variety of equipment and technology that can help them...

Pulleys.(Brand new: just released to the market)(ASGCO Manufacturing Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... ASGCO's Arrowhead ceramic pulley lagging, designed specifically for high-wear, high-tension, contaminated and/or wet operating environments, features 10-in.-wide strips with a 3-in. repeating pattern, a special bonding layer of Neoprene rubber,...

Conveyor belt fasteners.(Brand new: just released to the market)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Flexco introduces three larger sizes of its scalloped edge SR rivet-hinged conveyor belt fasteners, for heavier-duty, thicker-belt applications. Now offered in R5 1/2 and two R6 sizes, the fasteners provide a lower-profile belt splice,...

Hopper equipment.(Brand new: just released to the market)(Albert Product Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Albert Product Inc.'s new Carhoe MS features a concave blade design, allowing it to slice through product and open a hole over the hopper doors. At 11 1/2 ft. in length, it can cut through the load, scrape the sides of the cars, push or pull...

Martin Marietta Materials announces joint venture with Hunt Midwest.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Martin Marietta Materials announced that it has formed a joint venture company with Hunt Midwest Enterprises to operate substantially all of the aggregates facilities of both companies in Kansas City and surrounding areas. The joint venture...

Lafarge North America.(A Closer Look)
February 1, 2005... Double-digit growth in aggregate shipments in the Great Lakes states and Maryland led Lafarge North America's aggregate business to a strong earnings gain in the third quarter of 2004. Overall, aggregate shipments increased 9 percent compared...

Lafarge employees, families affected by tsunami in Indonesia.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Southern Asia on Dec. 26, 2004 took the lives of several Lafarge employees in Indonesia. The company immediately released $1 million and set up a global facility for collecting donations from...

Cemex, Komatsu, John Deere provide millions to tsunami relief effort.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Cemex announced several initiatives to assist with the tsunami relief effort in Asia, including the creation of a fund in which any contributions made by Cemex employees will be matched two-for-one by the company, with a minimum corporate...

Events.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
February 1, 2005... March 14, 2005 NSSGA Legal Symposium for the Aggregates Industry Las Vegas 800-342-1415 www.nssga.org March 15-18, 2005 NSSGA Annual Convention Las Vegas 800-342-1415 www.nssga.org March 15-19,...

Hanson PLC looks to keep moving forward in 2005.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Hanson PLC issued a trading statement in advance of its February 24 announcement of its preliminary results for the year ending December 31, 2004. Hanson anticipates reporting a profit before tax and exceptional items for 2004 in line with...

Welton to become chairman of Hanson PLC.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Mike Welton)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Christopher Collins, chairman of Hanson PLC, will retire from the board on April 20 and will be replaced by Mike Welton. Welton has had extensive industrial experience as chief executive of Balfour Beatty PLC. Collins says, "I joined...

Olsen new CFO at Lafarge North America.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(chief financial officer)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Lafarge North America Inc. announced that Eric C. Olsen officially assumed his position as executive vice president and CFO. As previously announced, he succeeds CFO Larry Waisanen who retired at the end of 2004. Olsen joined Lafarge North...

A-Mining Group chooses Taylor Co. for new quarry site.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... A-Mining Group, an affiliate of Anderson Columbia Co. Inc., headquartered in Lake City, Fla., announced that it will bring a new north Florida quarry on line by mid-summer 2005. The mine is located off U.S. 98 in Taylor County, 18 miles west of...

Texas Industries Inc. announces decision to spin-off steel business.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Texas Industries Inc. announced that its board of directors has approved a plan to spin off its wholly owned steel business. The spin-off is expected to take the form of a tax-free stock dividend to TXI shareholders. "This action will...

Hazemag completes building expansion.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Hazemag completed a $300,000 building-expansion and modernization project at its Uniontown, Pa., headquarters. With total customer support and satisfaction in mind, the new facility offers an intense commitment to customer success in the areas...

Caterpillar Vice President Beard to retire in 2005.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Caterpillar Inc. announced that Vice President and Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation President James S. Beard will retire March 1, 2005, after a 40-year career. The Caterpillar board of directors has named Kent M. Adams, executive vice...

Metso Minerals to close Keokuk, Iowa, plant in first half of year.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Metso Minerals, Waukesha, Wis., announced it plans to close its Keokuk, Iowa, plant during the first half of 2005. The closing will affect about 100 employees, according to a prepared statement issued by the company. The Keokuk plant...

Student design competition first round winners announced.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)
February 1, 2005... The first round of the Student Design Competition, cosponsored by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA), is complete. Four teams from the Colorado School of Mines,...

Emissions mission: engine builders respond to new and future emission standards with state-of-the-art technology.(Special Report)
February 1, 2005... Although off-road, high-horsepower diesels are already required to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards, many engine builders are planning to go beyond current regulations to meet the new Tier II/Tier III standards...

Passing grades made easy.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)( Gradex 3000 )
February 1, 2005... The Gradex 3000 particle size analyzer from Rotex is a fully automated machine that makes the journey to quality pavement a smoother ride for the aggregate production industry. It significantly reduces the amount of time to conduct tests and...

Crowned face pulleys: more bark than bite?(Conveyor Talk)
February 1, 2005... Many think that a crowned face pulley is a must, but its value to belt training is more myth than reality. A crowned face pulley may be slightly beneficial in centering a belt, but its contribution to overall belt training is minor, says the...

Pricing now online.(eBusiness)(Sturtevant Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Sturtevant Inc. developed a new Web site at www.sturtevantinc.com to guide customers to the most suitable equipment for their dry particle size reduction and classification applications. Results of an in-depth customer survey determined the...

Increased capacity, lower costs.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)
February 1, 2005... Aggregate Industries' Frehner Construction owns the highest-producing quarry in Las Vegas and is still growing. The Frehner Quarry supplies crushed stone for construction, road base, asphalt and concrete. Last year, Frehner shot more than 2...

This year's show will be largest ever: this time around, the show will be even bigger and better. Here's what you can expect to find in Las Vegas.(Countdown To ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005)
February 1, 2005... ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 and IFPE will be held March 15-19, 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will showcase the latest equipment, services and technologies for the aggregates, construction, construction materials and power transmission...

Making it modular: Tilcon New York gets access to precious reserves by going modular at its Millington quarry in New Jersey.(Operations)( Tilcon New York Inc)
February 1, 2005... More than 100 years ago, a farmer opened a small quarry in Bernards Township, New Jersey, to sell popular ballast rock to railroads. Since that time, there have been a number of different owners at the site. In 1999, Tilcon New York Inc....

Respect your haul roads: focusing on road conditions and proactive road maintenance can help you get the most from your equipment investment.(Hauling)
February 1, 2005... Every day, through mud, dust, craters and standing water, you drive and run your business on something you do not think much about: your haul roads. They may get a pat here and there with a loader bucket, maybe even a timely spill of additional...

'Tires ain't pretty': off-the-road tire and rim maintenance can pay big dividends for aggregates producers.(Maintenance)
February 1, 2005... Once while visiting my relatives in Orlando, I saw a TV commercial entitled, "Tires ain't pretty." Sam Baer, featured in the commercial, was funny and entertaining--and captured a common attitude about tires. They may not be pretty, but...

Grinders.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(Modern Process Equipment Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Modern Process Equipment (MPE) introduced its unique, high-capacity, roller-style limestone Gran-U-Lizers, models IMD 1042 and 1052. They are designed to produce fewer unwanted fines in limestone grinding applications where exact particle size...

Flowmeters.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(product introductions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Universal Flow Monitors Inc. introduces a new and improved Coolpoint vortex shedding flowmeter for monitoring flows of slurry pump seal water in mining, quarrying and ore processing. Totalizing capability is a new feature of the CoolPoint...

Precleaners.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(Parramatta Group LLC)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The Parramatta Group has expanded its ProV line of high-performance cleaners with the introduction of VHP and VF precleaners. The VHP is designed for maximum abrasion protection and features added protection from abusive carryback, to prevent...

All-in-one units.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... For railroad and mine maintenance, heavy-duty construction and rental fleet use, the AirVantage 500 from the Lincoln Electric Co. provides a welder, generator and air compressor all in one unit. The AirVantage 500 features a patent- pending,...

Power systems.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(Raven Technology Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Raven Technology has developed an under-hood mobile power system that produces 120 volt, pure sine, 60 Hz AC power, regardless of engine speed. The 5 kW Blackbird supports a variety of popular platforms, including the Ford 6.0L and 7.3L...

Laser alignment.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The Rotalign Ultra laser alignment system from Ludeca Inc. features a large, scratchproof, backlit color screen and backlit keyboard for any working condition. It guides the user through any alignment task, from simple pump/motor through...

Scales.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(Alliance Scale Inc)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... An above-ground truck scale that has a rugged steel deck and can be equipped with a variety of weighing systems and electronic display options has been created by Alliance Scale Inc. The Alliance truck scale features the modular Survivor EZ...

Fire suppression systems.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(Remstar International Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... A new discrete fire suppression system from Remstar International Inc. can be installed on vertical carousels to give mining and quarrying organizations an efficient and effective method of extinguishing fires. The pneumatically operated system...

Software.(Equipment showcase: your productivity marketplace)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Eagle Technology Inc. has introduced its ProTeus IV, the latest generation in Computerized Maintenance Software Systems (CMMS). ProTeus IV was designed specifically for use in facilities (healthcare, government and education) and manufacturing...

Young names subcommittee chairmen.(National affairs: key issues)(Don Young )
February 1, 2005... U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, selected the panel's six subcommittee chairmen for the 109th Congressional session. The House leadership selected Young to serve his third term as...

MSHA says mining fatalities continued decline to record low in 2004.(National affairs: key issues)(Mine Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Mining fatalities in the U.S. fell to a new low in 2004 as 53 miners lost their lives in accidents on the job, according to preliminary information from the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration. That record low total compares with 56...

Congress still talking of acting quickly on highway bill.(National affairs: key issues)
February 1, 2005... House GOP leaders reportedly are still interested in passing a highway reauthorization bill, energy bill and class action reform bill by the end of March, reports the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. The budget figures will play...

Historic designation of highway system now opposed.(National affairs: key issues)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... In a reversal from last year, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) now opposes subjecting the national highway system to historic preservation rules. Specifically, the ACHP releases all federal agencies from the Section 106...

Feds plan to review 189 regulations.(National affairs: key issues)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is directing agencies to review and assess 189 separate rulemakings, about half of which deal with the environment, as a result of an OMB report issued to Congress in mid- December 2004. The...

Massachusetts.(Northeast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Former sand pits in Hooksett will be turned into homes, businesses and warehouses, with even more mining land to be used for a concrete plant. Gravel company Manchester Sand and Gravel recently filed plans with the town to turn a 13- acre...

Pennsylvania.(Northeast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... One of the largest construction and construction materials companies in eastern and central Pennsylvania has acquired several area construction materials companies. Haines & Kibblehouse Inc. (H&K Group, Inc.), headquartered in Skippack,...

North Carolina.(Southeast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Stephen P. Zelnak Jr., chairman and CEO of Martin Marietta Materials Inc., announced that Daniel G. Shephard was elected by the board of directors to serve as a senior vice president for the corporation. Shephard is responsible for the Magnesia...

Iowa.(North Central)(Weber Stone Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... In honor of five area residents who were involved in a helicopter crash in Fallujah, Iraq, Weber Stone Co. of Iowa has designed and created two stone memorials. In early November, Chief Warrant Officer Bruce A. Smith, of West Liberty, First Lt....

Michigan.(North Central)
February 1, 2005... Ada Township's Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0, with board member Geoffrey Fields abstaining, against Goshen, Ind., construction firm Rieth-Riley's request to mine sand and gravel from a site across from the new Forest Hills Eastern high and...

Ohio.(North Central)(Ohio Aggregates and Industrial Minerals Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The 2004 Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) Annual Meeting and Trade Show set a new attendance record with over 600 attendees. Highlighted by featured speaker Gerry Faust, former Cincinnati Moeller and Notre Dame...

Wisconsin.(North Central)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Sand and gravel could be mined right outside the Brooklyn village limits as early as this summer, much to the dismay of a citizen group and the village itself. The Dane County Board recently turned down appeals from "No Brooklyn Pit" and the...

Missouri.(South Central)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Osage Beach was home to the annual convention of the Missouri Limestone Producers Association on December 1-3, 2004. Highlighting the convention were speeches by Sen. John Griesheimer and Rep. Steve Hobbs who discussed their expectations that...

California.(Pacific)
February 1, 2005... In response to pleas of area residents, state parks and local school officials, the El Dorado County Planning Commission turned down Teichert Construction's request to erect an asphalt plant at a quarry near Cool by a 4-0 vote. During a 4...

Nevada.(Pacific)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... In Reno, a judge upheld a county's right to reject plans by the world's largest cat litter producer to mine clay on federal land. State District Judge James Hardesty ruled that Washoe County had the right to deny a mining permit to...

Task training.(Safety: key issues)
February 1, 2005... The Mine Safety and Health Act prescribes training requirements, and 30 CFR Part 46 includes the minimum requirement for task training. New Task Training, [section] 46.7(a), says: "You must provide any miner who is reassigned to a new task...

Safety on wheels.(Safety: key issues)
February 1, 2005... Safety is more appreciated, acknowledged and addressed in the mining industry today than ever before. As a result, the industry is seeing the increased acceptance and more-successful implementation of safety education programs designed to...

MSHA chief: stay alive in 2005.(Safety: key issues)(Mine Safety and Health Administration )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor, MSHA, David G. Dye has a message for the U.S. mining industry: stay alive in 2005. "Traditionally, the New Year is a time to reflect on accomplishments of the past year and to look forward to plans for still...

MSA issues stop-use order.(Safety: key issues)(Mine Safety Appliances Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA), Pittsburgh, has issued a Stop Use and Recall Notice, and a Stop Use and Inspection Notice for certain fall protection products. MSA is currently investigating an issue involving the Dyna-Lock Self- Retracting...

Civil procedure, part two.(Law: key issues)(Column)
February 1, 2005... Last month, I discussed rules of civil procedure pertaining to the filing and handling of civil lawsuits prior to their actually going to trial. As noted, most cases settle before trial. If the parties do not settle their case, it will...

Panel affirms dismissal of company's petition for fees.(Legal highlights: key issues)(Colorado Lava Inc.)
February 1, 2005... At an open meeting held Dec. 16, 2004 at the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, all four commissioners voted to affirm an ALJ's dismissal of Colorado Lava Inc.'s request for attorneys' fees from MSHA under the Equal Access to...

With highway bill on hold, Texas finds another way.(Economics: key issues)
February 1, 2005... Stone producers in the United States are gearing up for the spring construction season amid a flurry of confusing reports on the state of the U.S. economy and extraordinary news from Texas. Nationally, the economy generated 157,000 new jobs in...

November construction retreats 3 percent, highways up.(Economics: key issues)
February 1, 2005... New construction starts in November slipped 3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $570.8 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Both the nonresidential and residential building...

Looking to buy? Contact these advertisers for your equipment and service needs.(Directory)
February 1, 2005... Associations/Shows/Auctions Coal Prep Show 800-927-5007 www.coalprepshow.com Hillhead 2005 +44 (0) 115-941-1315 www.hillhead.com Automation/Computers ...

Producers by state: gathered from Mine Safety & Health Administration and Pit & Quarry sources, this directory of U.S. producers is the most comprehensive available anywhere.(State By State)
February 1, 2005... ALABAMA AKRON SAND & GRAVEL BIG SANDY PIT (S&G) 11569 SKELTON RD DUNCANVILLE AL 35456 ALABAMA CARBONATES LP ALABAMA CARBONATES PLANT SYLACAU (CS) PO BOX 47 SYLACAUGA AL 35150 APAC AL INC ASHBURN &...