The overall value of year-over-year U.S. mineral production edged up by $1 billion in 2024 to $106 billion, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s annual Mineral Commodity Summaries. Record gold and silver prices buoyed the total, more than compensating for a 40 percent to 60 percent fall in the value of U.S. production of critical minerals used to make lithium-ion…
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Paving contractors stress resource utilization in agency outreach
The American Concrete Pavement Association emphasizes the importance of state highway agency prioritizing better utilization of their resources in light of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act funding limits evident to transportation construction stakeholders. In addition to spotlighting the economic and environmental sustainability attributes attending concrete pavement, ACPA approaches 2025 planning to advocate at all levels…
Read MoreScrap supply assurances sharpen steel sustainability message
Sources: Steel Manufacturers Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff Domestic producers of concrete rebar, structural members and other hot-rolled steel products in construction markets or beyond will enjoy a strong recycling message in perpetuity, based on projections in the just published “A Transition towards Scrap-based EAFs Accelerates the Competitiveness and Decarbonization of the American Steel Industry.” Electric arc furnace (EAF) steel…
Read MoreWestlake backs graphene admixture developer Universal Matter
Westlake Innovations Inc., a subsidiary of Houston-based Westlake Corp. and sister operation of concrete roof tile and stone veneer producer Westlake Royal Building Products, has announced a stake in Universal Matter Inc., Burlington, Ontario, processor of graphene agents for concrete and other industrial or consumer end uses. Westlake’s action builds upon a corporate commitment to helping develop a more sustainable…
Read MoreBadger State ranks most hospitable for contractors, project owners
Wisconsin is the Number 1 state for construction, according to Associated Builders and Contractors’ Merit Shop Scorecard. Now in its 10th year, the scorecard ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on policies and programs that better career pathways in the trades while strengthening fair and open competition on taxpayer-funded construction projects. Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and…
Read MoreCharter executives take controlling stake in PB Materials
Sources: BPGC Management LP, New York; CP staff A BPGC Management (BPG) fund has acquired a substantial majority stake in Odessa, Texas-based PB Materials Holdings Inc. from certain funds managed by WL Ross & Co. LLC. PBM serves west Texas and southeast New Mexico accounts through 12 ready mixed plants with a 120-mixer truck fleet delivering more than 750,000 cubic…
Read MoreTote temperature control
Tote Heaters feature dual thermostats and provide full coverage to heat tote contents quickly, economically, and efficiently. Maintaining tote contents at a desired temperature ensures consistency and prevents freezing or overheating of materials. By maintaining consistent temperatures, tote heaters can improve the efficiency of processes involving heated or temperature-controlled materials, ensuring better results, and reducing waste. Adjustable straps enable the…
Read MoreAgency, California Commission support C-Crete Technologies
C-Crete Technologies LLC, San Leandro, Calif. developer of a concrete binder processed from non-carbonate feedstocks, was recently awarded grants totaling $10.4 million from the California Energy Commission and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to increase production capacity. The funding shows confidence in the firm’s portland cement-free concrete products, dubbed C-Cretes, and recognition that such novel materials align with both Golden…
Read MoreKnife River outlines $454M Strata Corp. deal
Sources: Knife River Corp., Bismarck, N.D.; CP staff Knife River has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Strata Corp., a Grand Forks, N.D. independent with 28 ready mixed concrete and three asphalt plants, plus 75 aggregates sites, extensive reserves and related rail assets. Valued at $454 million and projected to close by mid-year, the transaction will mark Knife River’s…
Read MoreOldcastle Infrastructure adds California’s Cook Concrete Products
Sources: Oldcastle Infrastructure, a CRH Company, Atlanta Oldcastle Infrastructure has extended its West Coast footprint with the acquisition of Cook Concrete Products, Redding, Calif. provider of underground precast structures for energy, water and communications applications in northern California, Nevada and Oregon markets. “Cook Concrete is a trusted partner with a long track record. Adding it to our business fills a…
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