Mineral Commodity Summaries (USGS, 2024)
According to the ‘U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024‘, Michigan is one of the TOP TEN producers of both construction sand and gravel and industrial sand and gravel in the country.
What the report shows:
- Strong Supply Nationwide: The U.S. produced 920 million tons of construction sand and gravel in 2023, valued at $11 billion. The report notes that resources are plentiful across the country, with no indication of a supply shortage.
- Record-High Prices: Despite abundant resources, the average market price reached $12.20 per ton in 2023 — the highest on record — driven largely by demand in construction and infrastructure.
- Michigan’s Role: Michigan is consistently among the top sand and gravel producers, with its output contributing to both local and national markets.
Why it matters for communities:
While the report confirms that supply is not the problem, it also highlights how new mines are increasingly pushed into new areas as older sites are phased out or restricted by zoning, permitting, and environmental limits. Communities across Michigan are becoming more aware of the local impacts of mining — including water use, noise, dust, truck traffic, and habitat loss — and are raising important questions about whether the benefits outweigh the costs.
Takeaway
Michigan’s sand and gravel is abundant and plays a significant role in construction nationwide. But with no shortage of resources, the key issue isn’t availability. It’s how to balance production with the health, safety, and quality of life of local communities.
To read the report: –> U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024