Concrete sales inevitably drags machinery growth

Concrete sales inevitably drags machinery growth

Gerawan Farms, which grows 10,000 acres of stone fruit in Fresno County, proposed the mine two years ago under the argument that the stony ground of at the site was poor for agriculture but ideal for extracting rocks.

Opponents of the project, including the Sanger group Friends of the Kings River, spoke at length before the planning commission on concerns ranging from air and water pollution, the unlikelihood of reclaiming the land after mining and increased vehicle traffic of up to 700 truck trips per day. 

The MPA also sees major regional variations. Ready mixed concrete sales have remained stable this year in London and in some other parts of the southeast following the strong growth recorded in 2011, but elsewhere markets are generally extremely depressed.
Several also said the demand of the project was also inflated in the project's environmental documents.

One pointed out that three mining projects have been approved while construction has slowed since a 2006 geological survey by the Department of Conservation showed that the Fresno-Madera region was short 629 million tons of aggregate over the next 50 years.

MPA director of economics Jerry McLaughlin said: “The dire results in the second quarter reflect the general market experience that construction activity has declined significantly in 2012. We are extremely concerned that there are few positive indicators in the market and our industry volumes are likely to decline this year below the levels experienced in the depths of the 2009 recession. We are also expecting further declines in construction and mineral products markets in 2013.

Mines totaling around 113 million tons during their lifetimes have been approved since 2006.

Opponents of the Carmelita mine may still appeal the planning commission's decision before the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
“These trends will inevitably cause construction to be a continuing drag on GDP growth throughout the year and into 2013 unless there is a rapid and significant reversal of cuts in public sector investment in construction. The announcements made by government to support and encourage private investment in infrastructure projects are welcome and important, but will not have any significant impact on construction activity before 2014. Urgent action is necessary if we want construction to contribute positively to economic recovery over the next 18 months.”
Also new is the HRC Crusher, for the production of fines and extra-fine fractions. Hongixng says the unit is capable of processing the most abrasive and hardest materials regardless of the feed material particle size and the moisture content.
Finally, the HP3 follows the launch of the HP4 and HP5 as the third model of an all-new range of high performance .