Construction Sand And Gravel Production In The United States In 2023, By Region And Size Of Operation

This table presents detailed information on the production of construction sand and gravel across four major U.S. regions—Northeast, Midwest, South, and West—in 2023, categorized by the size of mining operations measured in metric tons. This data is critical for understanding the distribution and scale of mineral extraction activities that support the construction industry, infrastructure development, and economic growth. By analyzing production quantities alongside the number of operations, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and planners can assess regional supply capacities, identify trends in mining scale, and make informed decisions regarding resource management and development priorities.

In 2023, the South led in total production with 257 million metric tons from 939 operations, followed by the Midwest with 254 million metric tons from 1,956 operations, and the West producing 362 million metric tons from 1,669 operations. The Northeast had the smallest output at 93.8 million metric tons from 933 operations. Notably, larger operations (those producing 1 million metric tons or more) accounted for a significant share of production across all regions, especially in the West and South, where they contributed 30.7% and 27.6% of total production respectively. Smaller operations under 25,000 metric tons made up a substantial portion of the total number of operations—35.5% in the Northeast and 28.7% in the Midwest—but contributed minimally to overall production, highlighting a concentration of output in larger-scale mines. These patterns underscore the regional variations in operation size and production scale, reflecting differing geological resources and market demands.