Pit & Quarry Magazine

09/17/2026

Aging conveyor systems don’t necessarily need to be replaced.

Targeted retrofits can improve reliability, safety and throughput while extending the life of existing equipment.

See which upgrades operators should consider before starting over. 🔽

(Photo: FEECO International)

When targeted conveyor retrofits make more sense than investing in a new material handling system.

09/17/2026

In a new P&Q video, Schurco Slurry’s Oliver Nobels explains what’s driving hard rock mining and how conditions differ from the aggregates market.

Watch the full video: https://buff.ly/2CKMjej

09/16/2026

U.S. aggregate production increased 5.7 percent year over year in the second quarter, according to new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates.

Crushed stone production rose 6.8 percent, while sand and gravel production increased 4 percent. Through the first half of 2026, total aggregate production is up 5.9 percent.

Read more 🔽

(Photo: P&Q Staff)

Crushed stone production increased 6.8 percent while sand and gravel production rose 4 percent, according to new U.S. Geological Survey estimates.

09/16/2026

Unified Screening & Crushing’s Ben Lentsch breaks down the data center construction boom, where the aggregates market stands right now, and what he’s watching through the rest of the year and into 2027.

Watch now for his take on where the industry is headed: https://buff.ly/8ALbVb6

09/15/2026

Luck Stone is expanding autonomous hauling to two more Virginia operations.

Alongside Caterpillar, the technology is being extended to Luck Stone’s Boscobel and Bealeton Plants, building on more than 3.5 million tons hauled autonomously at Bull Run since November 2024.

Says Luck Stone’s Travis Chewning: “Autonomy is creating a safer workplace that improves consistency for our customers and gives our associates opportunities to develop new skills as our industry continues to evolve.”

Find out more 🔽

(Photo: Caterpillar)

The expansion at the Boscobel and Bealeton Plants builds on more than 3.5 million tons hauled autonomously at Luck Stone’s Bull Run operation.

09/15/2026

What’s keeping construction materials M&A moving?

FMI Corporation leaders point to confident buyers, favorable conditions for sellers and a deep pool of potential acquisition targets. And despite decades of consolidation, they see plenty of runway for more dealmaking.

Find out what George Reddin, Rob Mineo and Evan Coughlin have to say. ⬇️

(Photo: halbergman/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)

FMI Capital Advisors explains how buyer confidence, favorable conditions for sellers and ample acquisition targets are keeping construction materials M&A active.

09/14/2026

Help shine a light on the individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped advance the aggregates industry.

Put forward a deserving candidate for the Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame today. ⭐️

Nominate an industry leader today: https://buff.ly/3eLKYz0

09/14/2026

How do you engineer a 42-mile conveyor built to move up to 13 million tons of frac sand each year?

Go inside Atlas Energy Solutions’ Dune Express – the world’s second-largest conveyor – to learn how advanced gear units, thermal validation and high-torque drive technology help transport sand across the West Texas desert while reducing truck traffic, road miles and emissions.

Read more here. 👇

(Photo: SEW-Eurodrive)

Inside the drive technology supporting one of the world’s longest single-flight conveyor systems.

09/13/2026

Which do you think fits best? 🤨 Comment your answer below! 👇

🔴 A: A niche industry focused mainly on decorative stone for landscaping
🔴 B: A core supplier of materials essential to modern infrastructure and quality of life
🔴 C: An industry that primarily exports its products overseas
🔴 D: A declining industry with little connection to employment or the broader economy

Find the answer and take the full Chapter 1 quiz from here: https://buff.ly/HEHqW4k

09/12/2026

The Mine Safety & Health Review Commission is facing a staffing crisis that could significantly delay mine safety and health enforcement cases.

With four of five commissioner seats expected to be vacant and just three administrative law judges handling the bulk of casework, backlogs are growing and hearings are being pushed months out.

Read how the situation could affect mine operators and the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s ability to resolve compliance disputes. ⬇️

(Photo: Xesai/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)

With commissioner seats nearly empty and only three administrative law judges remaining, mine operators face growing delays in resolving MSHA disputes.