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Frequently Asked Questions

Every community depends on construction aggregates to build its homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. Rock, sand, and gravel are extracted from the earth, and processing plants crush the rocks for construction purposes. 

For those unfamiliar with mining and the planning and environmental review process for the CEMEX Rockfield Modification Project, frequently asked questions are displayed on this page.

Aggregates Supplies

What is an Aggregates facility?

An aggregates facility is defined as a surface mining operation and is regulated by the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975. Aggregates, which include sand, gravel, and crushed stone, are natural materials found in the earth that can be economically extracted. They are commonly used in construction materials like concrete and asphalt, as well as in road base and landscaping.

Jobs and the Economy

If Fresno County denies the project, what are the impacts on jobs and the economy?

Denying the project will put hundreds of Cemex employees and contractors out of work and deny the opportunity for hundreds more to be hired. The region would also lose millions of dollars annually in labor income and business sales. Learn More.

The quarry directly and indirectly generates millions of dollars annually in tax revenue for county and state public services. In addition to those revenues generated through products produced at Cemex’s operations, the region’s economy benefits as hundreds of employees and contractors spend their paychecks with local businesses. Learn More.

Cemex employees receive competitive wages and benefits, and many of them are represented by Operating Engineers Local 3, Teamsters Local 431, and Laborers – LiUNA Local 294.

The Planning Process

Does the planning process invite public participation?

Absolutely. Cemex welcomes public input, as does the County of Fresno. As the lead public agency that is reviewing Cemex’s application to modify its operations, Fresno County welcomes public input on the project and the environmental review process. Learn More.

Fresno County, not Cemex, is responsible for reviewing the project application and environmental analysis. The project must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), ensuring comprehensive environmental review and proposing mitigations for potential project impacts. 

Cemex’s application has been under review since 2019, and the county is expected to render a decision on the application in 2026. Learn More.

Hundreds of employees, contractors, and their families welcome your support. Visit the project’s Take Action page to express your support for the CEMEX Rockfield Modification Project.

Public Access to the San Joaquin River

Does the CEMEX Rockfield Modification Project allow for recreational access to the San Joaquin River and parkway?

The project aligns with the San Joaquin River Parkway Plan, ensuring public access and enhancing local habitat and wildlife protection as the quarry’s operational footprint decreases. Additionally, the project proposes potential easements that could improve and expand the existing trail system. Learn More. 

Responsible Mining Practices

How is Cemex a good neighbor?

Even as new housing encroaches on its operations, Cemex continues to take steps to reduce dust, noise, and truck traffic. 

The quarry uses sustainable mining practices that follow federal, state, and local regulations, and continues to implement measures to protect local habitats and wildlife. Learn More.

The use of dynamite to fracture rock is obsolete. Advanced techniques have been employed for decades that can confine 96% of the blast’s energy within 20-30 feet of the source. This reduces noise, dust, and vibrations. The blasts are infrequent and last approximately 2 seconds. These findings are backed by independent engineering analysis. Learn more.

Cemex takes enormous pride in protecting natural resources, habitat, wildlife, and of course, the safety of our employees and contractors. This is achieved by strict adherence to regulations set by the following federal and state agencies:

  • Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration
  • California Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • California Department of Conservation, Division of Mine Reclamation
  • California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act
  • San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
  • Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board 
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Fresno County
No. The project aligns with the San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan, which envisions natural habitat and wildlife coexisting with mining operators. There is no mining in the river or along its banks, and the project will not allow it in the future. 

Measuring Demand for Local Aggregates

What are the benefits of having sufficient levels of aggregates?

Every community should aim to maintain a surplus of construction aggregates. When demand surpasses supply, prices increase. Conversely, abundant supplies lead to lower prices, which benefit builders, consumers, and taxpayers funding public infrastructure projects. It is important to recognize that economic growth and unexpected disasters, such as floods, fires, and earthquakes, can generate unforeseen demand over many years. Learn more.

Cemex has determined that demand is sufficient to invest over $50 million over 5 years in new facilities and workers to double its existing production. As the region’s demand for new housing, commercial development, and public transportation is growing, the demand for quality, affordable construction aggregates is, too. Learn more.

In 2018, the State released its fourth California Geological Survey (CGS) study since 2002, projecting the amount of aggregates required by region. While some believe the 2018 CGS study implies that there is a surplus in the area, the study specifically states, “Although the statewide and regional information presented on the map and in this report may be useful to decision-makers, it should not be used as a basis for local land-use decisions.”  This is a reasonable caution since the CGS uses a per capita consumption model that does not forecast future housing, public infrastructure, or economic development needs. Additionally, the data only identifies the number of “permitted reserves,” which should not be confused with the number of mining operations in production today, in the near term, or in some cases, ever. Multiple mines factored into the 2018 calculation either never produced any aggregates (e.g., Carmelita Resources) or have now closed, causing non-operational mines to overrepresent the permitted aggregates availability in the region.

While the California Geological Survey identifies land “permitted” for mining, there is no certainty that all the permitted property will be mined. Extracting aggregates is costly, requiring years of planning and significant investments, and as the report highlights, permitted reserves face uncertainty, such as legal challenges. The CGS underscores this point, “Owing to environmental concerns and regulatory constraints in many areas of the state, it is likely that extraction of sand and gravel resources from instream and floodplain areas will become less common in the future.  If this trend continues, crushed stone may become increasingly important to the California market.”