Industrial sand and gravel production in the U.S. 2016-2024

In 2024, there was a total of 130 million metric tons of sand and gravel produced in the United States for industrial purposes. This was the world's largest industrial sand and gravel production volume of any country. 

Industrial sand and gravel in the U.S.

The production of industrial sand and gravel can be very costly depending on the deposit and regulations that may protect the region it is located in. This material is produced in 33 states of the United States, and its production has gradually increased in recent years, from about 27.5 million metric tons in 2009 to 130 million metric tons in 2024. As of 2023 there were 106 companies with 199 operations throughout the states with active sand and gravel production. The value of U.S. industrial sand and gravel consumption reached a peak of 8.24 billion U.S. dollars in 2014. As of 2022, it amounted to 5.16 billion U.S. dollars. Texas was the largest U.S. state seller/user of industrial sand and gravel as of 2022, with about 50 million metric tons sold or used that year.

Industrial sand and gravel: global snapshot

In 2023, the total global mine production of industrial sand and gravel was estimated to have amounted to over 400 million metric tons. Following the U.S., the leading industrial sand and gravel producers that year were China, with a production volume estimated at 88 million metric tons, followed by Italy and Turkey, having produced 33 million metric tons and 15 million metric tons, respectively. About half of industrial sand and gravel is used for construction, the rest may be used for purposes such as concrete production, road construction, asphalt, and for icy roads in the winter. Crushed stone is an alternative that can be substituted for sand and gravel in some cases.