Cemex stock: Fresno County approves quarry expansion

Fresno County supervisors approved a reduced expansion of Cemex's Rockfield quarry on Thursday, November 12, allowing the Mexico-based building-materials group to continue mining hard rock near the San Joaquin River. ABC30 reported the 3-2 vote, which overturned an earlier Planning Commission deadlock.

Permit Sets New Operating Limits

The approved plan caps the pit at 300 feet and limits mining to 63 years. The site must remain at least 300 feet from the river and 150 feet from Friant Road. Cemex's existing permits expire in July 2027.

The county decision is narrower than Cemex's original request for excavation of up to 600 feet over as long as 100 years. Blasting may take place once or twice a week on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the company saying work could begin within the next few years.

ABC30 reported that Cemex and earlier operators have mined rock, sand and gravel at the site since at least 1913. The company and supporters said the project would protect jobs and local aggregate supply.

Environmental Dispute Remains

Environmental groups and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife opposed the expansion, citing potential effects on wildlife, salmon and the river. The state agency also said Cemex received an August notice of violation concerning about 14 acres of state land; the company is working on a land swap, according to the report.

Cemex stock traded at 0.96 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 15:33 CET on Friday, November 13.

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