Gravel mining operation

[hydroponder]

I am doing a geological assessment for a client and have to provide a value for the proposed mining. We have collected the soil boring information and ran the pertinent tests. We have found that there are lenses of gravel that contain approximately 30% gravel, with the remaining 70% meeting the ASTM C33 spec for sand (concrete sand). I have determined that there is approximately 130,000 cubic yards of gravel and 980,000 cubic yards of sand. Does anybody have any idea of what this material would be worth? Specifically, I would like to know what the value of ASTM C33 sand is worth and what the gravel is worth. Thanks.

 

[cvg]

depends on location and state of the economy. suggest you call a few local contractors or talk with the construction engineers at your county or state DOT.

 

[oldestguy]

While doing the local check, see if any sites are under water and take a dredging type removal, vs what is done in "dry" pit areas.

In some areas, it is necessary to sieve the stuff and re-mix to get proper gradations

Each of the extra steps costs money and should be factored in.

Also, there may be a local market for "bank-run granular material", not requiring any special preparation.

In freezing areas, low P-200 non-frost susceptible material is valuable.

 

[cvg]

bank run gravel is generally only used for drainage applications. Screened gravel might be used to make concrete. However, road construction generally uses crushed rock. the bank run might be crushed if it is large enough to make road base. concrete sand may have to be "washed" to meet AASHTO specs. your materials should be checked against AASHTO and against the road department specs.

 

[civilperson]

I see 1.50/cubic yard loaded at the pit as standard rate for preferred costumers. The truckers sell it for $75-100/load depending on the distance. Material meets 57b specs, pea gravel or clean sand.

 

[woofar]

The material itself actually has no intrinsiic value. The cost comes from the machinery and staff and infrastructure that is required to extract it, screen it, and stockpile it.

Then there is the cartage costs to get it from the stockpile to the jobsite.

I think you need to talk to a quarry operator.

Another part of the cost is the environmental concerns, you can't just go and dig a big hole anymore.

HTH
Michael