The Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) is the trade association representing the state’s mining operations for commodities such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, limestone, cement, and recycled concrete. Aggregates and industrial minerals are critical to our everyday lives, with the average Ohioan using approximately 11 tons (or 22,000 pounds) of Ohio-mined materials yearly.

“Ohio’s economic success is the envy of many states across the nation, and that progress is an exciting time for Ohio’s aggregate producers, who are helping literally build the future Ohio,” says OAIMA executive director Pat Jacomet.

With that in mind, the Ohio General Assembly has designated July 14-20 as Ohio Aggregates and Industrial Minerals Awareness Week. The goal is to foster a greater understanding of the essential roles that aggregates and industrial minerals play in the construction and transportation sectors.

The week also highlights the industry’s invaluable contributions to job creation, responsible resource management, and environmental sustainability.

“It’s easy to take for granted the remarkable good fortune we enjoy in Ohio,” says the OAIMA’s Jacomet, “with abundant mineral deposits that are critical to our daily lives and our future prosperity.”

As a major producer of aggregate materials, The Gerken Companies has been active in OAIMA since its inception. Joe Knepley, Vice President of Gerken Materials Aggregate Division, is on the organization’s current executive board, and other Gerken representatives serve on its various committees.

To learn more about OAIMA, visit oaima.org.