granite mining business plan

Stone Crusher and Quarry Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Construction & Engineering

Are you about starting a granite mining business? If YES, here is a complete sample stone crusher & quarry business plan template & FREE feasibility report.

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a stone crusher & quarry business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample stone & granite marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for quarry businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Stone Crusher & Quarry Business?

As an aspiring entrepreneur with an interest in the construction cum building industry who is looking towards starting a business, one of your best options in making a launch into the industry is to start a stone quarry business. This business does pretty well in some parts of the world and wouldn’t do well in others.

In Nigeria for instance; Part of what you would need to launch this type of business is your mining license, your excavating, stone crushing and selection machines, trucks cum tippers and employees. A stone quarry business isn’t a child’s play at all as it requires that you are armed with all the basic knowledge about the industry and how you plan to run your Quarry company.

In as much as people can start this business at a local level on a small scale, it will be a wise decision to write a good business plan document- especially if you choose to start the business on a large scale and as a standard business that can employ more than a handful of people. Below is a sample stone quarry company business plan that will help you successfully launch your own business;

A Sample Stone Quarry Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

A stone quarry business is a business that involves the excavation of different dimension of stones, rocks, ripraps, construction aggregates, slates and gravels for the constructions industry.

Players in this industry basically extract rocks from an open-pit mine and the rocks are crushed to produce construction aggregate, which is them screened into different size categories either for immediate use in construction sites, or taken for further processing.

No doubt, the stone quarry line of business is a key sector in the building cum construction industry; they supply important building cum construction raw materials. There are locations where such business can hardly thrive either due to lack of natural resources (rocks and quarry mines) or due to environment hazard in such locations.

The Stone Quarry line of business is indeed a thriving line of business and pretty much active in key locations in North America, Africa, Asia and South America they generates several billions of US dollars annually from several registered and unregistered small – scale, medium scale and big stone quarry companies scattered all around Africa, Asia, North America and South America.

This line of business is responsible for the employment loads of people directly and indirectly all around the world. Any aspiring entrepreneur that is considering starting a stone quarry business whether on a small scale or in a large scale should ensure that he or she, obtains all the necessary permits from both the local government, state government and the federal government.

He or she should ensure conducts thorough market survey and feasibility studies so as to get it right. The truth is that, this type of business do pretty well when it is strategically positioned. Any location that is close to communities with rich deposit of stone mines cum rocks.

Over and above, stone quarry business is a profitable business venture and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come in and establish his or her business; you can chose to start on a small scale on a large scale with robust distribution network all across major construction sites and cement factories in Nigeria.

2. Executive Summary

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company is a standard and licensed stone quarry company that will be based in Okpella – Edo State, Nigeria. We are registered under the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Although we intend starting out on a small scale as a cottage company, but that will not in any way stop us from maximizing our potential in the stone quarry line of business by supplying building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) – used as cement with sand, to make mortar and also in agriculture for the purpose of improving soil quality and cement et al not just to small construction companies cum sites but to larger construction companies cum sites all across Nigeria.

Our business goal as a stone quarry company is to become the number one choice of construction companies cum construction sites in Nigeria where we intend supplying building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) – used as cement with sand, to make mortar and also in agriculture for the purpose of improving soil quality and cement et al.

As a business, we are willing to go the extra mile to invest in owning our own world – class and environmental friendly stone quarry and also to hire efficient and dedicated employees. We have been able to secure permits and license from all relevant departments both at local government level and state level in Edo state.

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company is set to redefine how standard stone quarry business should be run, not just in Edo State, but also in the whole of the Nigeria. This is why we have put plans in place for continuous training of all our staff at regular interval.

No doubt the demand for dimension of building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) – used as cement with sand, to make mortar and also in agriculture for the purpose of improving soil quality and cement et al is not going to plummet any time soon which is why we have put plans in place to continue to explore all available market around construction sites where we intend supplying our products.

In the nearest future, we will ensure that we create a wide range of distribution channels all across Nigeria. With that, we know we will be able to maximize profits in our business.

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company will at all-time demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our customers ‘needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our customers.

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company is a family business that will be owned by Mr. Joseph Ileaboya and his immediate family members. Mr. Joseph Ileaboya is an astute businessman who has been able to start and grow several businesses before starting Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company.

He has a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Benin, Edo State. He has well over 10 years’ hands on experience in the construction cum building industry prior to starting Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company

3. Our Products and Services

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company was established with the aim of maximizing profits in the construction cum building industry. We want to compete favorably with the leaders in the industry which is why we have but in place a competent team that will ensure that our products are of highest standard.

We will work hard to ensure that Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company is not just accepted in Edo State but also in other states all across Nigeria where we intend supplying our products. Our products are listed below;

• Building and decorative stones
• Crushed granite
• Dimension granite
• Paving Slabs and slates
• Aggregates – stones
• Lime burning (Calcimine) – Used as cement with sand, to make mortar and also in agriculture for the purpose of improving soil quality

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision as a stone quarry company is to engage in national distribution of building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) – used as cement with sand, to make mortar and also in agriculture for the purpose of improving soil quality and cement et al across major construction sites in Nigeria.
• Our mission is to establish a standard and world class – environmental friendly stone quarry company that in our own capacity will favorably compete with leaders in the industry on the global stage. We want to build a stone quarry company that will be listed amongst the top 5 stone quarry company brands in Africa.

Our Business Structure

Ordinarily, we would have succeeded in running a stone quarry business with few employees, but as part of our plan to build a top flight stone quarry production company in Okpella – Edo State, we have perfected plans to get it right from the onset which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent employees to occupy all the available positions in our company.

The picture of the kind of stone quarry company we intend building and the business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to spend to ensure that we build a business with dedicated workforce and robust distribution network.

In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions at Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Stone Quarry Manager/Quality Assurance Manager

Human Resources and Admin Manager

• Sales and Marketing Officer
• Accountants/Cashiers

Stone Quarry Casual Workers

• Truck/Tipper Drivers
• Customer Service Executives

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Baker/Chief Executive Officer – CEO (Owner):

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Stone Quarry Manager

• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the stone quarry site
• Makes sure that quality is maintained at all times
• Maps out strategy that will lead to efficiency amongst workers in the stone quarry
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of the workforce
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Ensures that the stone quarry site meets the expected safety and health standard at all times.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily business activities.

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identifies, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with customers
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for operating stone crusher, cement mixers, excavators and other machines and equipment in the stone quarry site
• Responsible for the production of building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) – used as cement with sand, to make mortar and also in agriculture for the purpose of improving soil quality and cement et al
• Assist in loading and offloading of our products into and out of the tippers /trucks

Accountant/Cashier

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Distribution Truck/Tipper Drivers

• Assist in loading and unloading Building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving Slabs, aggregates – stones, limestone, lime burning (Calcimine) – Used as cement with sand, to make mortar and also in agriculture for the purpose of improving soil quality and cement et al.
• Maintain a logbook of their driving activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the rest and work periods for operators.
• Keep a record of vehicle inspections and make sure the truck is equipped with safety equipment
• Assist the transport and logistics manager in planning their route according to a delivery schedule.
• Local-delivery drivers may be required to sell products or services to stores and businesses on their route, obtain signatures from recipients and collect cash.
• Transport finished materials over land to and from stone quarry site to construction sites all across Nigeria
• Inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance
• Comply with truck driving rules and regulations (size, weight, route designations, parking, break periods etc.) as well as with company policies and procedures
• Collect and verify delivery instructions
• Report defects, accidents or violations

Client Service Executive

• Ensures that all contacts with customer (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the store manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to customers when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

Because of our drive for excellence when it comes to running a standard stone quarry company, we were able to engage some of the finest business consultants in Nigeria to look through our business concept and together we were able to critically examine the prospect of the business and to assess ourselves to be sure we have what it takes to run a standard stone quarry business that can compete favorably in the stone quarry line of business in Africa.

In view of that, we were able to take stock of our strengths, our weakness, our opportunities and also the threats that we are likely going to be exposed to in Nigeria . Here is a of what we got from the critically conducted SWOT Analysis Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company;

Our strength lies in the fact that we have state of the art stone quarry and processing facility and equipment that has positioned us to meet the demand of building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) and cement et al in Nigeria even if the demand tripled over night or if we have a massive order to meet and emergency need.

Another factor that counts to our advantage is the background of our Chief Executive Office; he has a robust experience in the industry and also a pretty good academic qualification to match the experience acquired which has placed her amongst the top flight business men in Nigeria.

We are not ignoring the fact that our team of highly qualified and dedicated workers will also serve as strength for our organization

We do not take for granted the facts that we have weaknesses. In fact, the reality that we are setting up a stone quarry company in a town with other smaller and larger stone quarry businesses might likely pose a challenge for us in breaking into the already saturated market in Nigeria.

In essence our chosen location might be our weakness. But nevertheless, we have plans to launch out with a big bang. We know with that, we will be able to create a positive impression and we have a proper handle when it comes to building on already gather momentum.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities available to us are unlimited. There are loads of construction sites in Nigeria and all what we are going to do to push our products to them is already perfected. Okpella in Edo state is just ideal for chalk stone quarry business because the rich deposit of rocks and stone mines and readily available and affordable labor in Okpella – Edo State.

The threat that is likely going to confront us is the fact that we are competing with already established stone quarry companies in Edo State and also there are other entrepreneurs who are likely going to launch similar business within the location of our business.

Of course, they will compete with us in winning over the available market. Another threat that we are likely going to face is unfavorable government policies and economic downturn. Usually economic downturn affects purchasing / spending powers and unfavorable government policies.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

It is common trend in the stone quarry line of business to find stone quarry companies positioning their business in locations and communities where they can easily have access to rocks and stone mines and labor.

If you make the mistake of positioning this type of business in a location where you would have to travel a distance before you can access rocks and stone mines in commercial quantities, then you would have to struggle to make profits and maintain your overhead and logistics.

So also, another trend in this line of business is that most registered and well organized stone quarry companies look beyond the market within their locations or state; they ensure that they strike business deals with leading construction companies in Nigeria.

The truth is that if as stone quarry company you are able to become a vendor to one or more construction giants in Nigeria, you will always continue to smile to the bank.

8. Our Target Market

When it comes to supplying product from a stone quarry, there is indeed a wide range of available customers. In essence, our target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people or organizations. This goes to show that the target market for products from a stone quarry companies and far reaching, you can create your own make niche yourself to serve a specific purpose.

In view of that, we have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us.

We are in business to engage in supply of building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) and cement et alto the following organizations;

• Building and construction companies
• Road construction companies
• Cement production plants
• Blocks molding companies

Our Competitive Advantage

The fact that anybody with interest in the stone quarry business can decide obtain the required license and permit to start the business means that the business is open to all and sundry hence it is expected that there will be high – level competition in the industry.

This is so because the technology involved in stone quarry line of business is not complicated. As a standard and licensed stone quarry company, we know that gaining a competitive edge requires a detailed analysis of the demographics of the surrounding area and the nature of existing competitors.

And even if you are successful at first, new competitors could enter your market at any time to steal your regular customers. Hence we will not hesitate to adopt successful and workable strategies from our competitors.

We are going to be one of the very few stone quarry companies in Okpella – Edo State that will also engage in distribution of building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) and cement et al all across Nigeria.

Another competitive advantage that we have is the vast experience of our management team, we have people on board who are highly experienced and understands how to grow business from the scratch to becoming a national phenomenon.

Our large and robust distribution network and of course our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for the business.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups stone quarry companies) in the industry, meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

We will also give good working conditions and commissions to freelance sales agents that we will recruit from time to time.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the construction cum building industry both in Edo State and throughout key cities in Nigeria. We are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to sell our products to a wide range of customers.

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company will generate income by simply supplying the following;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to stone quarry business, if your business is strategically positioned and you have good relationship with players in the construction industry, you will always attract customers cum sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Nigeria and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the stone quarry line of business and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Edo State – Nigeria.

Below are the sales projections for Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company, it is based on the location of our business and other factors as it relates to small scale and medium scale stone quarry company start – ups in Nigeria;

• First Fiscal Year-: N1million
• Second Fiscal Year-: N2.5Million
• Third Fiscal Year-: N5Million

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same product and customer care services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Before choosing a location to start Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company, we conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for us to be able to be able to penetrate the available market in Nigeria. We have detailed information and data that we were able to utilize to structure our business to attract the numbers of customers we want to attract per time and also for to compete with other stone quarry companies.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the stone line of business to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market for our products.

In other to continue to be in business and grow, we must continue to sell our products to the available market which is why we will go all out to empower or sales and marketing team to deliver our corporate sales goals. In summary, Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to sell our chalks;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters to construction cum building companies, building contractors and other stakeholders both in Nigeria
• Open our business with a party so as to capture the attention of residence who are our first targets
• Engage in road show in targeted communities  from time to time
• Advertise our products in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
• List our business and products on yellow pages ads  (local directories)
• Leverage on the internet to promote our product cum business
• Engage in direct marketing and sales
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Regardless of the fact that our stone quarry company is a standard one that can favorably compete with other leading stone quarry companies in Nigeria and in any part of the world, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for all our products and brand. We are going to explore all available means to promote Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company.

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company has a long term plan of exporting our product all across the Nigeria. This is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Okpilla – Edo State before venturing out to other cities all across Nigeria.

As a matter of fact, our publicity and advertising strategy is not solely for selling our products but to also effectively communicate our brand. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company:

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around major communities in Nigeria
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted communities
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Position our Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where we intend getting customers to start patronizing our chalks.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our customized clothes, and all our official cars and distribution trucks/tippers are customized and well branded.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

At Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company we will keep the prices of our products below the average market rate for all of our customers by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance from well – established construction companies that would require constant supply of building and decorative stones, crushed granite, dimension granite, paving slabs, slates, gravels, aggregates – stones, rocks, ripraps, limestone, lime burning (calcimine) and cement et al.

In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some one – off supply contracts especially from government contractors or construction giants which are always lucrative, we will ensure that we abide by the pricing model that is expected from contractors or organizations that bid for such contracts.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Here are the payment options that Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via Point of Sale Machines (POS)
• Payment via mobile money platforms
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for farm produces purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for the purchase of our products.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The machines, tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a stone quarry business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. We know that no matter where we intend starting our stone quarry company, we would be required to fulfill most of the items listed below;

• The Fee for registering the business (venture) in Nigeria –N15,000
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – N30,000
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company – N150,000
• Cost for hiring Business Consultant – N50,000
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – N50,000
• Cost for payment of rent for 12 month and renovation inclusive – N240,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery and phone and utility deposits – N5,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – N300,000
• The cost for machines, equipment and start-up inventory (Stone crusher, excavators, separator machines and other stone quarry machines, equipment and tools) – N320,000
• Cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – N10,000
• Cost of purchase of distribution trucks/tippers – N750,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and office equipment (Computers, Printers, Telephone, Fax Machines, tables and chairs et al) – N150,000
• The cost of Launching a Website – N25,000
• The cost for our opening party – N20,000
• Miscellaneous – N10,000

We would need an estimate of N2million to successfully set up a standard and world class stone quarry business. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all the staff for the first 3 month of operation.

Generating Funding/Startup Capital for Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company

No matter how fantastic your business idea might be, if you don’t have the required money to finance the business, the business might not become a reality. Finance is a very important factor when it comes to starting a business such as stone quarry business.

No doubt raising start – up capital for a business might not come cheap, but it is a task that an entrepreneur must go through.

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company is a family business that is owned and financed by Mr. Joseph Ileaboya and his immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partner which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital to 3 major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sell of stocks
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about N500,000 (Personal savings N400,000 and soft loan from family members N100,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of N1.5 million from our bank. All the papers and document have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to retail our products a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Joseph Ileaboya & Sons Stone Quarry Company will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check:>Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of a facility and renovating the facility as well: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed stone quarry machines and equipment, furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with construction companies, contractors and other stakeholders in the construction cum building industry: In Progress
• Purchase of tippers and delivery trucks: Completed

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By alex ryzhkov, resources on granite & marble manufacturing.

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• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Are you considering starting a granite and marble manufacturing business? With the growing demand for custom stone products in the US, now is the perfect time to enter the market. According to the latest statistics, the granite and marble manufacturing industry has experienced steady growth over the past five years, with an annual revenue growth rate of 3.1% . This industry is projected to continue growing at a similar rate in the coming years, making it a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Before diving into the business, it's essential to create a solid business plan that outlines your strategies and objectives. This checklist will guide you through the nine essential steps involved in writing a comprehensive business plan for your granite and marble manufacturing venture.

1. Conduct market research: Conduct thorough market research to understand the current trends, demand, and competition in the granite and marble manufacturing industry. This will help you identify potential gaps and opportunities.

2. Identify target customers and key competitors: Determine who your target customers are and study your competitors to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This will enable you to position your business effectively and stand out in the market.

3. Define your unique selling proposition: Determine what sets your business apart from the competition. Whether it's your superior craftsmanship, wide range of materials, or exceptional customer service, clearly define your unique selling proposition.

4. Develop a pricing strategy: Determine how you will price your products and services. Consider factors such as material costs, labor, overhead expenses, and desired profit margins to develop a competitive yet profitable pricing strategy.

5. Assess funding requirements and sources: Determine the initial capital requirements for setting up and operating your granite and marble manufacturing business. Explore different funding sources such as loans, investors, or personal savings.

6. Determine the location and infrastructure needed: Decide on the ideal location for your business, considering factors such as accessibility, transportation, and proximity to target customers. Determine the infrastructure and facilities required for efficient operations.

7. Consider equipment and supplies needed: Identify the necessary equipment and supplies for your manufacturing process. Ensure that you invest in high-quality machinery and tools to deliver outstanding products to your customers.

8. Create a detailed production plan: Develop a step-by-step production plan that outlines the various stages involved in manufacturing granite and marble products. This plan should cover everything from sourcing raw materials to final installation.

9. Evaluate potential risks and develop a risk management strategy: Identify potential risks and challenges that may arise in the granite and marble manufacturing business. Create a risk management strategy to mitigate these risks and ensure the smooth functioning of your operations.

By following these nine steps and creating a comprehensive business plan, you'll be well-prepared to start your journey in the granite and marble manufacturing industry. With a strong market demand and a strategic approach, your business is bound to thrive in this growing industry. Good luck!

Conduct Market Research

Market research is a crucial step in developing a successful business plan for granite and marble manufacturing. It enables you to gain valuable insights into the industry, understand market trends, and identify opportunities for growth. Here are some important considerations when conducting market research:

• Identify the target market: Determine the specific demographic, geographic, and psychographic characteristics of your target customers. Understand their needs, preferences, and purchasing behavior in order to tailor your products and services accordingly.
• Understand the competition: Research and analyze your key competitors to gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. Identify what sets your business apart and how you can differentiate yourself in the market.
• Evaluate market size and potential: Assess the size of the granite and marble manufacturing market in your target area. Determine if there is sufficient demand to support your business and if there are any untapped opportunities or niches.
• Identify industry trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, innovations, and technologies in the granite and marble manufacturing industry. This will help you adjust your business strategies and offerings to meet evolving customer demands.

Tips for conducting market research:

• Utilize online research tools: Take advantage of online resources such as industry reports, trade publications, and market research databases to gather reliable and up-to-date information.
• Engage with industry professionals: Attend trade shows, conferences, and networking events to connect with experts and gain insights from experienced individuals in the granite and marble manufacturing industry.
• Survey potential customers: Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather feedback and better understand their needs and preferences. This can provide valuable insights for product development and marketing strategies.

By thoroughly conducting market research, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to develop a solid business plan that aligns with market demands and positions your granite and marble manufacturing business for success.

Identify Target Customers And Key Competitors

Identifying your target customers is essential for the success of your granite and marble manufacturing business. Understanding who your customers are and what they are looking for will help you tailor your products and services to meet their needs. Additionally, identifying your key competitors will allow you to analyze their strengths and weaknesses and position your business effectively in the market.

When it comes to target customers, consider both residential and commercial clients. Residential clients may include homeowners who are renovating their kitchens or bathrooms, while commercial clients may include architects, interior designers, and contractors who require custom granite and marble products for large-scale projects. Furthermore, consider the geographic area you wish to serve, as this will impact your marketing and distribution strategies.

It is important to conduct thorough market research to gain insights into your customers' preferences, including their preferred materials, colors, finishes, and price ranges. Understanding the trends in the industry and staying up-to-date with the latest designs and styles will also give you a competitive edge.

Researching your key competitors will provide valuable information on their pricing strategies, product offerings, and customer service. This will enable you to differentiate your business by offering unique features or services, such as faster delivery times, superior craftsmanship, or exceptional customer support.

• Visit trade shows and industry events to network and learn more about customer preferences and your competitors' products.
• Utilize online resources, such as industry forums and social media groups, to gather information on customer needs and competitor activities.
• Consider conducting surveys or focus groups to gather direct feedback from potential customers and understand their pain points and preferences.
• Regularly monitor your competitors' websites and social media pages to stay informed about their latest offerings and promotions.

Define Your Unique Selling Proposition

Defining your unique selling proposition (USP) is crucial to differentiate your granite and marble manufacturing business from your competitors. It is the unique value that you bring to your target customers and sets you apart in the market. Consider these key factors when determining your USP:

• Identify your strengths: Take an inventory of your company's strengths, such as expertise, craftsmanship, quality materials, or exceptional customer service. Determine what makes your business stand out in the industry.
• Understand your target customers: Gain a deep understanding of your target customers' needs, preferences, and pain points. This will help you tailor your USP to address their specific challenges or fulfill unmet demands.
• Highlight your unique offerings: Identify the unique products, materials, finishes, or services that only your business can provide. Emphasize these offerings as part of your USP to create a compelling reason for customers to choose your company over competitors.
• Showcase your expertise: If your team has specialized skills or extensive experience in granite and marble manufacturing, it can be a valuable aspect of your USP. Highlight this expertise to build credibility and trust with potential customers.
• Conduct market research to identify any gaps or unmet needs in the industry, and tailor your USP to fill those gaps.
• Consider incorporating sustainability or eco-friendly practices into your USP, as it is becoming increasingly important to environmentally conscious customers.
• Regularly review and update your USP to stay relevant in the evolving market and to meet changing customer demands.

Develop A Pricing Strategy

Developing a pricing strategy is a crucial step in creating a successful business plan for your granite and marble manufacturing company. Your pricing strategy will determine the profitability of your business and help you compete effectively in the market.

The following are important considerations to keep in mind when developing your pricing strategy:

• Cost Analysis: Evaluate the costs involved in the manufacturing process, including raw materials, labor, equipment, and overhead expenses. This analysis will help you determine your breakeven point and ensure you are setting prices that cover your costs while still allowing for a profit.
• Competitive Analysis: Research and analyze your competitors' pricing strategies. Understanding the market rates and the prices charged by your competitors will enable you to position your products competitively.
• Value Proposition: Consider the unique selling points of your products and services. Determine how your offerings differ from those of your competitors and how this adds value for your customers. Pricing your products based on the value they provide can help justify higher prices.
• Target Market: Understand your target market's price sensitivity. Evaluate their willingness to pay and their expectations for quality and customization. This information will help you determine the pricing range that will be most appealing to your customers.

Tips for Developing Your Pricing Strategy:

• Consider offering tiered pricing options to cater to different customer segments.
• Offer discounts for larger projects or bulk orders to incentivize customers.
• Regularly review and adjust your pricing strategy to stay competitive in the market.
• Monitor industry trends and adjust your pricing accordingly.

By carefully considering these factors and continuously monitoring the market, you can develop a pricing strategy that maximizes your profitability while meeting the needs and expectations of your customers.

Assess Funding Requirements and Sources

One of the key steps in writing a business plan for granite and marble manufacturing is assessing the funding requirements for your venture. This involves carefully calculating the costs associated with starting and operating your business, as well as identifying potential sources of funding to cover these expenses.

First, you will need to determine the initial investment required to set up your manufacturing facility and purchase necessary equipment and supplies. Consider factors such as the cost of leasing or purchasing a suitable space, machinery and tools needed for cutting and shaping the stone, as well as polishing equipment and other supplies.

Additionally, consider the ongoing operational costs such as electricity, water, maintenance, and labor expenses. It is important to be thorough in estimating these costs to ensure that you have a realistic understanding of the funding requirements for your business.

Once you have a clear understanding of your funding requirements, you can begin to explore potential sources of funding. Some common options include:

• Savings and Personal Investments: Using your own savings or personal investments can be a viable option if you have sufficient funds available. However, this may require careful consideration and potentially pose personal financial risks.
• Loans and Credit: You can explore obtaining a loan from a bank or credit union to fund your business. Prepare a comprehensive business plan and financial projections to present to lenders to increase your chances of securing a loan.
• Investors: Seeking investments from individuals or organizations interested in supporting your business can provide the necessary funding. This usually involves giving up a portion of ownership in your company in exchange for capital.
• Government Grants and Programs: Research if there are any government grants or programs available for entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry. These funding options may have specific eligibility criteria and require careful application and documentation.

Tips for Assessing Funding Requirements and Sources:

• Strive to be as accurate as possible when estimating your funding requirements.
• Explore multiple sources of funding to have a diversified funding strategy.
• Prepare a compelling business plan and financial projections to increase your chances of securing funding.
• Consider seeking guidance from a financial advisor or business consultant to navigate the funding process.

Determine The Location And Infrastructure Needed

Choosing the right location for your granite and marble manufacturing business is crucial to its success. It is important to consider factors such as proximity to target customers, availability of raw materials, transportation links, and zoning regulations.

Here are some important considerations when determining the location and infrastructure needed for your business:

• Accessibility: Ensure that the location is easily accessible for both suppliers and customers. A central location with good transport links can help reduce transportation costs and provide convenience for clients.
• Raw material availability: Consider the proximity of quarries or suppliers that provide the granite and marble you require. Being close to these sources can reduce transportation costs and ensure a steady supply of materials.
• Space requirements: Assess the amount of space needed for your manufacturing operations, including areas for cutting, shaping, polishing, and storage. Make sure the location has adequate space to accommodate your equipment and machinery.
• Infrastructure: Evaluate the availability and adequacy of utilities such as electricity, water, and drainage systems. These are essential for the manufacturing process and should be easily accessible.
• Local regulations: Familiarize yourself with the zoning regulations and permits required for operating a manufacturing business in the chosen location. Ensure that your operations comply with environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Market proximity: Consider the proximity to your target market. Being located close to residential and commercial areas where your potential customers are concentrated can facilitate faster delivery and reduce transportation costs.
• Visit potential locations in person to assess their suitability for your business.
• Consider consulting with professionals such as real estate agents, architects, or city planners to guide you in choosing the right location and understanding the infrastructure requirements.
• Research the business climate, economic trends, and growth prospects of the area where you plan to set up your business.

By carefully considering the factors outlined above, you can select a location and infrastructure that is well-suited for your granite and marble manufacturing business, enabling efficient operations and positioning you for success in the industry.

Consider Equipment And Supplies Needed

When starting a granite and marble manufacturing business, it is crucial to carefully consider the equipment and supplies needed to carry out the production process effectively. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Stone Cutting and Shaping Equipment: Invest in high-quality stone cutting and shaping equipment that can handle the workload and meet the demands of your customers. This may include CNC machines, bridge saws, and waterjet cutting systems.
• Polishing and Finishing Tools: You'll need grinding, honing, and polishing tools to give the granite and marble a smooth and polished finish. This may include diamond polishing pads, grinding wheels, and polishing compounds.
• Material Handling Equipment: Ensure you have the necessary equipment to handle the heavy stone slabs, such as cranes, forklifts, and lifting devices. This will help ensure efficiency and safety in the production process.
• Protective Gear: Safety should be a top priority in your manufacturing facility. Provide appropriate protective gear for your employees, such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
• Supply of Raw Materials: Maintain a reliable supply of high-quality granite and marble slabs from reputable suppliers. Building solid relationships with suppliers is crucial to ensure a steady flow of materials for your production.
• Regularly maintain and service your equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure smooth operations.
• Invest in high-quality tools and equipment that can withstand the demands of heavy stone cutting and polishing.
• Stay updated with the latest technology and advancements in the industry to remain competitive.
• Consider investing in software solutions that can streamline your production process and inventory management.

Create A Detailed Production Plan

In order to efficiently manufacture granite and marble products, it is crucial to have a detailed production plan in place. This plan will outline the entire manufacturing process from start to finish, ensuring that each step is carefully executed.

To create a detailed production plan, consider the following:

• Identify the various stages of production: Start by breaking down the manufacturing process into different stages, such as cutting, shaping, polishing, and installation. This will help you understand the sequence of operations and allocate resources accordingly.
• Determine the required resources: Assess the equipment, tools, and supplies needed for each stage of production. This may include stone-cutting machines, saws, polishers, and other specialized tools. Additionally, consider the need for raw materials, such as granite and marble slabs, as well as adhesives and finishing materials.
• Establish production timelines: Set realistic timelines for each stage of production, taking into account the complexity of the products being manufactured and the capacity of your production facility. This will help you manage your workflow, optimize efficiency, and meet client deadlines.
• Allocate resources: Determine the manpower required for each stage of production, ensuring that you have skilled workers who are experienced in granite and marble manufacturing. Assign specific tasks to individuals or teams, taking into account their expertise and availability.
• Implement quality control measures: Develop quality control standards and processes to ensure that each product meets the desired specifications. This may include conducting inspections at various stages of production, utilizing measurement tools, and adhering to industry best practices.
• Consider safety precautions: Identify potential risks associated with the manufacturing process and implement safety measures to protect workers and prevent accidents. This may include providing training, using protective equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
• Regularly review and update your production plan to accommodate evolving business needs and industry trends.
• Ensure efficient communication and coordination between different departments involved in the production process.
• Document and track key performance indicators to monitor productivity and identify areas for improvement.
• Consider implementing lean manufacturing principles to maximize efficiency and eliminate waste.
• Establish backup plans and contingency measures to mitigate potential disruptions to production.

Evaluate Potential Risks And Develop A Risk Management Strategy

Once you have completed the previous eight steps of creating a business plan for granite and marble manufacturing, it is crucial to evaluate potential risks and develop a risk management strategy. This step is essential to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your business.

Identifying and assessing potential risks allows you to proactively plan for and mitigate any challenges that may arise. It helps you prepare for unforeseen circumstances and take steps to minimize their impact on your operations and profitability.

• 1. Conduct a thorough risk assessment: Begin by identifying all the potential risks your business may face. This includes external factors such as economic fluctuations, changes in industry regulations, and natural disasters, as well as internal risks like equipment failure, supply chain disruptions, and workforce issues.
• 2. Analyze the probability and impact of each risk: Once you have identified the risks, analyze their likelihood of occurring and the potential impact they could have on your business. This will help you prioritize the risks and allocate resources accordingly.
• 3. Develop a risk management strategy: Based on your risk assessment, create a comprehensive risk management strategy. This strategy should outline how you will prevent, mitigate, and respond to potential risks. It should include specific actions and contingency plans for each identified risk.
• 4. Consider insurance coverage: Evaluate the need for insurance coverage to protect your business against certain risks. Work with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate coverage options, such as property insurance, liability insurance, and business interruption insurance.
• 5. Continuously monitor and review: Risk management is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of your risk management strategy. Update it as necessary to address new risks and changes in your business environment.
• Involve key stakeholders, including employees and suppliers, in the risk assessment and management process. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of potential risks and enhances the effectiveness of your strategy.
• Stay informed about industry trends and developments to anticipate and respond to potential risks in a timely manner.
• Build strong relationships with alternative suppliers and contractors to mitigate supply chain risks.
• Document your risk management strategy and regularly communicate it to your team. This ensures everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities in managing risks.

Writing a business plan for a granite and marble manufacturing business is a crucial step in building a successful venture. By conducting market research, identifying target customers and competitors, and defining your unique selling proposition, you can position your business for success. Developing a pricing strategy, assessing funding requirements, and considering location and infrastructure will help you establish a solid foundation for your operations. Additionally, creating a detailed production plan and evaluating potential risks will enable you to navigate challenges effectively. With a well-crafted business plan, you can confidently pursue opportunities in the granite and marble manufacturing industry.

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Sample Quarry Business Plan

Quarry business plan sample.

Quarries play a huge role in the construction industry. Therefore, the potentials are enormous. In view of this fact, we have made this quarry Business Plan.

This will give the reader useful tips when drafting a plan for a quarry business.

In addition to that, we’ve made sure that the article is simplified. In other words, this sample plan is comprehensive enough to be followed. You should replicate it’s simplicity too!

Here is a sample business plan for starting a limestone, marble or granite quarry.

– Executive Summary

Romboldt Quarries is a quarry business to be located in the mountainous region of Kentucky. We have taken advantage of the Kentucky’s booming construction industry. As a result, this has influenced our choice of location. At Romboldt Quarries, we will be providing quarry services in addition to other products which will be mentioned shortly.

These products and services are in high demand.

We also have the advantage of experience. We have carefully chosen a crop of experts with vast skills. Such skills consist of technical as well as adminstrative. A greater part of our workforce have been players in the quarry industry.

Thus, this places us at advantage.

• Products and Services

Most of the time, people assume quarries are restricted to excavation. However, there are several other services and products we offer. At Romboldt Quarries, we our services includes quarrying, rockeries, crazy paving, paving slabs and monumental stones. Additional services include free quotations, templating, stone sawing, letter cutting and masonry. Several other services will be introduced on a need basis.

The abovementioned services will be professionally handled. We have no doubt about the quality of our services because we have skillful, trained and experienced professionals.

• Our Mission

We are on a mission to establish a reputable quarrying company. Hence, our goal is to be known for quality. This will be visible in all areas of our operations. Such areas will include our customer services, marketing, staff welfare and other areas.

There are major players in the quarrying industry. But we are in in it to make it more competitive. Hence, our sights are set on breaking into the top tier. Breaking into the top league will be achieved with a decade. We are also interested in working the talk.

Operating a quarry is capital intensive. This is because heavy machinery take up a good chunk of the costs. Running costs are additional expenses incurred during operations. Therefore the financial implications are enormous. We seek to raise the sum of $1,500,000.00. This sum will be raising solely from loans. We have a preference for low interest loans. About 80% of this sum will be spent on equipment purchase. However, 20% will be channeled into operational costs.

• SWOT Analysis

This is a part of our planning phase we cannot overlook. Hence, we have done a SWOT test. This is an analysis of our strength, weakness, opportunities and threats.

 i. Strength

Our strength as a company is founded in our expertise and experience. This counts for much considering the complexities involved. Consequently, we’ve seen tremendous opportunities for improvement. Although a lot has improved, there’s still room for improvement. This is why we are upbeat in our resolve to offer enhanced services.

This is a critical role we intend to play.

  ii. Weakness

Weakness is often misconstrued with failure. However, that isn’t the case. At Romboldt Quarries, we have identified our weaknessses to include our size and capacity. However, this is only temporal in other words, we intend to enhance our capacity within the shortest time possible. The more the capacity, the higher the number of clients we can serve. There is no gain saying that we are well poised to achieve our targets.

   iii. Opportunities

We are in business for the opportunities. Hence our determination to do all it takes within legal boundaries to promote our business. The boom in the construction industry has become our major motivation. Also, this doesn’t seem short-lived. Therefore we have hired the best hands in the industry. Such team will streamline our activities towards achieving set targets. We also seek to adapt to circumstances as they unfold.

iv. Threats

Threats are ever present. However how well they are handled determines success. We have assessed our threats. While doing so, we have also measured our levels of exposure. Hence, in anticipation, we’ve been able to create a buffer (by diversifying our services). This will enable us absorb any shocks that may result. These are in the form of an economic recession as well as a crash in the housing market.

• Sales Projection

This is the essence of our operations. Without sales, our activities can’t be sustained. Based on trends, we’ve done a 3 year sales projection. This has turned out promising and shows the following results;

• First Financial Year.   $890,000.00
• Second Financial Year. $1,800,000.00
• Third Financial Year.  $3,000,000.00
• Marketing Strategy

This is critical to running a profitable business. Hence we have chosen a vibrant marketing team. This team will ensure that a robust campaign is initiated. In addition, our contacts (mostly contractors) within the construction industry will be taken advantage of.

• Competitive Advantage

Our competitive advantage lies in our wealth of experience. In other words, we have made up for size with experience and expertise. This will enable us compete favourably with other quarrying businesses. The welfare of our workforce is also a factor that sets us apart from the pack.

This quarry business plan sample has highlighted some of the most important aspects of a good plan. We are confident that you will find this very useful in preparing a plan.

However a plan isn’t sufficient enough. You need to also implement. But this stage should be taken only after you must have carefully completed your plan. It’s best to have a second opinion. It’s best to seek such from experienced persons.

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How is Granite Mined? Everything You Need to Know.

08 Feb How is Granite Mined? Everything You Need to Know.

Granite carries quite distinctive and immense durability that makes it a prominent choice for many uses. Several monuments and countertops are just a few examples of how this enduring stone is used. Granite is the most intriguing of all kinds of natural stones made up of mainly quartz and feldspar. It takes millions of years to form deep inside the earth’s surface. It is an igneous rock formed by the cooling and solidification of magma (underground molten rock). As the magma cools down, it forms the large solid masses of stone called granite. It is then mined from depths of the earth and refined before serving as the highly sleek countertops or flooring found in your home.

How is Granite Mined Exactly?

Mining granite is a very large industrial process. The first step of making a granite slab is to mine the raw granite materials out of the crust of the earth in large, heavy blocks. Granite slabs are attained from specific sites that are known as quarries. Normally, miners choose quarries that are as close to the surface of the earth as possible.

The layers of earth above which the stones are formed are firstly removed to uncover the granite. After this, an open cast mining process is used to extract it from the earth. The process includes drilling holes through the rock and then using hydraulic hammers to detach the individual blocks of stone from their surroundings. Once the blocks are singled out, cranes are used to lift them to the surrounding surface.

Fabrication

After quarrying, the raw granite extracted in blocks weigh up to 10 tons each of which is transported by trucks to the processing facilities that cut the stone into slabs of granite for easier handling. These smaller blocks are then polished for the high gloss to make them smooth and bring out the natural colours and patterns of them. For polishing, these small slabs are run through a polishing machine having diamond polishing pads. These bring out the shine in the stone through each new layer of polishing leaving the granite with a smooth, yet natural finish.

Process after mining – What’s next?

Anyone who discovers about granite mining would obviously want to know how is granite processed. This section covers that query in brief. So, here we go.

Once the slabs are polished, they will then be transported to different countries before being off-loaded and taken to distributors in cities around the country. The final step involves measuring, cutting, and polishing again. This finished product is then transported to the buyer for the installation of their custom project.

After installation, these granite projects are polished once again using a portable polishing tool to remove any small scratches from the transportation process. Granite products have been formulated to abide by the life of the home. When looking at a granite countertop, it is hard to imagine the comprehensive and time-consuming process it has gone through before arriving in your home. From extraction, polishing, trucking, shipping, to receiving, measuring, cutting and installing that piece of stone. With such an efficient process of mining, the end product that is delivered to you is a beautiful granite masterpiece.

Eternal Stones Export, Udaipur (India) brings you different kinds of granites for your business as well as individual needs of different shapes and sizes. We export Absolute Black, Ocean Black, Kashmir White, and many more in flamed, polished, honed, leathered and many other forms as per your requirements. If you wish to import these stones, kindly contact us for more queries.

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Gravel Rock Products Business Plan

Start your own gravel rock products business plan

Durango Gravel

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Durango Gravel, Inc. produces and sells types and grades of gravel to public and private customers in the Four Corners Region, concentrating on the area around Durango, Colorado.  In just five months of operation, we operated at a profit, recording $250,000 in sales and selling almost 49,000 tons of gravel products.

Our goal for this year is to penetrate the asphalt market, with its high profitability and limited competition.  By adding an asphalt plant, and meeting our minimum goals of 45,500 tons of asphalt, we plan to sell over 191,000 tons of gravel products to municipalities, contractors and end-users, with sales of over $2,696,000 and net profits of $854,000.

We have experienced significant success penetrating the local market by offering superior products and customer service.

Our keys to continued success are:

• Expanding into the asphalt market.
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with major institutional users.
• Exploiting the coming void in gravel supplies to establish a market niche.
• Developing a net profit margin above 30%.
• Effectively communicating to our existing and potential customers, through targeted efforts, our position as a differentiated provider of the highest-quality gravel and asphalt products.

1.1 Objectives

The objectives of Durango Gravel, Inc. for the coming year:

• Establish strategic working relationships with the major asphalt users in the area.
• Develop initial sales of 45.5K tons of asphalt, resulting in first-year sales of $1,638,000.
• Increase Sales over a three-year period to 77K tons per year.
• Continue to develop strategic working relationships with the 10-15 major institutional users.
• Hit target gravel sales levels of 145.5K tons of both road base and screened rock, resulting in gravel sales of $1,064,000.
• Continue to exploit the weaknesses inherent in the major area competitors to increase our presence in the local market area.

1.2 Mission

Durango Gravel, Inc. serves municipalities, construction companies and individual users by providing superior-quality products manufactured to the highest standards at competitive prices.

Our principals have a history of valuing relationships with their customers.  We communicate our commitment to quality and customer appreciation through outstanding product quality, personal service and efficient delivery.  Our commitment to our customers is reflected through honest and responsible business practices.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to success for Durango Gravel, Inc.:

• Establishing and maintaining working relationships and contractual agreements with municipality and business sector clients.
• Increasing our facility to maximum production within the next three years.
• Continuing our position as a customer-service-oriented company with competitive pricing.
• Increasing our profit margins and decreasing our production costs.
• Developing a presence in the asphalt market with area users.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Durango Gravel manufactures numerous types of gravel products from base rock.  These products are 3/4″ and 3″ ABC, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ 1-11/2″ screened and washed rock, 1″-3″ cobble, and 4″-6″ cobble. In addition, we provide, pre-washed sand, fill dirt, topsoil, bedding materials and crusher fines, along with various sizes of boulders.  These products are sold to municipalities, business entities and end users in the Four Corners Region, with a concentration around Durango, Colorado.

The pit site has been the location of Durango, a locally owned gravel pit, for over 15 years.  We have greatly expanded the base of customers in the last six months.

2.1 Company Ownership

Durango Gravel, Inc. is incorporated as a “S” Corporation under the laws of Colorado, and Colorado laws shall govern and take precedence.

Two classes of stock shares have been issued as follows:

1000 Class “A” Stock Shares – Voting Rights Only – No Dividend Rights

Justin McCarty – 510 Shares

Chad Hughes – 490 Shares

1000 Class “B” Stock Shares – Dividend Shares Only – No Voting Rights

Justin McCarty – 450 Shares

Chad Hughes – 450 Shares

Not Issued – 100 Shares

Net profits are distributed in the form of dividends on a basis which shall be determined from time to time. Corporate officers are as follows:

Justin McCarty: president, treasurer, chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Justin McCarty designs and directs the overall corporate strategy.

Chad Hughes: vice president, secretary, chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Chad Hughes directs the day-to-day operations of the corporation.

At the end of each year, a meeting of the directors decides the management responsibilities for the following year.

2.2 Company History

Durango Gravel, Inc. was formed in June, 2000.  The principals of the corporation are as follows:

Justin McCarty, Bayfield, Colorado – Owner of an excavating, landscaping, trucking and road grading business, Mr. McCarty has extensive experience in all phases of gravel and rock hauling, production and industry practices.  Mr. McCarty oversees operations of the corporation, and additionally, is a major consumer of plant products.  He also will be a consumer of asphalt products.

Chad Hughes, Durango, Colorado – Educated in natural resources management, and with extensive customer-service experience, Mr. Hughes focuses on developing public accounts and day-to-day operations.

In June, 2000 the corporation entered into a five-year lease agreement with Durango Gravel, a locally-owned gravel pit, giving the mineral rights for a five-year period, renewable for additional five-year periods.  With no advertising, marketing or crushing operations, the pit had been selling approximately 24,000 tons of gravel per year. In addition, options were obtained on a number of other parcels suitable for gravel pits.

The corporation invested approximately $700,000 in crushing and production equipment, and began operations on July 24, 2000.  In the five months of operation in year 2000, sales of 47,000 tons of material were recorded, mostly in road base material, with an average of 9,000 tons per month.

Our goal of penetrating the local market and taking advantage of the niche available was met, with a number of the major area contractors utilizing our products. Our customer service policies have met with near universal praise and acceptance.  We are developing a reputation as an honest, customer-service oriented company with superior products.

We have made substantial inroads into the institutional market, receiving gravel awards from municipalities, county, state and institutional entities. We had an operating profit for year 2000, despite an unanticipated additional $40,000 in equipment maintenance costs. We are poised to make more major inroads in the local market, with the spring and summer season for higher-profit screened rock fast approaching.

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

Our pit is located in Durango, Colorado, the hub of the southwest Colorado Region and the major city in La Plata County.  The gravel pit has a primary and secondary crusher, generator, a number of loaders and excavators, and an electronic scale. 

Our scale is located approximately 1/4 mile from the highway – the shortest distance of any pit in the area.  The pit has a reserve of approximately 6,000,000 tons, by far the most in the area.  There are approximately 60 acres, a 150 sq. ft. scale house, tool trailer and pit office.  We are planning to add an additional 980 sq. ft. office this Spring.

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Products and Services

Durango Gravel Inc. deals exclusively in providing gravel and gravel-related products, including but not limited to the following:

• 3/4″ ABC
• 3″ ABC
• 3/8″ screened and washed rock
• 1/2″ screened and washed rock
• 3/4″ screened and washed rock
• 1-11/2″ screened and washed rock
• 1″-3″ cobble
• 4″-6″ cobble
• Pre-washed sand
• Bedding materials
• Crusher fines
• Boulders–various sizes

The company provides consulting and products.  Customers can either provide their own trucks for products, or the company will deliver for a fee.  Our standard average delivery fee is $65.00, with maximum related expenses of $40.00.  The only product costs will be associated with production.  Company trucks delivered 416% of the loads in year 2000.  Trucking was subcontracted to independent trucking companies, including Justin McCarty Trucking and Excavation.

In addition, we plan to provide SX grade asphalt.

3.1 Product and Service Description

Royalty Costs are $2.00/Ton.  Manufacturing Costs are budgeted at $1.15/ton (a high figure).  Starred items have no manufacturing costs.

3.2 Competitive Comparison

Within our niche we have two significant competitors, Oldcastle (Four Corners) and LaFarge, which are both multi-national corporations headquartered outside the United States.  While these are both well-run companies, the local perception is that the money they earn goes directly overseas to their headquarters, as opposed to reinvesting their profits in the local economy.  In addition, many of their policies are set at the corporate level, resulting in less customer-service orientation then is the norm for this region.  A number of general contractors have started to utilize our products because of our ownership and policies. 

There is one other significant competitor, C & J Gravel.  Their reserves are limited, and offer a limited product line.  A number of their major users have started to utilize our products.  We expect more in the next year.

The way we compete is on the fact that we offer a larger selection of products, superior quality, and better customer service in terms of information on our product line.  We compete on our road base products in terms of price and availability, with fast delivery.

3.3 Sales Literature

This year we will be producing a company catalog, which would include asphalt products for targeted customers.

3.4 Fulfillment

We produce almost all of our product line at our site, with effectively no need to outsource any materials.

3.5 Technology

The technology for the production of gravel, gravel-related products and asphalt is well established.  We have developed effective and revolutionary marketing techniques for: convenient and time-saving loading of client trucks, and saving our institutional customers substantial amounts on their trucking expenses.

3.6 Future Products and Services

Our major addition this year will be asphalt, of which there is only one area producer at present.  A number of contractors have expressed interest in using our asphalt. 

Our long-range plan includes the opening of a second pit, in order to compete with producers in the more remote county areas.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Asphalt products are required for road and driveway construction.  There are a significant number of roads and driveways which need to be paved each year.  There is at present only one area source for asphalt.  The high prices charged are a reflection of their monopoly.  Thus, there is a significant niche to be filled.

Gravel and rock-related products are a necessary ingredient to road building in the area.  There are a significantly large percentage of roads which need to be re-graveled each year.  In addition, there is a significant percentage of the population who have “retired” to the area, and are engaged in remodeling and making their new homes more accessible.

Also, the previously-described “window of opportunity” and the vulnerability of competitors to a customer-oriented operation are significant.  The average end-user is more concerned with customer service than with price. 

4.1 Market Segmentation

The major customer groups for Durango Gravel, Inc. are:

Municipalities, Schools and State Agencies . There are 12 municipalities in the immediate area who are using, or have needs for, our products and are in our target market.  They are able to utilize our products and the quantities we could manufacture.  As of this date, five are using us as one of their sources.

Larger Construction Companies . Many of the larger construction companies bid on state, county, city and large private construction projects,  We have bid on their gravel products and received 12 awards in the past six months.  We plan to bid on their asphalt needs as well this year.

Construction and Private Companies . The area is filled with smaller contractors who either purchase concrete, gravel and asphalt products directly, or arrange for them for a fee.  Many of the smaller contractors are not compensated to a significant degree, and have been eager to utilize a company such as ours.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

The population of the Four Corners Area has increased dramatically in the last 10 years and is still increasing, creating a greater demand for houses and roads.  A large percentage of this increase is attributed to both retirees, and those with substantial incomes who have purchased a second home.  Many people belonging to these groups have come from areas where good customer service is expected, and had been unhappy with the quality of customer service available before we began operations.

4.2.1 Market Needs

We understand that our target market needs more than just asphalt and gravel products. This need has grown out of increased population growth, the influx of a segmented customer base with significant disposable income, and the lack of change of our competitors to increased customer service requirements.

4.2.2 Market Trends

The market for asphalt, gravel and gravel-related products has grown at a steady rate for the past seven years, and shows no signs of abating. There are trends toward both more institutional and private road development and more private end-user interest in quality and customer service.

4.2.3 Market Growth

4.3 service business analysis.

The last decade has shown a consolidation of suppliers by nationwide corporations. In numerous instances, these companies have policies which are set on a national level and are not “user-friendly” or responsive to the particular needs of this region.

The area asphalt market has but one producer at present, with predictable non-competitive pricing and customer service policies.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

The Durango area is a region where “Word-of-Mouth” endorsements are unusually important. Most private end-user customers seem to choose their provider based on quick delivery, friendliness and customer service. Business and construction-related users choose based on the establishment of a mutually beneficial and trustworthy relationship.

4.3.2 Main Competitors

Oldcastle (Four Corners Materials)

Strengths – long-term relationships, 30 years in business, long-term employees, decent quality.

Weaknesses –  product, price and credit flexibility, foreign ownership, product reserves, travel and loading time, monopolistic practices in regards to asphalt.

Strengths – established, local ownership.

Weaknesses – limited products, limited reserves, location.

4.3.3 Business Participants

The main sales volume in this area is now concentrated in the following companies:

Asphalt : Oldcastle (Four Corners Materials).

Gravel (Durango) : Oldcastle (Four Corners Materials), Durango Gravel, Inc., C & J, Sandco.

(Outlying Areas) :  LaFarge, Gosney & Sons, Hocker.

All of these other companies compete with similar limited products and unchanging company policies. Products are similar, costs are important, but customer service and perception of honesty is critical. Our company has increased its participation in the local gravel market by 400% in just five months.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Durango Gravel, Inc.’s strategy is as follows:

• Add an asphalt plant as quickly as possible to penetrate the asphalt market.
• Continue to expand gravel sales.
• Continue our uniquely designed service for those customers with their own delivery trucks.
• Continue the establishment of long-term, mutually-beneficial relationships with commercial accounts.
• Continue our revolutionary program to cut delivery costs for municipalities and industry end-users.
• Aggressively market our “Consumer-Oriented” focus.

We intend to maximize product sales through aggressive marketing, penetrate the asphalt market, and increase our targeted marketing efforts.

5.1 Strategy Pyramid

Our main strategy at Durango Gravel, Inc. is to position ourselves at the top of the quality scale, featuring our combination of fine quality products and the best customer service in the region. 

We are committed to communicating our “Quality” position to the market.  Programs are mainly those listed in the Milestones Table, including the continued acquisition of public-sector accounts.

5.2 Value Proposition

We offer our target customer, who cares about personal service, as well as product quality, a vendor who acts as a strategic ally, with the highest quality asphalt and gravel products at a premium price that reflects the value of reassurance that systems will work.

5.3 Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy is the core of the main strategy, and is multi-faceted:

• Penetrate the asphalt market.
• Emphasize personal service and support.
• Foster a long-term relationship business.
• Focus on the public-sector, major contractor and high-end homeowner as key target markets.
• Induce more companies to utilize our revolutionary delivery and loading strategies.

5.3.1 Pricing Strategy

With regard to products carried by our competitors, our pricing strategy will be to either match their prices, or to be marginally lower. We expect that our superior service will be a major factor.

5.4 Competitive Edge

Our competitive edge is our quality product, location, emphasis on customer service, and our long-term availability of products.

5.5 Sales Strategy

We need to sell our company, not just the products. We have to sell our service and support.

The Yearly Total Sales chart summarizes our ambitious sales forecast. We expect sales to increase from $250,000 last year to approximately $2.7 million next year. The marketing strategy is the core of the main strategy, and is multi-faceted.

5.5.1 Sales Forecast

Sales forecasts are based on the following information:

• The acquisition of an asphalt plant, in place by April, 2001.
• A minimum 45.5K ton asphalt sales in year one.
• Our gravel sales total reflects 45.5K tons “sold” to our asphalt plant.

5.6 Milestones

The accompanying table lists important program milestones, with dates and managers in charge, and budgets for each. The milestone schedule indicates our emphasis on planning for implementation.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Our management philosophy is based on responsibility and mutual respect. At present, including our trucking and excavating personnel, we number 11. We expect to grow to 17 with the addition of the asphalt plant, and to 20 by next year.

6.1 Organizational Structure

The team includes 11 employees, under our president. Our main management divisions are sales and marketing, production, delivery, and administration. Service is handled by all divisions, with direction from administration.

6.2 Management Team

Justin McCarty, Bayfield, Colorado – President, owner of an excavating, landscaping, trucking and road grading business, Mr. McCarty has extensive experience in all phases of gravel and rock hauling, production and industry practices. Mr. McCarty oversees operations of the corporation, and additionally, is a major consumer of plant products.  He also will be a consumer of asphalt products.

Chad Hughes, Durango, Colorado – Vice-president, sales and marketing, educated in natural resources management, and with extensive customer-service experience, Mr. Hughes focuses on developing public accounts.

Gary Small, Mancos, Colorado – Production, Mr. Small has many years of crusher and asphalt-related experience.

Baylin Berg, Durango Colorado – Delivery, Mr. Berg has been instrumental in developing a revolutionary delivery plan to save money for our customers, as well as increase revenues for our trucking division.

Bill Mazur, Durango, Colorado – Administration, Bill is responsible for the day-to-day company operation, as well as coordinating all the departments.

6.3 Personnel Plan

The following table shows the Personnel Plan for Durango Gravel.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

• Inventory turnover is not a critical element to ensure profitability.

7.1 Important Assumptions

The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the following table. The key underlying assumptions are:

• We assume a slow-growth economy, without major recession.
• We assume, of course, that there are no unforeseen changes in technology to make products immediately obsolete.
• We assume access to equity capital and financing sufficient to maintain our financial plan as shown in the tables.

7.2 Key Financial Indicators

The most important factor to Durango Gravel, Inc.’s anticipated growth is the procurement of necessary financing for our asphalt plant. The following chart shows projected changes in key financial indicators:

• Inventory Turnover

7.3 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart describe our estimated monthly break-even point. Based on our estimated sales and expenses, our monthly break-even point is shown below.

7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

We expect to close year 2001 with excellent sales and very respectable profits.

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

The cash flow depends on assumptions for inventory turnover, payment days, and accounts receivable management. Our projected 60-day collection days is critical, and it is also reasonable. We need $110,000 in new financing (current borrowing and additional investment) in March to get through a cash flow dip as we build up for mid-year sales.

7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

The Projected Balance Sheet is quite positive. We do not project any real trouble meeting our debt obligations–as long as we can achieve our specific objectives.

7.7 Business Ratios

The table follows with our main business ratios. We do intend to improve gross margin and collection days. Industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 1442, Construction Sand and Gravel, are shown for comparison.

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Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

• Post author: Ane
• Post published: May 3, 2020
• Post category: BUSINESS-PLAN-AND-FEASIBILITY-STUDY / Business Tips / C.A.C. INCORPORATION
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Granite Milling Processing Business Plan is about the granite quarry business. It’s also about granite supply and other quarry ancillary businesses. The supply of quarry machinery and accessories, stone granite mining, marble mining and processing, granite export, and domestic marketing.

In fact, this business plan also goes for quarry and stone-crushing gravel equipment executive business plan. This is Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

Great Value for Granite:

Table of Contents

As a matter of fact, granite is good for constructing countertops. In fact, granite countertop prices are competitive with artificial stone.  And, the price is relatively high because, as a natural product, you can’t just ‘make more granite’. In fact, not all natural stone is suitable for making nice solid countertops like granite. These qualities are what make granite very valuable.

Granite Milling Processing Business Plan a Mining Framework:

In continuation, the Granite Milling Processing Business Plan gives comprehensive details of both small and medium-scale granite mining businesses. This granite mining framework is valuable for mining projects and investment proposals. The fact is that this business plan is adaptable to other solid mineral business plans like those for copper, gypsum, coal, zinc, and lead. In fact, this is a formwork for how to start a mining business in Nigeria.

This plan details mining project profiles, the cost of setting up a mining business, product offering, and market segmentation. Indeed, the management profile and every aspect of the business forecasts are covered in the detailed viability analysis attached.

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Industry Overview for Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

Furthermore, the Nigerian mining industry is currently an active one but saturated with a lot of artisanal miners with crude implements. The fact is that Nigeria is endowed with numerous solid mineral resources like talc, iron ore, bitumen, gold, rock salt, gypsum, lead, and zinc. Others are coal, gemstones, kaolin, tantalite, bentonite and baryte. Fortunately, these are located in different parts of the country in good commercial quantities.

However, the constitution of Nigeria vests the ownership of solid minerals in the Federal Government of Nigeria. That means the federal government is the custodian of the land and the endowed natural resources on behalf of the citizens. In fact, for regulatory purposes, the government regulates the solid mineral industry through its Solid Mineral Development Act.

In fact, this same Act defines the title ownership. Other issues taken care of by this Act include community relationships and solid mineral tax matters. You can get more of this information from us. So, contact us for your commercial information at minimal costs. Or get our solid mineral mining e-book. A guide for solid mineral investment in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the Need for Foreign Investors has risen recently, too. Apparently, the government has recognized that the development of the mining sector is not as expected. It realizes that the exploration and exploitation of its mineral resources may not be met locally only. This is because there are needs for technical expertise and financial strength which foreign investors can introduce. Therefore, there are incentives to attract foreign investors.

Mining Titles: Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

On account of this, the government grants mineral titles to suitable investors to explore, mine, and market desired mineral resources.  In fact, the solid mineral cadastral office manages this. It, therefore, receives and approves applications for mineral titles and licenses. Therefore, investors can freely apply for mining titles and can own more than one title.

Mining Incentives: Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

Furthermore, mining incentives are policies to encourage all miners. The incentives include the granting of a three-year tax holiday for start-ups, which may be extended for one further period of two years. In addition, are custom duty exemptions in respect to plant, machinery, equipment, and accessories imported specifically and exclusively for mining operations.

Additionally, there is free transferability of funds through the Central Bank of Nigeria.  Again, they could retain a portion of their earned foreign exchange in a foreign exchange domiciliary account for use in acquiring spare parts and other inputs required for the mining operation. However, equipment imported must be such that would otherwise not be readily available without the use of such earnings. Read more from Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

Sector’s Ancillary Business Opportunities:

Furthermore, this sector showcases other business opportunities. Such business activities as the importation and local marketing of modern mining equipment are part of it. In fact, other investment opportunities are those for modern mineral testing and quality control technologies and reagents. Other business opportunities in this sector include investments in local sales and export of crude or processed solid minerals.

The executive summary of Granite Milling Processing Business Plan follows.

Executive Summary For Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

Granite Milling Processing Business Plan is for Complete Granite Mining Company. Complete Granite Mining Company is a legally incorporated mining company based in Ojo Town of Kogi State of Nigeria. Currently, we are operating with three granite mining licenses for three different locations in Kogi State. 

As a matter of fact, Granite Milling Processing Business Plan is our business forecast for the next three years. In fact, it is our administration and mining operation manual for the period.  Details of our company profile, products, production flow chart, our market and marketing strategies are covered in this plan. The feasibility analysis segment covers all costs of operation, marketing, and turnover forecasts.

It’s therefore classified into operation (mining and processing segment) report, marketing, and administration segments. In summary, all of these are finally presented in a formal financial reporting standard formats. Our capacity to perform is displayed by the balance sheet and cash flow statement.

Vision Statement – Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

Our vision is to own a granite milling plan in 12 states of the federation in the next five years. In fact, we want to be counted among the first 5 brands of granite mining in Nigeria.

Mission Statement

Establishing a world class granite mining company in Nigeria is not easy, but that is our goal. In fact, our mission will be accomplished by the time we gain international recognition in the next 10 years.

Our Business Structure:

As a matter of fact, our organization is designed to achieve international recognition right from the onset. That is why we have in place a world-class corporate governance structure. Our scalar chain in operation runs both bottom-top and top-bottom systems depending on the command initiatives.  Our management team made of our board of directors and career professionals will ensure this is sustained. In fact, only qualified and competent employees are billed to occupy all our managerial positions.

In view of that, career professionals are to be employed to fill the following positions at Complete Granite Mining Company.

• Chief Executive Officer – The Principal Director
• Granite Mine Crushing Manager
• Human Resources and Admin Manager
• Finance Director

Furthermore, these will be supported by the following efficient employees.

• Logistics Officer.
• Sales and Marketing Officer
• Accountants/Cashiers
• Admin Officers
• Granite Mining Casual Workers
• Truck Drivers
• Customer Service Executives
• A copy of Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

OUR PRODUCT & SERVICES:

Complete Granite Mining Company is in business to make money. So, every activity is designed to ensure we maximize profits. But, this we do by letting our customers have value for their money. To achieve this we have also taken time to define our products and services for different market segments.

Therefore, our products are:

• Granite of different sizes and colour – white granite, black granite, black and white, pink granite, red granite, blue granite, and green granite.
• Granite ore beneficiation to enhance its efficacy
• And granite ore concentrates
• Granite mining Consultancy Services

Furthermore, the trend of the granite market in Nigeria is encouraging. In fact, Granite mining in Nigeria has shown to be a lucrative business. The ever-increasing deficit in housing supply in Nigeria is estimated at over sixteen million; 16,000,000 units. In fact, the need for the provision of essential infrastructure has continued to drive the demand for granite chippings to record high.

Indeed, the quest of Lagos state which is basically sitting on a sedimentary environment to be amongst the top megacities in the world is also deepening the marketing and has led to the establishment of more quarries in the Lagos-Ibadan corridor in the past seven years. This is Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

As a matter of fact, research reveals that in 2009, there was a net production of about fifteen million (15,000,000) MT of granite chippings. But about sixteen million, two hundred thousand (16,200,000) MT was demanded in the Abuja axis of the market alone. This shows a net deficit of one million, two hundred thousand (1,200,000) MT. Therefore, the implication here is that there is a ready market for the product. In fact, this demand has quadrupled by 2020.

In summary, this market is open. The demand is high. The price is good. Granite miners are highly in high demand in Nigeria now. As you can see, Lagos, Abuja and major cities of Nigeria are having the first lift in building a network. In fact, individuals have extended their fancy building apatite to their local communities. Their homesteads.

Granite Milling Processing Business Plan – MARKETING PLAN:

Considering the trend of the market, we have to define our target market. Our market is targeted at the high net-worth individuals and organizations in the country. In fact, our market research reveals that we are to target the following; 

• Granite merchants
• Contraction companies – for houses, designs, bridges, etc.
• Art and culture companies
• High net-worth individuals
• Government agencies for promotional purposes

Our Competitive Advantage:

• These stand out and include;
• All year-round availability of resources,
• Ability to forward sell production when appropriate and
• Ability to comply with environmental laws.
• Vast experience of our management team
• Robust distribution network
• Excellent customer service culture
• Improved personnel welfare and working conditions.

Granite Milling Processing Business Plan – As a matter of fact, a concessions effort was made to analyze the demographics of our operational surrounding areas. In addition to this was a study on the nature of our existing competitors.  In fact, to sustain this, we currently have in place workable analytical strategies to determine our market share from time to time. This is to enable us to remain afloat even when new competitors enter our market.  Our marketing strategies are anchored on these.

The Marketing Strategies:

Therefore, our marketing strategies include the application of all essential gorilla marketing strategies, some of which include;

• Cause Marketing.
• Direct Selling.
• Co-Branding and Affinity Marketing.
• Point-of-Purchase (POP) Marketing.
• Internet Marketing.
• Paid Media Advertising.
• Word of Mouth Advertising.

The Feasibility Studies: Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

As stated above, this feasibility analysis segment covers all costs of operation, marketing, and turnover forecast. The analysis is classified into operation (mining and processing segment) financial, marketing, and administration segments financials. In summary, we have endeavored to present all of these in the financial tables and charts presented below.  Presented below, therefore, are our projected financial reports.

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Granite Milling Processing Business Plan Operational Checklist:

This is our operational checklist. We intend to adhere to it to achieve our stated goals.

For Start-ups:

These are essential –

• Business Name Availability Check
• Business Registration
• Obtaining TIN
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts – Regular & Mobile Money Accounts and Online Payment Platforms
• Application for mining license and permit to mine and market gold
• Insurance for the Business
• Leasing essential facilities and renovating them 
• Conducting Feasibility Studies
• Generating capital from family members, Loan from the bank,
• Writing of Business Plan

Furthermore,

• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents
• Design of The Company’s Logo
• Printing of Promotional Materials
• Recruitment of employees
• Procurement of the needed gold mining machines and equipment, furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV
• Creating an Official Website for the Company
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License)
• Launching party planning
• Establishing business relationships with Jewelry production companies and other stakeholders
• Purchase of tippers and delivery trucks
• Getting a copy of Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

For Existing Outfit:

This is a continuous validation of the above landmarks. And then;

• Updating the certificates – Renewing Mining licenses and others
• Rendering statutory annual returns for C.A.C
• Rendering statutory annual returns for FIRS
• Obtaining Tax clearance certificates annually,
• Making necessary changes in the CAC incorporated documents as the need arises

Additionally, for existing firms;

• Obtaining the necessary contract bidding compliance certificate for ITF, NSITF, PENCOM and BPP
• Updating management business plans
• Updating contract agreements
• Making an Expansion business plan
• And many others

Why Contact Us? Granite Milling Processing Business Plan

Complete Full Marks Consultants Limited owners of this website is made up of experienced consultants.  If you contact us we will ensure all your start-up challenges and those for existing businesses as listed in the operational checklist above are taken care of.

Order this Granite Milling Processing Business Plan from us. The feasibility analysis is a technical aspect of the business plan. We can do it for you.

Contact us via +234 8034347851 or [email protected]

Please, help us share to reach others. Thanks for reading through Granite Milling Processing Business Plan.

Deacon Anekperechi Nworgu, a seasoned economist who transitioned into a chartered accountant, auditor, tax practitioner, and business consultant, brings with him a wealth of industry expertise spanning over 37 years.

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Quarry/Granite Stone Business Plan Download PDF and Msword

This is a complete quarry/granite/ business plan pdf that you can download from executive summary to financial to cashflow which you can use to apply for NIRSAL micro finance bank loan, Bank of Industry Loan, TEF grant or CBN SMES loan.

In case you want to apply for loan and has been searching quarry business plan that you can submit to get the loan, here is granite stone quarry business plan in Nigeria.

If you are into marble quarry and you need the business plan sample or complete business for quarry, below is the business plan you can download.

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1  Basic Assumptions 2.0EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1 Our Products 2.2 Our Vision 2.3 Our Mission 2.4 The Company 2.5 The Project 2.6 The Industry 3.0 MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING 3.1 Operational Structure 3.2 Profile of key staff 3.3 Management Staff 3.4  Other staff 3.5 Roles and Responsibility 4.0 TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS 4.1 Location and Environmental factor 4.2 Environmental factor 4.3 Installation and Test Running 4.4 Utilities and Infrastructure 4.5 Technology/Production Process 4.6 Production Diversification

5.0 THE MARKETING AND MARKET   5.1  Project Identification 5.2 Supply Analysis 5.3 Demand Analysis 5.4 Supply Gap 5.5 Market Arrangement 5.6 Market Prospect 5.7 Benefit of the Project

6.0 SWOT ANALYSIS 6.1  Strength 6.2 Weakness 6.3 Opportunities 6.4 Threat

7.0 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS   7.1 SCHEDULES 7.2 Projected Cash Flow Statements 7.3 Projected Profit and Loss Accounts 8.0RISK AND INCENTIVES 8.1 Insurable 8.2 Non-Insurable

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 introduction.

The quarry business being proposed in this report is about a quarry site where large deposits of stone/granites will be blasted and crushed into ‘chippings’ of varying sizes/Stone/granites deposits have been identified.

The site will support the production of chippings for quite a long period of time. The Reserve Deposit is estimated to last for 50 years at a yearly production of 100,000 tons/year.

Chippings are basic inputs in road construction works, buildings, landscaping, construction of bridges and a host of other civil engineering works. Activities in these areas by governments, corporate entities and individuals are presently at their peak.

The situation is given a boost by the infrastructural development policies/programmes of the three tiers of government, especially at the State level. The market for chippings is so large that saturation in the near future is out of the question.

If anything, the quantum and tempo of infrastructural development activities is of the magnitude that is capable of constraining supply and creating a seller’s market in which big players in the quarry business will continue to call the shots for a long time.

Company Limited is aware of this business opportunity and intends to exploit it.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Although we are starting out on a small scale as a cottage company, but that will not in any way stop us from maximizing our potential in the stone crushing line of business by supplying crushed granite, dimension granite, gravels, and aggregates – stones.

As a business, we are willing to go the extra mile to invest in owning our own world – class and environmental friendly stone quarry and also to hire efficient and dedicated employees.

In the nearest future, we will ensure that we create a wide range of distribution channels all across the state. With that, we know we will be able to maximize profits in our business. Regimental Works Ventures will at all-time demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our customers’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our customers.

2.2 OUR PRODUCT AND SERVICES

KABALA QUARRY ENTERPRISES was established with the aim of maximizing profits in the construction cum building industry. We want to compete favorably with the leaders in the industry which is why we have put in place a competent team that will ensure that our products are of highest standard.

We will work hard to ensure that KABALA QUARRY ENTERPRISES is not just accepted in Kaduna State but also in other neighbouring states where we intend supplying our products.

2.3 OUR VISION STATEMENT

Our vision as a stone quarry company is to engage in national distribution of crushed granite, dimension granite, aggregates – stones, rocks, across major construction sites in the state.

2.4 OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to establish a standard and world class – environmental friendly stone quarry company that in our own capacity will favorably compete with leaders in the industry on the global stage. We want to build a stone crushing company that will be listed amongst the top 5 stone quarry company brands in Nigeria and Africa in general.

2.5 THE COMPANY

KABALA QUARRY ENTERPRISES was registered with Corporate Affairs Commission of Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1, 1990 on 21 st day of April, 2017 with Registration number BN 3502000.

The company decided to venture into Stone crushing works under the Solid Mineral sector after realizing that Nigeria is endowed with abundant mineral resources. However, not much has been done with regards to exploration and exploitation of these solid minerals.

Most of quarrying activities were concentrated and dominated by the Nigeria Railway Corporation for its construction of the railway line that needed the product badly at that time. During the collapse of railway transport over the years the demand dropped and then now shifted to only few construction companies where the demand of the products is not as high as with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

It is therefore, envisaged that with the New Economic Reforms of the Federal Government with its great emphasis on Railway Transport Revitalization, it is expected that the demand shall be more than the production. We are with the opinion that the benefits derivable due to establishment of this venture shall be enormous considering the economic empowerment of industrial development within the Mining Sector.

2.6THE PROJECT

The project is to be engaged in the Stone Crushing for local consumption. The plant is expected to operate 6 days a week. The major raw material is Stone Hardcore, which is all year round product. During the peak period (rainy season) from April to September the climate and weather, conditions are favourable to ensure that supply is surplus of demand.

The prices are lower and it is therefore a good period to stock pile raw material to keep production at optimal capacity during off-season (dry season). The project shall engage experienced technicians, mining/geological engineers and skilled work force who will make sure that high quality and right sizes of aggregates are produced and sold to the end users.

The market for the product is diverse especially with the various railway lines. The project was conceptualized with the following key factors in mind

• Poverty alleviation
• Employment generation
• Value addition
• Technology transfer

How to Download the Complete Quarry/Granite stone Business Plan

The above is just the introductory part, the full business plan is 24 pages and you can download it for N5000 . You can download the full Quarry Business Plan

For you to download the complete business plan straight to your email,kindly Click the>> DOWNLOAD for immediate response.

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Immediately after the payment, send your email address through text message to 08133717775 and I will send you the full Quarry/granite/stones Business Plan.

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Russia’s Stone Industry Today

This exclusive report looks at the main sources of decorative stone on the 17.075.400 km² territory of the Russian Federation, the leading quarrying and processing companies, imports, exports, the consumer market and future prospects. Author Yuri Sychov is Head of the Stone Dept. of yhe Federal Institute of Mineral Resources, and President of the Stone House Club in Moscow.

The Russian decorative stone industry today comprises 240 - 250 quarrying and processing companies, most of them quite small. Total raw material extracted in 2002 was around 450.000 tons, and the total amount processed was about 3,25 million m² (in slabs of equivalent 2 cm thickness). Some 31% was granite and similar hard rocks, 64% was marble and hard limestone, and 5% was soft limestone, sandstone, slate, quartzite, etc.

The most important stone producing region in Russia is the Urals (68% of blocks and 27% of processed products) - many quarries and processing factories are based here. The country biggest marble quarries are in the Urals region: Koyelga, operated by ZAO Koyelgamramor with an annual output of around 120.000 tons, and Mramorskoye, operated by ZAO Uralskii Mramor, with an annual production of around 53.000 tons. Russia's third big marble quarry is in south-central Siberia. Operated by OAO MKK-Sayanmramor, the Kibik-Kordon quarry currently has an output of around 27.000 tons a year.

Most granite quarries are located in the north-west of Russia, in the Karelian Republic and in Leningrad region. The Vozrozhdenie quarry, operated by Vozrozhdenie Holding Co., is the largest with an annual output of 26.500 - 32.000 tons. Since the break-up of the USSR, no statistics have been gathered by state authorities on decorative stone extraction or processing. However the author and colleagues have obtained reliable data from field surveys. The data in the table below is accurate to within 10-15%.

Processing factories

As a rule, the big Russian factories specialize in terms of the material sawn and polished: they work either marbles or hard stones. The largest marble processing plant is owned by ZAO Koyelgamramor. It is situated near Koyelga quarry and its annual output is around 400.000 m². Products include slabs, tiles and architectural products. The other large marble processing plant is operated by OAO MKK-Sayanmramor and it is situated near the Kibik-Kordon quarry in Siberia. Its principal product is marble tiles.

Among the granite processing establishments there is one which stands out - Moscow Stoneworking Combine (MKK) which in fact comprises four big factories. Combined output is around 380.000 m² a year (in equivalent 20-30 cm slab thickness). Products include slabs, tiles, paving, architectural parts, mosaics, memorials, kerb stones, etc. The second large granite processing organization is based in St Petersburg. The Vozrozhdenie group produces around 180.000 m² a year in 3 specialized shops. Slabs, architectural parts, steps and monuments are typical products. The third major granite processing company is ZAO Karelskii Granit with a factory near Kondopoga town in the Karelian Republic. The annual output is 80-90.000 m² and the main product line is slabs sawn from blocks extracted from various Karelian sources.

Modern equipment

Most Russian stone quarrying and processing companies employ modern equipment imported from Italy and other developed countries. In the marble quarries, portable diamond wire saws and chain saws are the most popular types of extraction machines. Today machines made in Russia can sometimes be found working alongside imported machines. In the granite quarries, the prevalent extraction technology is to drill a line of holes which are then filled with " gentle " explosives. This is known as "dynamic splitting" or the Finnish method. The explosive generally used today is called Granilen and it was invented by Russian scientists. A new method of slow explosion is now in use in some quarries. With the so-called "gas wedge" technology, the explosion in the blast holes proceeds very slowly - several seconds duration - ensuring minimum damage. The jet flame method is rarely used in Russia today. Diamond wire sawing is employed in the Vozrozhdenie granite quarry (one machine) and in one or two gabbro quarries in the Karelian Republic. This method is not very popular in Russia on account of the short life and high cost of the diamond wire when cutting granite.

All Russian decorative stone quarries are open cast - with one exception: the OAO Leningradslanets mine in Leningrad region. The profitability of mining limestone blocks here is ensured by sales of a by-product - combustible shale. Underground quarrying at Kibik-Kordon in Siberia is currently under study.

Most Russian stone processing plants are equipped with modern imported machines and production lines. According to the author's research, there are around 30 modern frame saw machines for granite, 8 frame saws for marble and limestone, 30 block cutters for marble and granite, 20 large diameter circular saw machines, 10 multi-axis diamond wire contouring machines, 25 calibrating and polishing lines and many secondary saws in Russia today.

Analytical review of the Stone Market

The reader may be surprised to learn that there are now more than 500 commercial and consulting firms on the Russian stone market. Most of them are based in the large cities. In Moscow the leading firms are OAO Mramorgranit, ZAO Metrospetstroy-Soyuz, Salon Gran-pri-MKK, OOO Granitglavstroy, OOO Tsentr-Mramor-Granit Marketing Service, Granul, Benefit, Novy Kamen, Stark-Kamen, AO Nast, MKK Trading House, OOO Alpary STK, ZAO Godopek and others. In St Petersburg the main companies are OOO Sardis, OOO Nensy, OOO Veresk PK Petromramor, OOO Sokrat, SK Iritas, OOO Stone-Trade, OOO Severny Kamen, OOO PK Litos and others.

Among companies in the other Russian big cities, the following are major: OOO Prirodny Kamen (Kazan), ZAO Etalon (Yekaterinburg), SK Diamant (Samara), OOO Granul-Novosibirsk (Novosibirsk), OOO Soliton (Tyumen), and Seit Ltd (Volgograd).

The Russian decorative stone market is estimated to be worth 400-500 million US $ including imports. The breakdown into product types is:

- slabs, semi-finished goods: 23,9% - tiles, small pieces: 36,6% - architectural parts: 10,8% - road-building products: 6,8% - memorials: 21,9%

As we can see, the most popular stone products in Russia are modular and other tiles. The most popular sizes are 300x300 mm, 305x305 mm, 400x400 mm, 300x600 mm and 400x600 mm, in 20 mm or sometimes 15 mm thickness. Tiles 10 mm in thickness are made but have not proved popular for practical reasons. Large and cut-to-size slabs account for 23,9% of consumption: the share is continually increasing.

Nowadays there are two types of buyers in the Russian stone market, which we will call business and direct consumers. The business buyers can be:

- Large state organisations - "monopolists" (OAO RZD, RAO Gasprom, RAO EES, etc.) and their regional departments who take decisions about building and financing; - Republican, regional and urban administrations; - Large and medium-size commercial companies, banks, shops and restaurants; - Dealers who represent a construction company in the regions; - Design and architectural practices who specify stone in their projects; - Stoneworking factories and memorial producers, who buy blocks from the quarry operators.

Consumers in the business market are usually situated in the big cities. They make large or very large purchases and are very price conscious. They work with well known, established stone suppliers and are paid on a commission basis.

There are three categories in the direct consumers market:

-Private individuals who make buying decisions for their own apartments, "cottages" or restoration projects; -Private individuals - owners of small building firms who carry out building and repair work in the private sector; -Private architects and designers.

The direct consumers market is in the development stage. The ratio between the business and direct consumers market is currently 55-60 / 40-45% by volume.

In 2002 Russian decorative stone imports totalled 92.000 tons. The breakdown was:

- rough blocks: 40.000 tons (33% marble, 67% granite); - slabs and tiles: 44.000 tons (850.000 m² in equivalent 20 mm thickness); - memorials: 8.000 tons.

The Ukraine was the leading supplier of granite blocks and semi-finished granite products. In 2002 the Ukraine was also the only foreign supplier of memorials in Russia. Granite blocks are also imported from Finland and Kazakhstan. Italy, Greece, Turkey and Spain are the leading suppliers of marble blocks, slabs and semi-finished products.

Regarding granite slabs, Italy, Spain and India are the main suppliers. However the main supplier of large cut-to-size cladding panels and modular tiles is China. This country also delivers a lot of road building products to Russia - kerbs, cube setts, etc.

The main importing companies are: OAO MKK Holding (granite blocks), Granul (granite & marble blocks and slabs), OOO Biely Kamen (granite & marble blocks), OOO Alpary STK, Stark-Kamen, AO Nast, Benefit Co., OOO Nensy, OOO Sardis, OOO Danko and others.

Stone exports from Russia are minimal - about 1,7-2,0% of the total extraction volume. The main buyers are the CIS countries and the Baltic states. A small quantity of granite blocks (mainly from Vozrozhdenie) was exported to Byelorussia, and some granite slabs and tiles were exported to Lithuania, Latvia and Kazakhstan. Small consignments of white marble blocks from Koyelga and Polotsk quarries were delivered to Italian and Spanish firms.

Future prospects

According to official estimates from the State Statistical Committee of Russia, the GDP is currently increasing at an average rate of 3% per annum. Foreign investments have hit highs and lows but overall the trend is upwards. There has been a building boom in Moscow, St Petersburg and other big cities in recent years and as a result stone consumption has increased - at up to 4-5% per annum. Compared with the situation in many European countries, the prospects for decorative stone consumption in the Russian Federation are currently more favourable. The share of the direct consumers stone market - currently 40-45% - will gradually increase due to a number of socio-economic factors, including a rise in purchasing power and the establishment of a genuine middle class. History shows that the middle class tends to lend stability to society. The business market will develop with increasing investment in the Russian economy - both domestic and foreign.

Simultaneously with the erection of new bank and office buildings there is a parallel growth in civil construction. In Moscow alone many new building projects are planned, including the Moscow City complex, the Ice Palace, around 60 skyscrapers, reconstruction of the Dynamo football stadium, subterranean trade complexes, the monorail system, etc. Total stone consumption for these projects is estimated at more than 1,5 million m². Stone consumption in the other big Russian cities is expected to increase in a similar fashion.

Article published on LITOS printed edition, nº 74, September 2004

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How Stalin transformed Moscow into a megapolis

“Moscow should adopt a European look. Historical monuments and buildings, of course, will remain, but the current Asian character of the city – all these crooked streets, weirdly constructed buildings and the strange coloring of houses – must be destroyed.” Surprisingly, these words were spoken long before Joseph Stalin, in 1913, when Nikolay Schenkov, a deputy for the Moscow Duma, was sharing his vision of the future Moscow with the newspaper ‘Voice of Moscow’. Schenkov was the head of Moscow Duma’s ‘Commission for the Improvement of the City’ that was established with the aim of adjusting the city’s planning for the needs of the epoch.

However, the Commission didn’t have the chance to implement its projects, due to the 1917 Revolution, but it’s remarkable that even before the Stalinist industrialization and urbanization started, the need for replanning Moscow was apparently obvious. Roman Klein, one of the city’s prolific architects of the era, said in an interview with ‘Voice of Moscow’: “[Moscow] is a large trading hub, whose population is increasing every year, the need for housing is growing and land is becoming more expensive. Whether we want it or not, houses will increase in height, overshadowing small mansions and rising above the churches’ domes.”

“It’s all piled up in a mess”

Tverskaya street in Moscow before the Revolution

The events following the 1917 revolution proved Klein absolutely right. From just 1918 to 1924, over 500 thousand people were relocated from Moscow suburbs and poor districts into downtown Moscow, occupying the manors of the former nobility and the city buildings – former posh hotels and high-class apartments, turning them into communal living quarters. Still, the need for housing was desperate, with many more people flocking to Moscow to work and study amidst the economic crisis of the 1920s. They all needed a place to live, so, during the 1920s, several teams of architects suggested their plans for the reconstruction of Moscow. None of them, however, were considered sufficient for implementation.

In 1932, a closed contest for the general plan of Moscow was run, with great architects, such as Le Corbusier, Hannes Meyer (second director of Bauhaus) and Ernst May (creator of the ‘New Frankfurt’) submitting their projects. Le Corbusier’s plan was the most radical one. “It’s all piled up in a mess and without a specific purpose,” Le Corbusier stated. “In Moscow, everything needs to be destroyed and rebuilt back again,” said the architect whose plan was to demolish the whole city center and recreate it using a rectangular grid of streets. Ernst May estimated that “Moscow as it is now is able to rationally house no more than 1 million residents.”

Meanwhile, by the beginning of the 1930s, the city held over 3 million people. With a really complicated network of streets, lanes and boulevards, streets still paved in many places with cobblestone, wood and, without pavement, Moscow wasn’t fully ready for industrialization with its heavy traffic.

In 1933, a design bureau called the Design workshops of the Soviet of Moscow was specially established to create the project for Moscow’s replanning. The so-called ‘General Plan for Moscow’s reconstruction’ was finished in 1935, but, by then, lots of construction had already begun: the first subway line, Sokolnicheskaya , was finished and preparations for creating the Moskva-Volga Canal had started. In the center of the city, the buildings of V. I. Lenin State Library of the USSR, Hotel ‘Moskva’ and the current State Duma were founded and rapid replanning of the streets began. Obviously, it involved demolishing some important parts of the old town.

What was lost

The demolition of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, 1931

The epoch of Moscow’s reconstruction coincided with an active anti-religious campaign led by the authorities. In 1928, the mass destruction of Orthodox churches had begun. The Bolsheviks did not hesitate to demolish old churches if they interfered with the expansion of roads – and, of course, many were demolished out of pure propaganda reasons and anti-religious zeal. Many churches were closed, with domes taken down, and used for anything from a grain storage to a factory or a research institute. Likewise, the whole districts of old low-rise buildings, often including historical manor houses, were under threat. According to the plan, all significant squares of the city, including the Red Square, were to increase at least twice, due to the demolition of the buildings around them. The width of almost all important streets of the city, avenues and highways also had to increase to 30-40 meters or more, due to the demolition and transfer of buildings that stood there.

Here is a list of the most important architectural losses.

– Simonov Monastery. Constructed in the 14-17 centuries and demolished in 1920-1930, the Simonov monastery was a historical monument and a memorial place. After the demolition of most of the buildings and the destruction of the monastery’s cemetery, a new Palace of Culture for ‘ZIL’ (a nearby automobile plant) was constructed in the monastery’s place.

Simonov Monastery

– Sukhareva Tower. Built in the Moscow Baroque style in 1692-1695, the tower housed the Moscow School of Mathematics and Navigation and, later in the 18th-19th century, many stores and workrooms were located there. Unfortunately, the tower was situated right in the middle of the Sadovoye Ring, a circle-shaped Moscow street that needed widening. Sukhareva Tower was, in the end, demolished in 1934.

Sukhareva Tower on Sukharevskaya square in 1927

– The old Kitay-Gorod wall. The fortress wall surrounding Moscow’s downtown was constructed in the 16th century by Italian architects. By the 1930s, it had long lost its fortification purposes and was just an impressive historical monument in the center of the city. But, the wall with its many towers was demolished in 1934-1935. Only one piece of the wall, about 150 meters, remained intact behind the ‘Metropol’ hotel.

The Kitay-gorod wall, 1934, before demolition

– Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The cathedral took 40 years to build, it was finished in 1883 and dedicated to Russia’s victory over Napoleon in 1812. The 103-meter cathedral was blown up in 1931. ​​The demolition was supposed to make way for the colossal Palace of the Soviets to house the country’s legislature, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Construction started in 1937, but was halted in 1941, when World War II started. In 1958, the swimming pool ‘Moskva’ was dug in its place. In 2000, the cathedral was rebuilt according to its original design.

Strastnaya square in Moscow (now, Pushkinskaya) before the Revolution. Strastnoy Convent in the center

– Strastnoy Convent. Founded in 1654, the convent dominated Pushkinskaya Square, one of Moscow’s central squares. It was demolished in 1931 and, later, ‘Pushkinsky’ cinema theater took its place.

The construction of Novy Arbat (Kalininsky Prospekt) in Moscow. The houses to the left are being constructed among the remains of a historical district.

– The urban area in the place of the current New Arbat Avenue was doomed for demolition along Stalin’s General plan of 1935; however, the actual demolition didn’t start until after the war, in the late 1950s – early 1960s. During the avenue’s creation, a whole historical district was demolished.

In general, the number of historical buildings officially protected by the state fell from 216 in 1928 to 74 in 1935. Of course, there were more than 74 historical buildings remaining in Moscow after 1935, they just weren’t all officially recognized. But, the numbers do show the scale of demolition. For example, all facades on Tverskaya Street were recreated, almost all churches in the center demolished and many buildings renovated beyond recognition. Some of the remaining historical buildings were moved without deconstructing them. But, the realization of the General Plan was halted in 1941 with the start of World War II.

What was gained

Gorky Street (now, Tverskaya street) after reconstruction.

Apart from the architectural monuments that were irreversibly lost, the city, at the same time, gained a great deal. Thanks to the widening of the central streets and creating radial avenues and highways, Moscow became ready to accommodate more people and, most importantly, to make transportation inside a vast city possible.

After the war, continuing the implementation of the General Plan, the new districts of Moscow surrounding the old city center were created following a grid principle, which made public transportation easier. The Moscow Automobile Ring Road was planned in the late 1930s and completed in 1962, a road that has crucial importance in the city’s transport. The Moskva-Volga canal was constructed (using the labor of convicts from the GULAG system), which allowed a shorter connection between the rivers and boosted the development of river transportation in Moscow Region.

Bolshaya Kolkhoznaya (Bolshaya Sukharevskaya) Square in Moscow, 1957.

The embankments of the Moskva River, 52 kilometers in total, were faced with granite, three bridges were reconstructed and nine new bridges were built. Many new water reservoirs around Moscow were created by building dams and new technologies were implemented in water cleaning and filtering. New public parks, most notably the Gorky Park, were also created, eventually making Moscow the greenest city in the world . The realization of the General Plan, although with some serious omissions, continued throughout the later years of the USSR’s existence.

Vital needs of a gigantic growing city were met in a space of about 20-30 years and it was more difficult, considering the fact that the realization of the General Plan was hindered and undermined by World War II. Although a number of cultural monuments were lost, the Stalinist reconstruction generally made Moscow what it is today and allowed for further development of the city that has continued after the fall of the USSR.

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MiningNewsBreaks – McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) Inks Definitive Agreement, Plan of Merger with Timberline Resources

McEwen Mining (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) , a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, Mexico and Argentina, has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of  Timberline Resources Corporation (TSX.V: TBR) (OTCQB: TLRS) . The merger will be between Timberline and a subsidiary of McEwen and, when completed, will expand McEwen’s existing portfolio of development and exploration projects in Nevada. According to announcement, Timberline shareholders will have the right to receive 0.01 of a share of McEwen’s common stock for each share of Timberline’s common stock. Timberline’s board of directors has unanimously recommended that shareholders vote in favor of the acquisition.

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/w9flW

About McEwen Mining Inc.

McEwen Mining is a gold and silver producer with operations in Nevada, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. In addition, the company owns approximately 47.7% of McEwen Copper, which owns the large, advanced-stage Los Azules copper project in Argentina. The company’s goal is to improve the productivity and life of its assets with the objective of increasing its share price and providing a yield. Rob McEwen, chair and chief owner, has a personal investment in the group of $220 million and takes an annual salary of $1. To learn more about the company, visit www.McEwenMining.com .

NOTE TO INVESTORS:  The latest news and updates relating to MUX are available in the company’s newsroom at  https://ibn.fm/MUX

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42 Trending Granite Mining Businesses [2024]

Granite is the most common igneous rock found at the earth's surface. Granite is used to manufacturing items we interact with daily, including countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, stair treads, cemetery monuments, and building veneer.

Therefore, starting a granite mining business can be profitable. To start a granite mine, write down a business plan that covers all the aspects of your business. You must register the business and raise funding to purchase the mining equipment. Then, find a potential quarry where you can mine quality granite. Your target customers can be manufacturers of construction items such as countertops.

Looking for some examples of a granite mining business?

Interested in case studies of a successful granite mining business? Check out our full list of success stories .

1. BlueGranite

Where they're located: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States Website traffic: 70K/month

2. Graniterock Construction and Construction Materials

Where they're located: Bakersfield, California, United States

Learn more about starting a granite mining business :

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start a granite mining business? -> Pros and cons of a granite mining business

Need inspiration?

-> Other granite mining business success stories

Other resources

4. Granite Merchant Funding

Granite Merchant Funding provides working capital from $2,600 to $7,500 to Small Businesses throughout the Continental United States. Same Day Funding!

Where they're located: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

5. RegattaGranitesIndia

We are a 20-year-old, certified Indian granite exporters ,granite suppliers & granite manufacturers in India,offering a wide range of granite slabs.

6. Marnite Industries

Marnite Industries is the best manufacturer of marble tiles and granite tiles in Pakistan and worldwide. Find contemporary and traditional flooring options.

7. SlabMarket

Find Granite, Marble and other natural stones online, using our SlabMarket™ service. We help you find the colors you want at the lowest possible prices. All shipping, handling and customs documents are handled by us so you can relax and enjoy the savings.

8. GA Granite

Where they're located: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

9. Braza Stone

10. Granite Countertops Seattle

Granite Countertops! Home Depot, Ikea, and Lowes prices! Best selection of granite countertops, marble, quartz kitchen countertop in the Seattle area.

Where they're located: Seattle, Washington, United States

11. Advanced Stoneworks

Where they're located: Mobile, Alabama, United States

12. Flooring, Countertops, Granite

American Carpets Inc, provides best flooring, cabinets, countertops and granite in Mobile, Gulf Shores, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.

13. Marble & Granite Sealing, Polishing, Cleaning, Crack Repair Orange County CA

Marble Specialist, Orange County's best value in marble & granite cleaning, polishing, sealing. Terrazzo & travertine countertop, floor, shower wall - stain removal, scratch repair stone restoration.

Where they're located: Huntington Beach, California, United States

14. Manncoin – Isle of Man Cryptocurrency

Where they're located: Braddan, Isle of Man

15. Brazilian Best Granite

Brazilian Best Granite is Virginia's leading fabricator of Granite, Marble, Quartz and Quartizite Countertops. Come see our new location in Portsmouth, VA.

Where they're located: Newport News, Virginia, United States

16. Granite Atlanta

With locations in Atlanta and Charlotte, NC, Bottega by Stones International offers a variety of granite and marble perfect for countertops, tiles and more.

17. Find Local Granite Countertops Professionals, Information Resources and More. House Painters

18. granite and cabinet nation.

Marble, Quartz and Granite Countertops Omaha! We have the largest selection of bathroom and kitchen cabinets and countertops in Omaha. Contact us today!

Where they're located: Omaha, Nebraska, United States

19. stoneconcepts

Stone Concepts. Wholesale fabricator and installers of granite, marble and quartz products. Located in Omaha, Nebraska.

20. homegranite-site

Home Granite & Cabinet Supply is a granite and cabinet supplier based in Omaha, Nebraska.

21. Welcome to Custom Granite Masters Inc.

22. Martins Countertops Omaha Nebraska

We fabricate and install solid surface, granite, marble, corian and quartz products. We create custom pieces all the time. From electrical outlets, cutting boards, shower inlays, soap dishes and more.

23. Granite Environmental LLC.

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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Reports: Biden administration set to deny 200-mile Ambler mining road through Alaska wilderness

An access road runs between the community of Kobuk and the Bornite camp in the Ambler Mining District, on July 24, 2021. The area has been explored for its mineral potential since the 1950s, and contains a number of significant copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver and cobalt deposits. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

The U.S. Department of the Interior as early as this week is expected to issue an environmental report that recommends denying a permit needed to build a 200-mile access road to the Ambler mining district, according to national news reports Tuesday.

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority applied for the permit to develop the road to access the mining district in Northwest Alaska. The Trump administration had approved the right-of-way permit in 2020.

Conservation groups and Alaska tribal entities, including the Tanana Chiefs Conference, sued to overturn the decision. The Biden administration also said it identified legal flaws in the process related to subsistence impacts and tribal consultation. The new look at the project led to the suspension of the permit and the supplemental environmental review that’s now underway.

Interior’s decision was reported in Politico and the New York Times on Tuesday, both citing anonymous sources. Officials with the Interior Department on Tuesday declined to comment on the agency’s plans or the news reports.

The proposed gravel road would link Alaska’s skeletal road system north of Fairbanks to the mining district, ending near Ambler and other villages. A portion of it would cross the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

The road is considered a first step before mining projects could potentially be developed to tap into rich deposits of copper, as well as the zinc and cobalt used in clean energy hardware like wind turbines and rechargeable batteries.

AIDEA said in a statement Tuesday that a denial will impact over 600,000 acres of state lands with active mining claims. The Alaska economic development agency said it would violate commitments made at statehood in 1959 allowing the state to develop its lands.

“To hinder access to our responsibly managed resources and then force America to import minerals from countries with questionable environmental practices is not just ironic — it’s irresponsible and unacceptable,” Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in the statement.

Supporters of the road project, including some communities in the region, say the road could lead to jobs for Alaskans while mineral development could produce well over $1 billion in state and local government revenue.

Opponents have expressed concerns about the road’s construction costs, estimated to run at least $750 million for the road and related infrastructure such as maintenance stations. Critics also say it will threaten caribou and other wildlife in the remote Alaska region, hurting subsistence harvests, and polluting lands and waters.

Doyon, an Alaska Native regional corporation and the largest private landowner in Alaska, late last year canceled a land-access agreement for the road, raising questions about how the road could proceed.

The Alaska economic development agency has proposed paying for the project by selling bonds to investors. The bonds would be paid off over time by charging annual fees to mining companies using the road, under lease agreements, according to the plan.

A representative with Ambler Metals, which is exploring two mineral prospects in the region, said in a statement Tuesday that if the reports are true, a rejection of the road would deny new revenues to the region. It would also undercut the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which set aside vast portions of Alaska for conservation and called for surface access to the mining district, the representative said in a written statement.

“We are stunned to hear reports that BLM may deny the Ambler Access Project, which received full federal approval four years ago and would enable safe and responsible domestic production of minerals that are critical for our national security and clean energy technologies,” said Kaleb Froehlich, managing director of Ambler Metals.

“We strongly urge BLM to reconsider what would clearly be an unlawful and politically motivated decision that goes well beyond the narrow set of issues the courts agreed to allow the agency to address,” Froehlich said.

Alaska U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, who has endorsed President Joe Biden, also made a critical statement on social media Tuesday, calling the decision “extremely disappointing and premature” and saying the road would aid clean energy development and national security.

“The Ambler Access Road is necessary to access the Ambler Mining District, the development of which could create new, good-paying jobs in a region of the state that has limited economic opportunity,” Peltola said.

The Interior Department released a draft environmental review of the Ambler road in October, setting the stage for a final report and the expected recommendation to kill the Ambler road project, Politico said in its report. A final decision and explanation from the Biden administration would follow later this year.

In a separate decision also involving resource development in Alaska, the Biden administration is expected in the coming days to finalize a decision cutting off oil and gas development in about half of the 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. That could potentially halt future large projects there after the administration approved the Willow oil field last year, angering many young left-leaning voters .

Additionally, this week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rejected a permitting appeal by Pebble Limited Partnership, based on the U.S. EPA’s decision under Biden to block the copper and gold prospect in Southwest Alaska.

Alex DeMarban

Alex DeMarban is a longtime Alaska journalist who covers business, the oil and gas industries and general assignments. Reach him at 907-257-4317 or [email protected].

Leaked presentation reveals Microsoft's astounding plan to ramp up data-center capacity for the AI boom

• Microsoft's data-center capacity jumped in recent quarters, a leaked internal presentation shows.
• The company is planning even faster data-center growth in the coming quarters.
• Microsoft delivered "record-level GPU capacity," according to the presentation.

Microsoft significantly expanded its data-center capacity recently and plans to ramp up growth to astounding levels going forward, according to an internal document obtained by Business Insider.

Since July 2023, the start of Microsoft's latest fiscal year, the company delivered more than 500 megawatts of new data-center capacity , the document disclosed.

This document was part of a confidential slide deck from the company's Cloud Operations and Innovation team that was presented earlier this year.

Under the heading "Commercial Cloud and AI Demands: Fueling our Expansion," the document said Microsoft surpassed 5 gigawatts of total data-center installed capacity in the first half of its latest fiscal year.

The rise of generative artificial intelligence and huge foundation models is fueling a new data-center boom . Microsoft is leading the way through its partnership with OpenAI , the startup behind ChatGPT and GPT-4 .

These AI models need to be trained on mountains of data and then fine-tuned intensely. That takes thousands of GPUs and a pile of other related gear that's housed in huge data centers. These facilities use so much power that their capacity is measured in megawatts and gigawatts of electricity.

Shaolei Ren , an electrical and computer engineering professor at the University of California, Riverside, said Microsoft's 5 gigawatts of installed data-center capacity was equivalent to Hong Kong or Portugal's annual energy consumption.

"Astonishing speed"

It doesn't stop there. The software giant laid out even more radical growth plans for its data-center empire in the document obtained by BI.

Related stories

"With a strong Commercial Cloud business, our goal is clear," Microsoft said in this part of the slide presentation.

Microsoft wants to double new data-center capacity in the second half of its fiscal year. This runs from early 2024 to the middle of this year.

In the first half of Microsoft's 2025 fiscal year, which runs from early July through the end of 2024, the company aims to "achieve 3x growth" in new data-center capacity.

This requires Microsoft to deliver more than 200 megawatts in data-center capacity every month.

"This is an astonishing speed," Ren told BI. "This is a very large data-center capacity."

Ren said Microsoft's capacity plans suggested the company was either seeing huge demand or simply wanting to stay competitive by securing future power capacity that otherwise might be taken by competitors.

He added that this also raised questions about the environmental consequences of adding such a large data-center footprint, given the carbon emissions and water consumption of the facilities.

A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment.

'Record-level GPU capacity'

The company is also securing a record number of GPUs to handle new AI workloads in data centers.

In the second half of last year, Microsoft delivered "record-level GPU capacity," more than doubling its total installed GPU base, the document said, without mentioning actual numbers.

Microsoft's GPU footprint expanded into 39 additional data centers in this period, and the company now has "AI clusters" live in 98 locations globally.

Contact the reporter, Eugene Kim, via the encrypted-messaging apps Signal or Telegram ( +1-650-942-3061 ) or email ( [email protected] ). Reach out using a nonwork device. Check out Business Insider's source guide for other tips on sharing information securely.

Axel Springer, Business Insider's parent company, has a global deal to allow OpenAI to train its models on its media brands' reporting.

Watch: How tech layoffs could affect the economy

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