Limestone is an essential part of any construction project, including construction of homes, hospitals, schools and roads. Limestone makes up approximately 90 percent of asphalt pavements and 80 percent of concrete. Approximately 300 - 400 tons of limestone is used in the construction of an average family home. Limestone also provides agricultural benefits. Local farmers spread crushed limestone on farm land to improve the crop yields of the soil. For more information on limestone production, go to www.molimestone.com

Every day, Springfield residents benefit from the limestone mined at Springfield Underground. They drive on concrete or asphalt streets, highways and roads made from Springfield Underground limestone, including Sunshine Street or Interstate 44. Many Springfield homes, businesses and institutions, such as St. John’s Hospital, are built on foundations or with walls containing Springfield Underground limestone.

Springfield Underground is proud of its role in the growth of Springfield since 1946 and looks forward to continuing that role for years to come. In fact, Springfield Underground recently contributed 1/3 of the cost of improving the intersection at Kearney and LeCompte in a joint project with the City of Springfield and the Missouri Department of Transportation.

As a leader in water detention systems, Springfield Underground is also a good steward of the land, having constructed multiple detention basins on its property which are a model for storm water management. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recognized Springfield Underground for its efficient use of land with its presentation of the Natural Resources Steward Award.

Springfield Underground reduces the impact mining may have on surrounding communities by conducting its mining operations underground. Every community must have access to locally-produced aggregates to continue growth. Transportation costs of aggregates are so high that it is cost prohibitive to transport it over long distances. Underground mining provides a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly solution.

Some Important Facts about Limestone and Infrastructure:

• Construction of a typical home requires 300 to 400 tons of crushed stone (aggragates).
• Approximately 80% of the concrete in roads and other structures is comprised of crushed stone; approximately 90% of asphalt roads and parking lots is crushed limestone. One mile of a two-lane concrete highway requires 7,200 tons of crushed limestone; one mile of a two-lane asphalt highway requires 10,300 tons.
• About one-half of all crushed stone production is used for publicly-funded projects, such as highways, bridges, water/sewer systems, public buildings, airports, etc.
• Most aggregates are used within 40 miles of where they are extracted and are typically hauled by dump truck. After a truck loaded with crushed stone travels about 20 miles, freight charges usually begin to exceed the cost of the materials it carries.
• Limestone is mined in 92 of Missouri's 114 counties, and the industry employs more than 2,500 people with a combined payroll of more than $70 million.
• More than 75 million tons of crushed limestone products are produced in Missouri each year -- roughly 10 tons for each resident.