100 years of beach mining ends as Cemex closes California sand mine

Over a 100 years of beach mining will end when Cemex closes its Marina Sand Mine in California.

The California Coastal Commission has approved the agreement Cemex negotiated with Commission Staff regarding the continued operation of the Cemex Lapis sand plant at a meeting in Seaside, Calif.

[caption id="attachment_85276" align="alignright" width="391"] Over a  100 years of beach mining will end when Cemex closes its Marina Sand Mine in California[/caption]

This agreement is part of a settlement of disputes with the Commission, the State Lands Commission and the City of Marina over the historical operations of the more than 110-year-old Lapis sand plant.

The sand provided by the Lapis plant has been used in countless California infrastructure projects, as well as for environmentally-beneficial uses such as water treatment, and even by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The approval by the Coastal Commission was the result of years of discussions and is another step in the retirement of the plant operations in 2023.

At the hearing, the Coastal Commission set forth the long history of the Lapis sand plant operations. As part of the resolution, Cemex withdrew its filings that detailed the multiple reviews of the Lapis sand plant operations by various regulatory agencies over the past 50 years without any raising the alleged violations or concerns at issue in this matter. Cemex has maintained an open-door policy at the site, hosting many elected officials, governmental representatives and their staff.

“The Lapis sand plant will continue to operate responsibly during the multi-year phase-out period, just as it has for decades,” Eric Wittmann, regional president - west region, Cemex, said.

This settlement confirms Cemex’s commitment to balance the interests of all stakeholders of its operations, including its employees, suppliers and customers, their employees, and members of the communities in which it operates. Cemex will continue its long-standing support of the environment in the region during the phase-out period.

“We have had a terrific relationship with Cemex in the years they’ve owned the property,” said Kriss Neuman of Point Blue Conservation Science, a research institute that has been working to conserve birds, including the snowy plover, as well as other wildlife and ecosystems through science, partnerships and outreach since 1965. “It’s been very transparent on both sides. We keep each other informed.”

The Lapis sand plant is located on an approximately 400-acre ocean front site in Marina with more than a mile of ocean front. Cemex looks forward to participating in the transition of this unique site following the cessation of active operations.