US building materials giant takes control of Jamaican mineral interests

US building materials giant Martin Marietta Materials has added Jamaican limestone, marble and bauxite interests to its international portfolio following its US$12.9-billion acquisition of Lhoist North America, bringing the Clarendon-based Chemical Lime Company of Jamaica Limited under the ownership of one of the largest producers of construction and industrial materials in the United States.

The transaction, completed on August 21, gives Martin Marietta an indirect interest in mineral resources at Braziletto, Clarendon, where Chemical Lime holds two limestone quarry licences and separate mining licences for marble and bauxite. The Jamaican assets form part of a much larger acquisition through which Martin Marietta is seeking to expand its presence in high-value lime and industrial minerals.

Jamaica’s inclusion in the enlarged group was confirmed in Martin Marietta’s third-quarter filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Wednesday, November 4. The country is now listed among the operating locations of the company’s Specialties business, which produces high-calcium lime, dolomitic lime and industrial mineral products for construction, manufacturing and other industrial applications.