KINGSTON, Jamaica, Nov. 8, CMC – Jamaica’s limestone, marble and bauxite resources in Clarendon are now part of the international portfolio of US building materials giant Martin Marietta Materials, following its US$12.9 billion acquisition of Lhoist North America.
The deal, completed on August 21, places the Clarendon-based Chemical Lime Company of Jamaica Limited under the indirect ownership of one of the largest producers of construction and industrial materials in the United States.
Chemical Lime holds two limestone quarry licences, along with separate mining licences for marble and bauxite at Braziletto in Clarendon.
Jamaica’s inclusion in Martin Marietta’s operations was confirmed in the company’s third-quarter filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on November 4.
The acquisition forms part of Martin Marietta’s strategy to expand beyond its traditional aggregates business into high-value lime and industrial minerals.
The transaction also gives the company access to 20 quarries and production facilities and 45 distribution terminals serving industries including steel manufacturing, construction and environmental services.
Martin Marietta Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ward Nye described the acquisition as a defining milestone in the company’s expansion, noting that the newly acquired operations generated US$216 million in revenue between August 21 and the end of September.
However, the company has not announced any specific plans to expand production or increase investment in Jamaica, and the financial contribution of its Clarendon operations remains unclear.
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