Aggregate 101

Aggregate refers to sand, rocks, gravel, crushed stone, shale, and any rock product mined from the ground. These materials play a crucial role in various construction projects: from building roads, homes, and schools, to hospitals and water treatment plants. Much like oil and gas, aggregates are a non-renewable natural resource we need to maintain and build infrastructure.

More than 80% of concrete, 90% of asphalt, and 100% of glass is made from aggregates. Additionally, a special type of sand is produced for frac operations in oil exploration. Aggregates are also needed for cosmetics, toothpaste, and many other applications.

Per capita, each Albertan utilizes 10-15 tonnes of aggregate annually, which is equivalent to a full truckload.

Aggregates are non-renewable, and once land is developed over it, access to aggregate is permanently lost. If local aggregate resources are not available, the cost of hauling aggregates from distant sites increases, which increases the cost of construction and maintenance. Every kilometer of travel adds $0.10/tonne to gravel costs, along with increased vehicle emissions and added wear on roads.

Here are some averages for the amount of aggregate needed to build vital infrastructure, homes, and buildings...