Fresno County supervisors approve CEMEX mining expansion project

Key Points:

• Fresno County supervisors approved a scaled-back plan allowing Cemex to blast and dig deeper at its Rockfield quarry near the San Joaquin River, overturning a previous Planning Commission deadlock.
• The approved project limits mining depth to 300 feet and duration to 63 years, with setbacks of 300 feet from the river and 150 feet from Friant Road, compared to Cemex's original request for 600 feet depth over 100 years.
• Supporters emphasized job creation and economic benefits, while opponents, including environmental groups and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, raised concerns about impacts on wildlife, salmon spawning, and nearby conservation efforts.
• Cemex has mined the site since at least 1913, with blasting expected once or twice weekly during limited hours, and must address a land encroachment issue with state property through a land swap.
• The approval includes conditions such as maintaining current quarry hours and Cemex covering county legal costs if the decision is challenged, amid ongoing disputes over the project's environmental review compliance.