Sloan Construction Blacksburg Quarry (Proposed)

The Blacksburg Mine will generate additional revenue into Cherokee County with Sloan's investments and employee spending on goods and services.

The project is expected to generate:

• 60 jobs in the construction phase
• 35 full-time positions once operations begin
• 340 spinoff jobs throughout the region
• $15 million in construction spending and permitting

Economic Benefits for the Region

The proposed granite mine will be a catalyst for creating jobs, spurring spending on goods and services and generating property taxes. Upon approval, full mine operations will begin in about two years. But the region could benefit immediately as Sloan invests in start-up costs such as construction, equipment, materials, labor and permits.  As mining begins, Sloan's work force would bring in millions of dollars to several areas of the economy as they buy homes, shop at local retailers and dine at local restaurants - activity that likely will spur other businesses to add jobs.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ECONOMIC PICTURE

$15 Million Invested in Construction

The Blacksburg mine will covers 314 acres, with about 260 acres left intact to protect the natural environment. Mine operations, plant facilities and roads will share the remaining acres. When excavation of the granite begins, Sloan estimates 3/4 million tons of rock would be produced for market each year. Construction and start-up costs are projected to total $15 million.

35 Hires at Blacksburg  Mine, 300 More in Local Economy

Sloan  expects to hire a work force of 60 people during the construction phase of the Blacksburg  Mine, generating $2.2 million annually in labor income.  Once operations begin, Sloan plans to fill 35 full-time positions, including drivers, maintenance crews, plant operators and supervisors. The majority of positions would earn an average annual salary of $35,000 plus benefits.

NEW JOBS FROM BLACKSBURG MINE

Direct Hires: Sloan WorkForce

Start-up phase: 60 construction jobs; $2.2 million a year in income

Mining phase: 35 drivers, plant operators, supervisors; $1.3 million a year in income