CRH, the Dublin-based building materials group, has acquired the mineral rights to the San Rafael Rock Quarry in California from the Dutra Group. The deal, completed in November 2024, also includes Dutra's Bay Area materials operations. However, the Dutra family retains ownership of the land, confirmed Aimi Dutra, a company executive.
CRH will assume responsibility for operating the quarry and implementing its reclamation plan, which was extended in 2021 to allow operations through 2044. The site has been subject to long-standing community concerns over noise, dust and traffic. Compliance with the quarry’s operating permit, which limits activities such as truck trips to 250 per day, is monitored by Marin County's Department of Public Works.
According to county spokesperson, Julian Kaelon, “Based on the 2023 annual report, the peak average was 104 truck trips per day, which was the month of November. That peak average is consistent with prior years too.”
Local residents have noted a reduction in quarry activity in recent years. “It’s been much quieter overall,” said Bonnie Marmor of the Point San Pedro Road Coalition, who confirmed continued communication with the Dutra family.
The acquisition marks CRH’s latest expansion in California. Scott Parson, a regional president at CRH, highlighted the state's robust construction market, describing it as “one of the largest in the United States and presenting attractive opportunities for continued growth.”
CRH reported revenues of US$34.9bn and a net income of US$3.1bn in 2023. Known for its acquisitive growth strategy, the company spent US$4.6bn on 35 acquisitions last year, including US$2.1bn for material assets in Texas.
