Ash Grove Cement has acquired Geofortis LLC, operator of a Utah-based raw natural pozzolan milling and classifying line and nearby deposit. Since beginning production in 2021, Geofortis has obtained approvals for its supplementary cementitious material from agencies in California, Colorado, Nevada and Utah. These are among Western states where public or private construction interests are evolving concrete specifications due to diminishing fly ash availability.
Referring to the integration of the Geofortis team and facility, Ash Grove President Serge Smith noted that it: “aligns perfectly with our long-term growth strategy and commitment to sustainability. High-quality natural pozzolan products complement our existing portfolio and will enable us to offer more environmentally friendly solutions to customers. This acquisition reinforces our dedication to developing sustainable solutions that build, connect, and improve our world.”
In addition to fly ash substitution, raw or calcined (metakaolin) natural pozzolans are emerging as partial portland cement replacements in concrete mix designs for projects with low-carbon requirements. American Concrete Institute and Natural Pozzolan Association committee and standards development work have dovetailed Geofortis and peers’ site permitting and material processing capacity ramp up.
