Sand, Gravel, Limestone & Aggregate Resources – Southwest United States
Securing a viable aggregate deposit requires far more than identifying material in the ground. Successful acquisition depends on coordinated evaluation of geology, land position, mineral rights, logistics, permitting risk, and long-term operational feasibility. Aggregate Consulting provides specialized deposit acquisition consulting for investors, operators, and landowners seeking to secure sand, gravel, and limestone resources throughout Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and the broader Southwest.
With over 36 years of hands-on experience in aggregate operations, plant development, and deposit evaluation, our firm delivers field-based insight that goes beyond desktop reviews and theoretical reports.
Our Acquisition Approach: Consultant + Senior Landman Model
Most acquisition efforts fail because land, title, and operational feasibility are evaluated separately. Our process integrates technical aggregate consulting with professional landman services to provide a unified, real-world due diligence framework.
This coordinated approach combines:
- Operational deposit evaluation
- Land and mineral title analysis
- Acquisition strategy development
- Risk and feasibility assessment
- Negotiation advisory support
This structure significantly reduces acquisition risk before capital is committed.
Role of Senior Landman – Shawn Scholl
Deposit Acquisition & Mineral Positioning Specialist
Aggregate Consulting works in coordination with Senior Landman Shawn Scholl (University of Oklahoma – Petroleum Land Management), who provides specialized expertise in land and mineral acquisition for resource development projects.
Landman services include:
- Mineral and surface title research
- Ownership verification and chain of title review
- Lease and purchase negotiation support
- Multi-tract land assembly
- Easement and access evaluation
- Royalty structuring advisory
- Identification of severed mineral estates
In many Southwest aggregate projects, mineral rights, surface ownership, and access corridors are fragmented. Proper land positioning is critical to securing long-term operational control of the deposit.
Deposit Acquisition Services
1. Deposit Identification & Screening
Preliminary evaluation of potential sand, gravel, and limestone resources based on location, logistics, and market demand.
2. Acquisition Due Diligence
Comprehensive review of geological, operational, and land-related factors prior to acquisition or lease commitments.
3. Land & Mineral Position Analysis
Detailed assessment of:
- Surface ownership
- Mineral rights status
- Title defects or encumbrances
- Access and easements
4. Feasibility & Risk Assessment
Real-world evaluation of:
- Haul distance economics
- Processing requirements
- Overburden and stripping ratios
- Water and infrastructure considerations
- Permitting and zoning constraints
5. Negotiation & Structuring Advisory
Professional guidance during lease, purchase, or option structuring to align acquisition terms with long-term operational viability.
Common Acquisition Mistakes We Help Clients Avoid
Based on decades of industry experience, the most frequent and costly acquisition errors include:
- Securing land before confirming economic reserves
- Incomplete mineral title verification
- Poorly structured royalty agreements
- Ignoring haul distance and market radius economics
- Overlooking access and permitting constraints
- Relying solely on limited drilling data
Our consulting process is designed to identify these risks early, before significant capital exposure occurs.
Southwest Market Expertise
(Texas • New Mexico • Oklahoma • Regional Markets)
The Southwest presents unique challenges for aggregate deposit acquisition, including rapid urban expansion, increasing competition for construction materials, fragmented land ownership, and evolving regulatory requirements. Our regional experience allows for realistic evaluation of both deposit potential and operational practicality within these market conditions.
Who We Serve
- Aggregate Producers
- Investors & Private Equity Groups
- Landowners with Mineral Assets
- Attorneys & Expert Witness Teams
- Construction Material Companies
- Developers Seeking Resource Control
Why Aggregate Consulting
Aggregate Consulting is led by John M. Pitts Jr., a fourth-generation aggregate industry professional with over 36 years of experience owning, designing, evaluating, and operating sand, gravel, and crushed stone operations, including dredge-fed and dry pit facilities. This operational background provides clients with practical, field-tested insight rather than theoretical analysis.
When combined with professional landman expertise through Shawn Scholl, clients receive a comprehensive acquisition strategy that addresses both the physical deposit and the legal land position.
Industry Analysis & Methodology
For a detailed overview of our acquisition methodology in the Southwest, see our technical article:
How Aggregate Deposits Are Actually Acquired: A Field Guide for Investors, Operators, and Landowners in the Southwest.
Confidential & Professional Engagement
All deposit acquisition consulting services are handled on a discrete, confidential basis and tailored to the specific project scope, ownership structure, and acquisition objectives.
Industry Analysis & Educational Resources
For a detailed educational overview on how aggregate reserves are actually valued compared to sales price assumptions, see our industry analysis:
Why Aggregate Reserves Are Not Equal to the Sales Price of the Material
For a detailed educational overview of how aggregate deposits should be evaluated prior to acquisition, see our industry analysis:
How to Properly Value an Aggregate Deposit Before Acquisition
For a detailed industry discussion on lease structures and acquisition strategy, see our article:
Royalty vs Ownership Models in Aggregate Leasing