The Martin Marietta quarry has thrived in Cayce for more than 130 years. It’s at the intersection of State and Frink Streets. Rock from the quarry has helped build not only Columbia, but Charleston, too, said  Alex Jolly, District Production Manager for  Martin Marietta. 

The quarry sits in the District of Cayce City Councilman Byron Thomas . He is pleased to have the quarry and Martin Marietta in Cayce. 

“Martin Marietta is an outstanding community partner.” Thomas said. “They consistently sponsor and provide space for city events, and they listen to my constituents’ concerns, like repairing the fence around Riverland Park. They are even exploring my idea for a walk/run through the Cayce quarry to showcase District 2 and the City of Cayce to the world. I’m truly grateful for their partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to make District 2 and the City of Cayce even better.”

Below are some questions posed the Alex Jolly, with his answers: 

The Martin Marietta quarry has a long past in Cayce. Describe its future in Cayce? 

“Cayce Quarry has been operating since 1893, dating back more than 130 years. This site has been critical to the infrastructure advancement of Columbia and Charleston over the period.”

Do you expect to be here in the future?

“Technology continues to advance in our industry, enabling precise mine planning and operations to maximize reserves. We plan to be mining at Cayce for many years in an effort to support the continued growth in South Carolina.”

What precautions, or courtesies, does Martin Marietta take to make sure to be a good neighbor?
“Martin Marietta seeks to hire locally, use local contractors and engage in our communities in a variety of ways. Without aggregate, roads do not get widened, homes do not get built and utilities do not operate optimally. We look for opportunities to participate in the community and local economy. A good example is Soiree on State, a City of Cayce beloved event. Annually, we support the event at the highest level which promotes local businesses and brings awareness to the great city of Cayce. Our local team has established relationships with local officials, schools, police/fire departments, etc. Cayce Quarry contributes to local charities in effort to support the surrounding communities. The site also contributes to the Cayce Beautification Foundation, Harvest Hope Food Bank, local schools, amongst others. Cayce Quarry also makes strong connections with neighbors. We do this through education like community days, tours for residents, HOA meetings, CWC business meetings, etc. As well as having open communication with the community.”

Do you have a good relationship with the City of Cayce?
“Martin Marietta has a strong relationship with the City of Cayce. We stay connected with Mayor Partin, Councilman Thomas, City Manager Conley, local staff, etc. on city issues and opportunities. We view the relationship as a true partnership.”

How are the plans for the 5K Quarry run going?
“We are in the process of planning a “quarry 5K run” at our Cayce Quarry in Fall 2026. We’re very excited to open up the quarry to the community for an educational, fun experience. There will be. more details to come.”

Do you see a continued demand for the rock Martin Marietta produces?
“I think we can all agree that South Carolina’s roads and bridges need expansion and rehabilitation to accommodate the migration into our great state. SCDOT made progress through enacting a 12-cent gas tax increase which reached its final 2 cent increase in 2022 along with IIJA monies which contributed an additional 30% federal contribution to the transportation budget. Still, SCDOT has many identified projects that will require funding to get the South Carolina road and bridge system in a state of repair and expansion. Outside of infrastructure, data centers, warehousing and heavy manufacturing continue to be large drivers for aggregate demand.”

More facts about the quarry in Cayce:

• The Martin Marietta Granite Quarry in Cayce was opened in 1893.
• The quarry is three-fourths of a mile wide and 600-ft. deep.
• Annual production at the quarry is 1.8 million tons.
• The quarry employs 30 people in Cayce
• Rock from the Martin Marietta Cayce Quarry has been used for I-20 and I-26, 12th Street Extension, Cofferdams on the Congaree River, VC Summer Energy Plant, and Lake Murray Dam.
• The rock not used locally goes to Charleston and has been used on the Ravenel (new Cooper River) Bridge, the Volvo Car Plant and the Walmart Distribution Center in Ridgeville.
• Crushed stone, sand and gravel are known as aggregates. The aggregates industry provides 1,043 jobs in South Carolina and produces 31 million tons of crushed stone, 9 million tons of sand and gravel, and accounts for almost 80,000 miles of public roads.
• The Martin Marietta Granite Quarry in Cayce was opened in 1893. It’s three-fourths of a mile wide and 600-ft. deep.
• Annual production at the quarry is 1.8 million tons. The quarry employs 30 people in Cayce
• Rock from the Martin Marietta Cayce Quarry has been used for I-20 and I-26, 12th Street Extension, Cofferdams on the Congaree River, VC Summer Energy Plant, and Lake Murray Dam.
• The rock not used locally goes to Charleston and has been used on the Ravenel (new Cooper River) Bridge, the Volvo Car Plant and the Walmart Distribution Center in Ridgeville.
• Crushed stone, sand and gravel are known as aggregates.
• The aggregates industry provides 1,043 jobs in South Carolina and produces 31 million tons of crushed stone, 9 million tons of sand and gravel, and accounts for almost 80,000 miles of public roads.