VIENNA — A proposed limestone surface mine in Maries County could provide a closer source of rock for the county’s western road district, potentially lowering costs associated with road maintenance and gravel hauling.

According to a notice sent to adjacent property owners, 5M Rock Quarry, LLC has applied for a permit through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Land Reclamation Program to conduct surface mining operations on land in Maries County.

The proposed site is located in Section 15, Township 40 North, Range 11 West, and is associated with property at 31215 Maries Road 217 in Meta.

The notice says that the application was submitted under the Land Reclamation Act at 444.772.10 RSMo, which requires notification of nearby landowners when a surface mining permit is proposed.

According to the notice, 5M Rock Quarry, LLC has applied for a permit from the Department of Natural Resources, Land Reclamation Program, to mine limestone on 22 acres.

If approved, the operation is expected to run for several decades. “This operation will be conducted during the approximate dates of April 15, 2026 to March 31, 2066,” the notice said.

Limestone from the quarry could provide a local supply of rock commonly used in county road maintenance. Having a quarry closer to the western portion of Maries County could reduce hauling distances for road crews and potentially lower fuel and transportation costs for the western road district.

Maries County Western District Commissioner Patrick Kleffner said, “Trucking can be a big cost. you know, we got to go all the way to Rolla from basically Vienna to get our rock.”

If the quarry opens as planned, Kleffner said it could reduce travel time and lower costs for county road projects, while increasing his crew’s efficiency.

“It’s only like three miles from the shed over there,” he said.

State law requires that mining operations only occur on land where mineral rights agreements are in place with the property owner. The notice says that “the applicant can only mine on land where a landowner has entered into an agreement for the mineral rights and those acres included in the long term mine plan.”

Residents or landowners with a direct interest in the proposal may submit written comments or request an informal public meeting as part of the permitting process.

Comments or meeting requests can be submitted to the Land Reclamation Program at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in Jefferson City. Requests must be submitted within 15 days following the final public notice which is scheduled for a March 25 publication in The Advocate.