Title: Senior Quarry Manager
Company: Heidelberg Materials
Location: Munford, Alabama, United States
Michael R. DeWitt, Senior Quarry Manager at Heidelberg Materials, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in the Mining Industry.
Mr. DeWitt has established himself in the mining industry, marked by progressive leadership and a commitment to operational excellence. Since 2010, he has served as a senior quarry manager at Heidelberg Materials, formerly Lehigh Hanson. In this capacity, Mr. DeWitt oversees all aspects of quarry operations except for direct equipment operation. His responsibilities include designing drill plans, ramps and mining sequences, setting up blending strategies, assigning crews for various projects and collaborating with outside vendors on equipment procurement and overburden stripping projects. Mr. DeWitt also manages compliance with the Mine Safety and Health Administration, maintains all mobile equipment and supervises the mobile equipment shop.
A hallmark of Mr. DeWitt’s tenure at Heidelberg Materials has been his role in modernizing quarry operations. When he joined the company, the sites operated without technological infrastructure and relied on manual planning methods. Recognizing the need for advancement, Mr. DeWitt initiated the company’s drone program, utilizing drones for all surveying purposes. This practice has since become standard in the industry, but was new to Heidelberg at the time. Additionally, Mr. DeWitt introduced computer-based mine planning, which enabled accurate reserve calculations and strategic pit development to avoid operational dead ends. These efforts transitioned the company from outdated practices to a technology-driven approach, significantly enhancing efficiency and safety.
Before joining Heidelberg Materials, Mr. DeWitt spent 10 years with Barrick Gold in Nevada. He began as an equipment operator, driving haul trucks and operating dozers before advancing to a shovel operator. After five years, he was promoted to lead man, then junior supervisor, and later senior supervisor, where he managed a crew of 65 employees on rotating day and night shifts in a 24-hour operation. Twice a year, Mr. DeWitt was assigned to other departments for six-week rotations in mechanical maintenance, drill and blast operations, and engineering, completing three rotations in engineering to broaden his expertise. This diverse experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of mining operations that he now applies in his leadership role.
Mr. DeWitt’s professional affiliations include membership in the International Society of Explosive Engineers, reflecting his commitment to ongoing industry engagement and best practices.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Mr. DeWitt resides on a small property in Alabama where he raises cows, horses and donkeys. He operates a sawmill using lumber harvested from his land to construct structures, such as horse barns and hay barns. Dedicated to sustainable agriculture, Mr. DeWitt is establishing a rotational grazing system to naturally fertilize soil without chemical inputs, incorporating specific plants as natural dewormers for cattle, thus avoiding chemical treatments entirely. He sells beef directly to consumers, ensuring it is free from hormones and antibiotics. Additionally, Mr. DeWitt maintains a garden while his wife engages in extensive canning efforts to reduce their reliance on grocery store products.
Throughout his career, Mr. DeWitt has received recognition for his contributions, including the Aquarium Freeman Award from Lehigh Hanson and an award for the Tire Initiative at Barrick Gold. He attributes his success to a constant drive for self-improvement and a commitment to advancing in every role he has held. Influential mentors have also shaped Mr. DeWitt’s leadership philosophy. His father instilled a strong sense of accountability and self-reliance through early experiences on their Wyoming property, where they raised horses. Additional mentors from the mining industry taught him the importance of results-oriented leadership balanced with empathy and respect for team members.
Looking ahead, Mr. DeWitt plans to establish a consulting business specializing in mining operations, with an emphasis on safety improvements and process optimization. He hopes to be remembered within his community as a trustworthy individual whose words are sincere and whose intentions come from genuine care for others’ well-being.
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