Industrial Info is tracking 113 Metals & Minerals capital projects in the U.S and Canada worth $12.13 billion that are set to begin construction in the fourth quarter. Regional market leaders are the Great Lakes ($4.4 billion) and Rocky Mountains ($2.8 billion). A few of the larger projects of note expected to finally break ground by the end of this year are Hudbay Minerals Incorporated's (NYSE:HBM) $1.9 billion Rosemont Mine in Sahuarita, Arizona. Upon final financing, the open-pit mine will produce copper, molybdenum and silver for 19 years. Industrial Info has been tracking the project since 1996.

Nucor Corporation's (NYSE:NUE) $1.35 billion steel plate mill in Brandenburg, Kentucky, is expected to kick off by the end of the year, pending receipt of all permits and financing.

Lehigh Hanson Incorporated's $600 million cement plant modernization project in Mitchell, Indiana, is expected to start site preparation earthworks by November.