Fifty Years of Quarrying America's Finest Slate
From our quarries in Pawlet, Vermont to landmark buildings across the country — Newmont Slate has spent five decades perfecting the art of natural stone roofing.
The Newmont Story
Incorporated in 1994 in the State of Vermont, Newmont Slate Company — formerly Granville Slate Co. — operates quarries in Pawlet, Wells, and West Pawlet, Vermont. These quarries share a singular history with most slate quarrying in America, beginning in the early 1830s when mining was a homegrown industry for local construction. As transportation infrastructure expanded — first the Erie Canal, then the railroad network, then the interstate highway system — Vermont slate production grew proportionately, becoming a multi-million dollar industry.
The men who built this industry were known as the Slate Barons — Welsh, English, Italian, and Polish immigrant quarrymen who arrived in the Vermont slate belt in the mid-to-late 1800s and turned raw hillside into a global trade. They sank shafts by hand, split stone by eye, and passed their craft down through generations of families who settled in Pawlet, Granville, and the surrounding towns. Their lineage runs directly through the people who work these quarries today. Jack Williams, President and CEO of Newmont Slate, has spent more than fifty years in the slate business — a living continuation of that unbroken chain of knowledge, skill, and pride in the stone.
Today, Newmont holds what is arguably the largest reserve of slate mineral in the United States, encompassing hundreds of acres of registered quarries across the Vermont slate belt. Our multi-million dollar inventory of roofing slate is ready to ship, and our portfolio of intellectual properties — including the patented QWIK Slate® installation system and Slate Shield® lightweight process — is unsurpassed in the slate industry.
Our widely acclaimed QWIK Slate® installation process has been used on historically significant properties across the country, including Blair House — the official guest residence of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C. This is one of the most prestigious slate roofing references in the country, and a testament to the quality and trust that Newmont has earned over five decades.
Why Slate. Why Newmont.
At Newmont Slate, our mission is to be the most trusted name in natural slate roofing — honoring the centuries-old tradition of slate craftsmanship while embracing innovation that makes our products faster to install, easier to maintain, and longer-lasting than ever before.
We are committed to protecting America's historic architecture, delivering exceptional quality to every project, and building lasting relationships with the architects, contractors, and building owners who trust us with their most important structures.
Eight Reasons Architects Specify Newmont
Decades of Experience
ASTM C406 S-1 certified — the highest quality grade for roofing slate. Every Newmont slate is hand-split, inspected, and graded before it leaves our Vermont quarries.
Premium Vermont Stone
Our quarries in Pawlet, Wells, and West Pawlet, VT produce more roofing slate than any other operation in the United States — ensuring consistent supply for projects of any scale.
Patented Innovation
Patented QWIK Slate® hook-fixing system cuts installation time in half. 12-gauge 304 stainless steel hooks, anodized black. Compatible with standard nail guns.
Historic Restoration
Vermont hard slate carries a 100+ year warranty under proper installation. Our ASTM S-1 rated stone has a documented lifespan of 150–200 years — longer than any synthetic alternative.
Licensed & Insured
Full specification support for architects: CSI MasterFormat sections, ASTM test data, sample packages, and direct technical consultation. AIA continuing education available.
Nationwide Reach
Newmont has completed historic preservation projects meeting Secretary of the Interior Standards, including university buildings, government facilities, and landmark churches.
Personalized Service
Ships to all 50 states from our Vermont facilities. Multi-million dollar inventory on hand for immediate fulfillment. Custom sizing and color matching available.
Long-Term Durability
Active R&D department continuously developing new slate roofing products and installation systems. Newmont holds multiple patents in slate roofing technology.
We pride ourselves on our product, hand-split by our highly trained craftsmen.
The Principles Behind Every Slate We Ship
Integrity
We stand behind every product and every promise. Honest dealings with customers, partners, and communities.
Quality
From quarry to rooftop, uncompromising standards define every slate tile and accessory we produce.
Safety
The safety of our workers, contractors, and the buildings we serve is never negotiable.
Craftsmanship
Hand-split by skilled artisans, our slate reflects a tradition of craftsmanship stretching back generations.
Reliability
Fast delivery, competitive pricing, and consistent availability — because your project timeline matters.
Customer Commitment
We build lasting relationships by delivering exceptional service before, during, and after every sale.
Continuous Improvement
Our active R&D department and modern facilities ensure we remain leaders in slate roofing innovation.
Historic Preservation
We are proud stewards of America's architectural heritage, helping preserve historic structures for future generations.
The People Behind the Stone
John (Jack) Williams
President & CEO
With over 50 years in the slate quarry business, Jack Williams is the driving force behind Newmont Slate's rise to become the largest roofing slate producer in the United States. His deep knowledge of Vermont geology, quarrying techniques, and the slate roofing industry is unmatched.
Five Decades of Slate Excellence
Slate quarrying begins in Vermont's Champlain Valley — a homegrown industry for local construction.
Newmont Slate Company incorporated in Vermont, formerly the Granville Slate Co., with quarries in Poultney, Wells, Pawlet, and West Pawlet.
Expansion of quarry operations across hundreds of acres. Development of patented QWIK Slate® installation process.
QWIK Slate® used at Blair House — the official Guest House for the White House in Washington, DC. Slate Shield® patent awarded.
Beth Savage, Newmont's historic preservation specialist, receives the U.S. Department of the Interior Preservation Award — recognizing Newmont's contributions to America's architectural heritage.
The largest roofing slate producer in the United States, with multi-millions of dollars of inventory ready to ship nationwide.
From Source to Structure
How Vermont Slate Becomes a Finished Roof
Slate is Sourced
Vermont Black slate is quarried from Newmont's Pawlet, Vermont operation — the same geological formation that has produced premium roofing slate for over a century.
Material is Selected
Quarried blocks are inspected, split, and graded. Only S-1 quality material — the highest ASTM designation — leaves the quarry.
Systems are Engineered
Newmont's engineering team develops and refines installation systems — QWIK Slate and Slate Shield — that make premium slate accessible to more projects.
Contractors are Trained
Newmont provides hands-on training to roofing contractors nationwide, ensuring every installation meets the company's standards.
Slate is Installed
Trained crews install Newmont slate using proven systems on residential, commercial, institutional, and historic structures across the country.
Structures Endure
Properly installed Newmont slate roofs are designed to last 100 years or more — outlasting every other roofing material available.
Trusted by Architects, Contractors & Building Owners Nationwide
Quality Guarantee
Every slate tile and accessory we ship meets our rigorous quality standards. We stand behind our products unconditionally.
Safety Commitment
We maintain the highest safety standards in quarrying, manufacturing, and shipping — protecting our team and your project.
Nationwide Service
From Vermont to California, we ship premium slate and provide architectural and installation support wherever your project is located.
Common Questions
Your Questions About Newmont Slate
How long has Newmont Slate been in business?
Newmont Slate Company was incorporated in 1994 in the State of Vermont, formerly operating as Granville Slate Co. President and CEO Jack Williams has personally been in the slate quarry business for over 50 years, making Newmont the largest roofing slate producer in the United States.
Where are Newmont's quarries located?
Newmont's quarries are located in Pawlet, Wells, and West Pawlet, Vermont — in the heart of the Vermont slate belt. Vermont slate is widely regarded as the finest roofing slate in North America due to its hardness, color stability, and exceptional longevity of 150–200 years.
What types of projects does Newmont specialize in?
Newmont Slate specializes in historic preservation, residential roofing, commercial and institutional projects, churches, universities, and government buildings. Notable projects include Hamilton Smith Hall at UNH, Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel in Boston, and the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training building.
Is Newmont Slate used on landmark buildings?
Yes. Newmont Slate products have been used at Blair House — the official guest residence of the President of the United States in Washington, D.C. This is one of the most prestigious slate roofing references in the country, and a testament to the quality and trust that Newmont has earned over five decades.
Ready to Discuss Your Slate Roofing Project?
Speak with a slate roofing expert today. Whether you're restoring a historic landmark or building a new luxury residence, we have the stone, the expertise, and the passion to make it exceptional.