likely have an impact on residential construction activity in the future. Despite actions taken by the federal reserve to increase interest rates and possible recessionary conditions, we believe we are well-positioned in our principal markets for the second half of fiscal 2023.”
Segment Financial Results
Heavy Materials: Cement, Concrete and Aggregates
Revenue in the Heavy Materials sector, which includes Cement, Concrete and Aggregates, Joint Venture and intersegment Cement revenue, was $389.1 million, a 14% increase. Heavy Materials operating earnings were up 10% to $106.1 million, primarily because of higher Cement sales prices.
Cement revenue for the quarter, including Joint Venture and intersegment revenue, was up 11% to $319.5 million, and operating earnings were a record $98.8 million, up 11%. These increases reflect higher Cement net sales prices partially offset by lower sales volume. The average net sales price for the quarter was up 12% to $132.50 per ton. Cement sales volume decreased 2% to 2.1 million tons. Cement sales volume and operating earnings at our Joint Venture both declined during the quarter primarily because of extended equipment downtime, which reduced cement production. While these equipment issues were mostly resolved during the quarter, they may continue to have an impact on the Joint Venture’s results during the third quarter.
Concrete and Aggregates revenue increased 32% to $69.6 million, reflecting higher sales volume and Concrete pricing as well as the contribution of approximately $14 million from a recently acquired business in northern Colorado. Second quarter operating earnings declined 3% to $7.3 million, primarily reflecting higher input costs.
Light Materials: Gypsum Wallboard and Paperboard
Revenue in the Light Materials sector, which includes Gypsum Wallboard and Paperboard, increased 26% to $253.5 million, reflecting higher Wallboard sales volume and prices. Gypsum Wallboard sales volume increased 6% to 783 million square feet (MMSF), while the average Gypsum Wallboard net sales price increased 22% to $233.70 per MSF.
Paperboard sales volume for the quarter was down 2% from the prior year at 85,000 tons. The average Paperboard net sales price was $603.62 per ton, up 15%, consistent with the pricing provisions in our long-term sales agreements.
Operating earnings in the sector were $95.3 million, an increase of 42%, reflecting increased Wallboard sales volume and pricing, partially offset by higher raw material costs, namely recycled fiber and energy.
Details of Financial Results
We conduct one of our cement plant operations through a 50/50 joint venture, Texas Lehigh Cement Company LP (the Joint Venture). We use the equity method of accounting for our 50% interest in the Joint Venture. For segment reporting purposes only, we proportionately
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