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                                                                  EXHIBIT  23(a)





                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



                 We consent to the incorporation by reference in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.33-58311) pertaining to the United States
Lime & Minerals, Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan,  as amended,  of our report dated
January 22, 1996,  with  respect to the  consolidated financial statements  of
United States Lime & Minerals, Inc. and subsidiaries  included in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.



                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Dallas, Texas
February 28, 1996