Where Does Most Frac Sand Come From? A Guide To Frac Sand Mines

As the demand for domestic oil and natural gas has surged, so too has the demand for sand. Frac sand, composed of high-purity quartz, is injected into wells during fracking to create and hold open fissures in the underground rock formations, allowing oil and gas to flow more freely to the surface. This simple material plays a major role in the energy sector, and the locations from which it is mined are strategically important.

This guide explores where most frac sand originates, focusing on the United States, where mining is concentrated in certain regions. We’ll explore the geographical distribution of frac sand mines, the qualities that make frac sand ideal for hydraulic fracturing, and the environmental and economic impact of this mining activity.

What Is Frac Sand?

Frac sand is a type of silica sand that has several specific properties, making it ideal for hydraulic fracturing:

High-purity quartz: It consists mainly of silica (SiO2), usually in the form of quartz, which gives it the necessary hardness.
Round, durable grains: The grains are uniformly spherical and highly resistant to crushing, which helps them prop open fractures in rock layers under high pressure.
Uniform size: For optimal performance in hydraulic fracturing operations, the sand grains need to be in a specific size range (typically between 0.4mm and 0.8mm in diameter).

Key Frac Sand Mining Regions and Locations

Most frac sand in the United States is extracted from sandstone formations located across the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan. Additionally, regions in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas are quickly becoming important sources of frac sand.

Wisconsin: The Leading Producer

Wisconsin is home to the largest concentration of frac sand mines in the United States, producing a significant share of the national output.

Geological Formation: Wisconsin’s sandstone deposits, particularly from the St. Peter Sandstone and Jordan Sandstone formations, provide ideal frac sand due to their high quartz content, round grains, and hardness.
Location Concentration: Western and central Wisconsin, particularly in areas like the Driftless Area, La Crosse, and Trempealeau counties, have seen a boom in frac sand mining. This part of Wisconsin has naturally occurring sandstone that is easy to access and meets the industry’s stringent quality standards.
Economic Impact: Wisconsin’s frac sand industry has brought significant economic benefits, including job creation and local revenue.

Illinois: A Rising Star in Frac Sand Mining

Illinois also contributes heavily to the frac sand market, mainly in the northern part of the state.

Geological Advantage: The state’s sandstone formations, particularly the St. Peter Sandstone formation, are rich in silica sand that meets the frac industry’s quality demands. These sandstone layers were formed millions of years ago when much of the Midwest was submerged under shallow seas.
Mining Areas: Mines in LaSalle County and surrounding regions have expanded to meet the growing demand for frac sand. Illinois’s proximity to major oil and gas fields in the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, and other areas gives it a logistical advantage.
Economic Contributions: Like Wisconsin, Illinois has seen an economic boost from the frac sand industry.

Minnesota

Minnesota, though slightly behind Wisconsin and Illinois, has seen its own share of frac sand mining activity.

Geological Composition: Southeastern Minnesota’s sandstone deposits, particularly the Jordan Sandstone Formation, contain the necessary high-purity quartz sand. These deposits are often deeper than in neighboring Wisconsin, making extraction more challenging.
Regions of Production: The Mississippi River corridor, especially in counties like Winona and Goodhue, has become a hotspot for frac sand mining.

Michigan

Michigan’s role in frac sand mining is smaller compared to Wisconsin and Illinois but still significant, particularly in the state’s northern regions.

Sandstone Formation: Michigan’s Sylvania Sandstone, found in the southeastern part of the state, contains high-quality frac sand, though on a smaller scale than the Midwest’s larger players.
Transport Logistics: Michigan’s frac sand is often transported via rail to oil and gas production sites, making it an integral part of the supply chain for shale plays across the country.

Missouri: An Expanding Market

Missouri has also become a noteworthy player in the frac sand market, with deposits primarily located in the eastern part of the state.

Formation Details: The St. Peter Sandstone formation, which stretches across parts of Missouri, provides the primary source of the state’s frac sand. Missouri’s sand is similar to that found in Illinois and Wisconsin, making it a competitive source for the industry.
Mining Hubs: Frac sand mines in Missouri are concentrated around the Mississippi River, where the sand can be easily transported to shale plays around the country.

Arkansas and Oklahoma: Emerging Regions

Arkansas and Oklahoma are relatively new players in the frac sand mining industry, but their proximity to major oil and gas fields makes them important.

Arkansas Sandstone Deposits: The state’s frac sand comes mainly from the Hartshorne and Atoka Sandstone formations, which contain sand that meets the necessary specifications for hydraulic fracturing.
Oklahoma’s Growth: Oklahoma has begun to exploit its own sandstone deposits. Its proximity to major oil fields like the Anadarko Basin and Permian Basin gives it a logistical advantage, reducing transportation costs.

Texas: The Logistics Advantage

Although Texas does not have the same extensive sandstone formations as the Midwest, its booming oil and gas industry has prompted a surge in in-basin sand mining.

Regional Sand Deposits: West Texas’s Permian Basin has several frac sand mines producing what is known as “in-basin sand.” While this sand may not have the same uniform quality as Midwest sand, its proximity to drilling sites reduces transportation costs, making it a popular choice for local operators.
Economic Impact: The rise of in-basin sand mining in Texas has lowered operating costs for local drilling operations, but concerns have been raised about the lower quality of the sand and its potential impact on well productivity.

Looking to source Tier-1 frac sand from a provider near you? Learn more about our facilities at Pontotoc.

Pontotoc’s Facilities

The Role of Transportation in Frac Sand Mining

One of the key factors that determines the economic viability of frac sand mining is transportation. The sand must be delivered to drilling sites, often across long distances, making logistics a critical element of the supply chain.

Rail Transportation: Many frac sand mines in the Midwest rely on rail networks to transport the sand to oil and gas fields. This infrastructure plays a crucial role in determining the cost and efficiency of frac sand delivery.
Proximity to Oilfields: Regions like West Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, which are closer to the nation’s most active oil fields, have gained a logistical advantage over Midwestern mines despite the potentially lower quality of their frac sand.
Frac Sand Trucking: At Pontotoc, we streamline operations with our innovative 7-minute truck loading process, ensuring faster turnaround times and efficient delivery, keeping your frac sand supply chain moving smoothly and on time.

Source Tier-1 Frac Sand Anywhere in the Midwest and Beyond With Pontotoc Sand & Stone

At Pontotoc, we provide premium Tier-1 frac sand to meet your needs. Our reliable supply chain ensures you get high-quality sand wherever your operation is located, backed by our expertise and commitment to superior service. Partner with us today!