The project would feature a number of high-quality deposits and would also include creating a distribution system that takes advantage of the area’s existing rail loading facilities to create an efficient operation that will minimize impacts to the community.

 

Minnesota Sands will produce high-purity quartz and that has very durable and very round grains. It is extremely hard which makes it crush-resistant and a valuable resource for use by the energy industry.  Minnesota and Wisconsin have some of the best and hardest sand deposits on earth, making this natural resource extremely valuable.  The sand is St. Peter Sandstone with the following crush strengths: 20/40-8K, 30/50-10K, 40/70-12K. Proptester results have been completed are available upon request.

 

The quartz sand from the proposed project would be used to help companies produce petroleum fluids, such as oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids from rock formations.  Companies fracture the rock with pressurized water and the quartz sand is used to keep the cracks open to allow the materials to flow from the rock formation.

 

A hydraulic fracturing job on one well can require a few thousand tons of sand. This increase of specialized drilling has expanded the ability of the United States to generate significant new sources of energy that has reduced the need to import oil, expanded the use of natural gas, and has created tens of thousands of new, high paying jobs across the country.

 

Minnesota Sands is committed to making sure that the work to mine and produce the quartz sand benefits Minnesota residents, investors, resources and environment.