Fairmount Minerals Increases Sand Production at Two US Midwest Mines

WEDRON, Ill., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairmount Minerals announced today its mines in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, and Wedron, Illinois, have increased their Northern White sand production with a lower environmental footprint.

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With high purity, uniform particle size, round shape, and high crush strength, Northern White sand is an ideal proppant for hydraulic fracturing. Operators working in unconventional hydrocarbon basins are demanding a greater quantity of this sand, which is mined from deposits centered in Wisconsin and Illinois, to improve shale gas and shale oil production.

The Maiden Rock mine production upgrade to 1 million tons per year includes a new wet plant that recycles virtually all process water. A new sand dryer runs on cleaner-burning natural gas instead of propane. The rail load-out station is located farther away from the village of Maiden Rock, reducing the community's industrial activity. A lower environmental footprint is a primary goal of the company.

The Wedron mine production upgrade, to more than 2.5 million tons per year, also includes environmentally compliant technology. The technology efficiently separates a coarse grain size cut from mine-run sand for processing into the coarser distribution required for the company's frac grades.

High-quality sand for the foundry industry achieves higher strength in molds, cores, and shells while reducing cycle time with fewer defects. Specialized sand products for sports and recreation include golf course minerals, synthetic turf infill, topdressing and construction mixes, equestrian surfaces, and volleyball sand.

"The production capacity and operational improvements with a decreased footprint will allow us to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry market and our other key markets for years to come," said David Bach, Wedron plant manager.

About Fairmount Minerals

Fairmount Minerals is one of the United States' largest producers of industrial sand. Fairmount Minerals' specialized sands advance a vast array of industries and markets, such as construction, filtration, foundry, glass, sports turf, and oil and gas. The company's more than 750 employees bring its sustainability motto of 'Do Good. Do Well.' to life and embrace its sustainable development mission of people, planet, and prosperity. For more information, please visit: http://www.fairmountminerals.com.

Contact:
Dee Elliott
Fairmount Minerals
[email protected]
(832) 459-0486

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SOURCE Fairmount Minerals

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