Wisconsin Frac Sand Land

The frac sand mining industry is booming in western Wisconsin. Sand mining has a rich history in Wisconsin that dates back more than a century.

In fact, the image of a miner appears on both the Wisconsin state symbol and the state flag. Companies involved in the state's sand mining industry employ thousands in family-supporting jobs and are making significant multi million-dollar investments in areas across Wisconsin, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in overall economic impact for the Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and surrounding communities.

What is frac sand used for?

Frac sand is exported from Wisconsin to places with gas and oil bearing shale where it is used in a combined process called hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. Frac sand is quartz sand of a specific grain size and shape that is suspended in fluid and injected into oil and gas wells under very high pressure. That pressure opens and enlarges fractures. It also creates new ones. Frac sand is crush-resistant and very durable. The extra strength sand grains are then carried into these fractures, propping them open as the fluid is pumped out. Optimal frac sand is round grain, relatively coarse, and holds up under tremendous pressure.

What makes a good frac sand mining site?

Wisconsin has several sandstone formations that produce grains of sand that are spherical and strong — the keys to successful use in fracking. The first factor in determining the profitability of a site is the amount of sand that is marketable. Even when all the sand is marketable, different sized sand grains sell for different prices. More coarse sand (20-40 sand) is sold for oil drilling. Finer sand (40-70 sand) is sold for natural gas drilling.

The second factor that affects the profit margin of a frac sand mining site is how much unmarketable material, called overburden, is sitting on top of the sand. The cost of moving and storing this excess soil can add up quickly, so smaller amounts of overburden mean higher profits.

How do you know if you have frac sand on your property?

If you are interested in learning more about whether you have frac sand on your property, selling your land or just your Frac sand, we can help!

Contact us today to explore all of your options at 715-831-7077 or info@haselwander.com.

Are you a frac sand buyer?

Are you an energy company, an end user, or a qualified buyer of high quality frac sand? Learn more about potential frac sand land and mine sites available in Western Wisconsin. We may have pre-qualified properties available for sale or lease. Contact us today at 715-831-7077 or info@haselwander.com.