New Mining Deal Supercharges U.S. Silica's Missouri Site

U.S. Silica outsources mining to cut costs and boost flexibility amid rising shale demand

27 Jun 2025

U.S. Silica Holdings has appointed Turner Mining Group to manage full-service contract mining at its Pacific, Missouri frac-sand facility, in a move designed to expand production without heavy upfront investment.

The agreement, announced on June 17, 2025, covers key mining activities including overburden removal, haul-road construction and the development of a new decline, which will provide access to approximately 11 acres of high-quality sandstone reserves.

By outsourcing mining operations, U.S. Silica plans to redirect resources towards processing and specialty products while maintaining operational flexibility in response to the rising demand from shale producers. “By consistently deploying the same technical and operational teams at multiple sites, we’re creating continuity, solving complex challenges more efficiently, and unlocking real value through shared experience and strong relationships,” said Tyson Murphy, Turner Mining Group’s director of technical services.

Contract-mining agreements are increasingly used in the North American proppant sector to scale production without the financial burden of developing entirely new sites, according to industry analysts. While U.S. Silica and Turner Mining did not disclose expected production volumes or project timelines, the development work is expected to unlock additional capacity after the completion of the decline and extraction of the new pay zone.

The Missouri agreement marks a further expansion for Turner Mining Group into industrial minerals, reflecting broader efforts by U.S. Silica to secure adaptable supply options as North American rig counts rise. If successful, the arrangement could offer a model for capital-efficient growth in the frac-sand industry, easing supply pressures as drilling activity recovers.