Overview of Sand Mining in Wisconsin

Over the past five years, western Wisconsin has seen a rapid increase in the number of sand mines.  This is due to advances in the extraction of oil and gas via a method called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.  This method injects sand, water, and other chemicals into wells to create spaces in the rock and allows the oil and gas to be extracted.  The silica sand in western Wisconsin is perfect for this application due to its size, shape, and hardness.

Figure 1. Ideal silica sand for fracking.
Image source: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/04/21/red-wing-fracking-sand

As previously mentioned, most of the sand mining is taking place in western Wisconsin.  Figure 2 depicts the locations of sand mines as of June, 2012.

Figure 2. Sand Mine Locations
Image Source: http://www.leadertelegram.com/news/front_page/article_13ecfa4a-d3b3-11e1-a2de-001a4bcf887a.html

After the sand is mined and processed, it is transported by rail to locations to be used for fracking.  Most of the sand mined in Wisconsin travels to North Dakota, Texas, the Eastern US, and Canada (http://www.leadertelegram.com/news/front_page/article_13ecfa4a-d3b3-11e1-a2de-001a4bcf887a.html).  Because railroads are the primary mode of transportation for the sand, mines are often located near railways.

There are many issues related to the mining of sand that are causes for concern.  The mining process requires large amounts of water that is drawn from the water table.  Many people are worried about water shortages, as well as contamination of their own drinking water.  Another health hazard stemming from the mining of silica is related to lung issues.  The inhalation of fine silica dust can lead to many respiratory problems including lung disease, lung cancer, and asthma (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/07/frac-sand-mining-wisconsin-health_n_2256753.html).  Sand particles are not In addition, the mining takes a toll on the environment through the physical destruction of the landscape.  Figure 3 shows a typical sand mine located in Wisconsin.  Here the expanse and destruction of the landscape is visible, as well as the large pools of water needed in the mining process.  It should be noted that after the completion of mining in an area, the mining company is required to repair the landscape.

Figure 3. Aerial view of sand mine.
Image Source: http://grist.org/natural-gas/against-the-grain-fracking-companies-mine-rural-wisconsin-for-sand/