SUPPLYING HIGH-QUALITY SAND PRODUCTS TO THE INDUSTRIAL AND ENERGY SECTORS
EVERY GRAIN COUNTS
Superior Silica Sands, a leading supplier of high-quality products for the industrial and energy sectors, is dedicated vision to provide efficient, cost-effective industry solutions.
Billy Ray Smith, CCO, and Stefan Hochegger, CFO, tell us
Writer:
Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Lauren Robinson
GRAIN
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The sand mining industry in North America is currently experiencing a transformative period marked by innovation and sustainability.
As such, it emerges as a stimulating trade environment with rising trends that focus on digital transformation, automation, and environmental stewardship.
“Companies are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to enhance their efficiency and reduce environmental impacts,” introduces Billy Ray Smith, CCO of Superior Silica Sands (SSS).
Over the years, SSS has garnered attention for its diverse range of high-quality sand products, alongside its dedication to customer service excellence and innovative industry solutions.
The company’s primary asset is a sand mining facility near San Antonio, Texas, from which it operates two state-of-the-art sand plants.
The industrial plant provides a wide range of products for use in the construction, sports, and industrial (CSI) market segments, equating to over one million tons (t) of sand per year.
The second plant is SSS’s Frac Sand Division, which provides highquality mesh sands for horizontal hydraulic fracturing applications and vertical wells for the Eagleford formation.
Today, the Frac Sand Division has an annual output of around 3 million t and has the capacity to load-out 15,000 t of sand daily.
Stefan Hochegger, CFO of SSS, is motivated by a long-standing belief that the sand mining industry is not merely about extracting resources but contributing to a larger mission of bettering human lives.
As SSS’s burgeoning success in the ever-expanding US energy sector continues to be felt, this belief is undeniably becoming a reality.
KEY PRODUCT OFFERINGS
As the US industrial and energy sectors evolve, the demand for innovative and reliable solutions grows.
“At SSS, the work we do in mining is fundamental to this progress, supplying essential materials that drive innovation and development,” Hochegger states.
In its provision of sands for the CSI and oil and gas industries, SSS’s product diversity is keenly felt.
“Our extensive portfolio of construction sand includes brick and block, stucco, cement, roofing, masonry, ready-mix, specialty, and all-purpose,” Smith details.
The company’s industrial sands provide material for glass, foundry, and filtration, whilst its sports sand products are often used on golf courses, artificial turfs, and volleyball courts.
“SSS is the leading supplier of construction and topdressing sand for the US Golf Association (USGA) in Texas, having completed over 300 courses in the last 10 years alone,” he prides.
In addition, the company is able to customize and blend its standard sand products to create a unique and individually tailored product – an unusual and competitive advantage.
MINING OUTLOOK: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY?
Billy Ray Smith, CCO: “I have been involved in the energy industry in one way or another my whole life. My initial exposure was through my father, who managed a small oil field service company that supplied trucking and workover rigs to the Permian Basin. I was fascinated by the size and scale of the equipment, and that fascination has never left me.
“After obtaining my degree in petroleum engineering from Texas Tech University, I started my career as a field engineer for the oil field services company, Halliburton. I experienced the highs and lows of the energy business very quickly and, over the course of the next 30 years, developed some very meaningful relationships.
“These relationships afforded me the opportunity to move farther upstream in the supply chain, which brought me to the mining sector about eight years ago. The mining world is not just about advanced equipment – it plays a pivotal role in enabling energy independence in the US.”
MINING FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
In recent years, the US mining industry’s role in supporting widespread national energy independence cannot be overstated.
“By ensuring a stable and reliable supply of critical minerals, SSS empowers the US to develop its energy resources more efficiently and sustainably,” Smith outlines.
Motivated by its desire to contribute to national energy independence, SSS’s provision of raw materials for domestic energy production reduces the country’s reliance on foreign energy sources and minimizes associated geopolitical tensions.
“Energy independence not only strengthens our economy but
enhances our national security by reducing the need for military engagements overseas to secure energy supplies,” Hochegger adds.
Having spent the last decade working in companies that support the oil and gas industries, Hochegger has cultivated a profound appreciation for the critical role energy plays in modern society.
“Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand how energy contributes to economic growth, technological advancement, and community development,” he emphasizes.
By supporting energy independence, SSS hopes to create a foundation for technological innovation and community development to offer a more secure future for all.
TEAMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Just as diverse as SSS’s product offerings is its client base, which ranges from oil and gas majors and concrete ready-mix companies down to a small nursery plant shop on the north side of San Antonio.
In addition, an efficient and dedicated team instills a sense of quality and care into every facet of the company, something Smith believes sets SSS apart from the competition.
“Our biggest asset is our people –a team of around 125 professionals who are committed to excellence in both service and sustainability,” Smith confirms.
Furthermore, SSS’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation ensures that it remains at
the forefront of the industry, always striving to exceed expectations and contribute positively to society.
By investing in cutting-edge technologies, the company seeks to produce the highest quality products with minimal waste.
“In short, people and processes are our key differentiators,” he surmises.
Whilst its team and technologies provide a robust foundation for SSS’s success, its supply chain operations are equally integral.
“We place great importance on building strong, collaborative relationships with our partners and suppliers,” Smith divulges.
SSS’s supplier relationships are based on trust, transparency, and shared values.
By working closely with its suppliers, the company is able to ensure the consistent quality and timely delivery of materials which, in turn, allows it to meet the needs of clients.
MINING OUTLOOK: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY?
Stefan Hochegger, CFO: “I have spent the last decade working in companies that support the oil and gas industry, where I have gained a deep appreciation for the critical role energy plays in our economy and national security. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how energy contributes to economic development, technological advancement, and community growth.
“One of the key reasons I became interested in the mining industry is its direct impact on achieving energy independence for the United States. By supporting energy independence and driving economic growth, we create a foundation for technological innovation and community development.”
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PEI-FAB, LLC has a reputation for excellence in safety, craftsmanship, and quality control. PEI-FAB services include in-house fabrication, engineering, new construction, plant modifications, and maintenance support. We understand the importance of our customers’ operations, and will work diligently to minimize downtime on all projects. PEI-FAB works closely with our vendors, having established solid relationships in many aspects of our industry. PEI-FAB has been in business since 2018.
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“WE PLACE GREAT IMPORTANCE ON BUILDING STRONG, COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPLIERS”
personal safety and well-being in a small community we serve,” Smith divulges.
SSS provides this community support through one of its largest customers, demonstrating how many of the company’s customer relations and CSR responsibilities are intrinsically linked.
our employees grow and achieve their full potential,” he reveals.
The company culture at SSS is one of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, in which every team member is encouraged to share ideas and take the initiative.
– BILLY RAY SMITH, CCO, SUPERIOR SILICA
SANDS
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
Within the mining industry, a strong emphasis on community engagement seeks to ensure that operations contribute positively to local economies and livelihoods.
As such, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of SSS’s operations.
Not only does it engage in conservation initiatives at the plant, such as the preservation of on-site vegetation and water, but it is also actively involved in initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life in local communities.
“For example, we have been supporting a program that promotes
In addition, SSS maintains that people are the cornerstone of its success.
As such, it is deeply committed to empowering its people and recognizing their important contributions.
“We invest in continuous training and development programs to help
TODAY’S SUCCESS, TOMORROW’S EXPANSION
SSS’s dedication to innovation and continuous improvement is tantamount to its success.
“We believe that staying ahead of industry trends and constantly seeking new ways to improve our processes and products is crucial,” Smith outlines.
SSS’S MISSION, VISION, AND COMMITMENT
MISSION: To use its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality, reliability, service, and integrity to be the most trusted supplier in the industrial and energy industries.
VISION: To provide customers with the most efficient, costeffective solutions for growing their business while providing a safe, stable, and rewarding work environment for employees.
COMMITMENT:
• To deliver the highest quality sand products at great value.
• To consistently deliver the highest level of customer service.
• To respond immediately to issues.
• To build long-term relationships with reliable, dependable people.
• To remain a trusted partner to its clients with the highest ethical standards.
In this way, the company has spent the past two years increasing its throughput capabilities and its ability to generate fit-for-purpose blends.
“We increased our throughput by more than 50 percent, which has allowed us to focus multiple sales channels simultaneously,” he discloses.
Additionally, in terms of utilizing fitfor-purpose blends, SSS has identified the glass, foundry, and filtration markets in the US and Mexico as an area of growth.
“Mexico is one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world,” Smith points out.
In the coming year, the company’s key priorities include further expanding its operational capabilities, continuing to build a strong employee base, and providing best-in-class, quality products and services.
Another of the company’s unique goals is to emerge as the most interesting and valued workplace in San Antonio.
“With our growing leadership development program, alongside our reputable interaction with both employees and customers, I believe we’re well on the way to achieving this,” he concludes.
