Top 10 Companies in the Low Strength Proppants Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Hydraulic Fracturing Solutions

In Business Insights
September 08, 2025

The Global Low Strength Proppants Market was valued at USD 1.82 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.45 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.1% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is driven by expanding shale gas production, increased hydraulic fracturing activity, and demand for cost-efficient well stimulation materials across North American and global energy markets.

As oilfield operators optimize production economics, low strength proppants have emerged as critical components for shallow-to-medium depth formations. In this analysis, we examine the Top 10 Companies in the Low Strength Proppants Industry—specialized manufacturers and suppliers who are advancing proppant technology while ensuring reliable supply chains for the energy sector.


🔟 1. U.S. Silica Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Katy, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Conventional and resin-coated low strength proppants

As a leading industrial minerals company, U.S. Silica operates dedicated proppant production facilities near major North American shale basins. Their product portfolio includes both standard and enhanced conductivity solutions for formations requiring 3,000-5,000 psi crush strength.

Strategic Advantages:

  • 17 million tons annual proppant production capacity

  • Vertically integrated mining and processing operations

  • Innovative SCRA™ resin coating technology

Download FREE Sample Report: Low Strength Proppants Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Hi-Crush Inc.

Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Northern White frac sand solutions

Hi-Crush provides premium Northern White sand from Wisconsin mines, processed to meet API/ISO specifications for low strength proppant applications. Their logistics network ensures timely delivery to major North American basins.

Strategic Advantages:

  • Proprietary wafer technology for dust control

  • Onsite last-mile solutions at major shale plays


8️⃣ 3. Carbo Ceramics Inc.

Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Engineered ceramic proppants

While renowned for high-strength ceramic proppants, Carbo Ceramics also supplies specialized low density ceramic (LDC) proppants ideal for shallower formations where conductivity and cost efficiency are paramount.

Strategic Advantages:

  • Patented manufacturing processes

  • Technical support services for optimal proppant selection


7️⃣ 4. Superior Silica Sands LLC

Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Regional frac sand variants

With multiple production facilities across Texas and Wisconsin, Superior Silica Sands provides basin-specific proppant solutions, including customized blends for low pressure formations.

Strategic Advantages:

  • Frac sand reserves exceeding 200 million tons

  • Rail and truck loading capabilities at all facilities

Download FREE Sample Report: Low Strength Proppants Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Black Mountain Sand LLC

Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Key Offering: In-basin West Texas sand

Black Mountain Sand has established itself as a premier Permian Basin sand supplier, offering cost-effective, locally sourced low strength proppants that reduce logistics expenses for operators.

Strategic Advantages:

  • Strategic location within the Permian Basin

  • Automated wet and dry plants


5️⃣ 6. Covia Holdings Corporation

Headquarters: Independence, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Industrial sand solutions

Covia’s Energy division specializes in providing economically optimized proppant solutions for various formation pressures, with extensive North American production and distribution capabilities.

Strategic Advantages:

  • Customizable product specifications

  • Sustainable mining practices


4️⃣ 7. Atlas Sand Company LLC

Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Permian-focused proppants

Atlas Sand has rapidly grown its Permian Basin operations, focusing on regional sand solutions that balance performance and transportation economics for low-medium pressure formations.

Strategic Advantages:

  • Dedicated rail infrastructure

  • High-capacity processing plants


3️⃣ 8. Badger Mining Corporation

Headquarters: Berlin, Wisconsin, USA
Key Offering: Premium industrial silica sand

Family-owned Badger Mining produces consistently high-quality Northern White sand used as low strength proppants in oilfield applications, with stringent quality control throughout operations.

Strategic Advantages:

  • ISO 9001:2015 certified operations

  • Long-term customer relationships


2️⃣ 9. Signal Peak Silica LLC

Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Regional sand solutions

Signal Peak operates multiple frac sand mines across North America, supplying customized low crush resistance proppants to various shale plays with a focus on regional optimization.

Strategic Advantages:

  • Flexible product offerings

  • Efficient supply chain management


1️⃣ 10. Wisconsin Proppants LLC

Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Key Offering: Northern White frac sand

Wisconsin Proppants specializes in providing premium quality Northern White sand from the Upper Midwest, serving as reliable low strength proppants for North American oilfield operations.

Strategic Advantages:

  • Large sand reserves

  • Efficient rail distribution network

Get Full Report Here: Low Strength Proppants Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Low Strength Proppants

The low strength proppant market continues evolving as operators balance well productivity with cost efficiency. These proppants remain essential for shallow-to-medium depth formations where premium alternatives provide limited economic benefit.

📈 Key Market Trends:

  • Growing preference for regionally-sourced proppants to minimize transport costs

  • Increasing demand for cost-optimized fracturing solutions amid volatile energy prices

  • Technological improvements in proppant manufacturing and coating

  • Expansion of in-basin sand production near major shale plays

Get Full Report Here: Low Strength Proppants Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled represent the industry leaders ensuring reliable supply of essential proppant materials that support efficient energy production across North America and beyond.