Silica sand
Silica sand, often termed as industrial sand, contains a high proportion of silica in the form of quartz. It is located in limited areas across the UK and is produced from both unconsolidated sands and crushed sandstones. The processing varies depending on original raw material quality and upon the specific end use.
Silica sand is an essential raw material for the glass and foundry casting industries, as well as other industries such as ceramics, chemical manufacture and water filtration. The silica sand industry was developed in the UK as a result of the loss of supplies from Europe during the Second World War. The government recognises silica sand as a scarce natural resource and its importance to a variety of industries within the UK and are keen to maintain adequate indigenous sources. The UK consumes about five million tonnes a year.
It is also used in building products such as grouts and filler and for production of roofing felt and bricks and in horticulture in soil/peat blends, grow bags and fertilisers, compost and drainage materials.
Other areas within the silica sand market include paint, chemical, sand blasting and refractories.