Source Energy Services’ Sumner silica sand operation in Barron County, Wisconsin, uses an on-site wet plant and a dry plant at Weyerhaeuser, approximately eight miles east. These facilities form one mine processing operation.
Processing circuit
Run-of-mine sandstone is crushed, scrubbed and classified in the wet plant using density separation and cyclones. The intermediate sand is transported to Weyerhaeuser for fluid-bed drying, screening and final product separation.
Capacity and operating record
The 2026 source profile reports nameplate capacities of 500 short tons/hour for the wet plant and 375 short tons/hour for the dry plant—approximately 454 and 340 metric tonnes/hour respectively. These are capacities of successive stages and must not be added together. Both plants operate year-round.
The 2020 report records approximately 1.13 million short tons produced in 2020 and 7.37 million cumulatively during 2013–2020. The later source records approximately 1.26 million short tons in 2025 and 13.43 million during 2013–2025. These are different reporting periods, not competing estimates of the same year.
The earlier source reports 80 employees, while the later profile reports approximately 50 at the mine/wet plant and 20 at the dry plant. Staffing is retained as dated reporting and is not represented as a verified current headcount.
Dated source records
The original source descriptions are retained for traceability. Where figures differ, use the reporting period and measurement basis described above.
Sumner Mine — 2020 Silica Sand Resource Estimates
Sumner Mine — 2020 Silica Sand Resource Estimates
| Company | Source Energy Services Ltd. |
| Mine | Sumner Mine |
| Date | 2020 |
| Region | Wisconsin, USA |
| Commodities | Silica Sand |
| Throughput | 500 tph (Wet), 375 tph (Dry) |
| Mine Life | Not Specified |
| Annual Production | 1.13 million short tons (2020) |
| Status | Operating |
Executive Summary
The Sumner Mine processing operations are split between a wet-processing plant on-site and a dry-processing plant in Weyerhaeuser, WI. The wet plant crushes ROM sandstone and separates material by size, shape, and density using density separators, scrubbers, and cyclones. The dry plant dries and further sorts the material using fluid bed dryers and Rotex separators. Historical production from 2013-2020 totals approximately 7.37 million short tons, with 2020 production reaching 1.13 million short tons.
The facilities operate year-round with a combined workforce of 80 employees. Quality control measures, including laboratory sampling, are in place at various stages throughout the wet- and dry-processing operations. The crushing/wet-processing plant is enclosed and generally runs year-round, while the dry-processing plant also operates year-round.
Operational Details
Processing Profile
Website: https://www.sourceenergyservices.com/production
Report Date: 2020
Region: Wisconsin, USA
Project Status: Operating
Commodity: Silica Sand
Throughput: 500 tph (Wet), 375 tph (Dry)
Mine Life: Not Specified
Mine Type:
Ore type:
Technical report and processing history
The following archived source profiles have been consolidated here to preserve the project’s processing history and study context.
Sumner 2021 Silica Sand Resource Estimates
Sumner 2021 Silica Sand Resource Estimates
| Company | Source Energy Services Ltd. |
| Mine | Sumner Mine |
| Date | 2021 |
| Region | Wisconsin, USA |
| Commodities | Silica Sand |
| Status | Operating |
Executive Summary
The Sumner Mine processing operations are split between two distinct locations: a wet-processing plant situated on the property adjacent to the mining operations and a dry-processing plant located in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin, approximately 8 miles east. The wet-processing plant began operations in December 2013 and is designed to crush, wash, and sort ROM sandstone to produce work-in-process material. The dry-processing plant receives this material via third-party contractor to dry and further sort it into final frac sand products suitable for hydraulic fracturing.
The wet-processing plant operates with a nameplate capacity of 500 short tons per hour, utilizing in-line crushers, scalping screeners, density separators, attrition scrubbers, and cyclones. The dry-processing plant operates at a capacity of 375 short tons per hour, employing three fluid bed dryers and Rotex mineral separators. Both facilities operate year-round, round the clock, and employ 40 people each, with quality control measures including laboratory sampling implemented throughout both stages.
Historical production from 2013 to 2021 totals approximately 8.45 million short tons of finished product. In 2021 alone, Source Energy Services Ltd. produced 1.09 million short tons of silica sand, consisting of 20/40, 30/50, 40/70, and 100 Mesh sizes. Based on site visit observations, the current processing operations and equipment are considered suitable for their intended purpose.
Reports
Processing Profile
Website: https://www.sourceenergyservices.com/production
Report Date: 2021
Region: Wisconsin, USA
Project Status: Operating
Commodity: Silica Sand
Throughput:
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Sumner Mine — 2019 Silica Sand Resource Estimates
Sumner Mine — 2019 Silica Sand Resource Estimates
| Company | Source Energy Services Ltd. |
| Mine | Sumner Mine |
| Date | 2019 |
| Region | Wisconsin, USA |
| Commodities | Silica Sand |
Executive Summary
This technical report details the recovery methods and processing operations for the Sumner Mine silica sand project. The processing infrastructure is split between a wet-processing plant located on the property adjacent to mining operations and a dry-processing plant in Weyerhaeuser, WI. The combined operations wash, dry, and sort/size the ROM sand to yield a product suitable for hydraulic fracturing.
The wet-processing plant has a nameplate capacity of 500 short tons per hour and includes crushing, scalping, density separation, and dewatering equipment. The dry-processing plant, which began operation in December 2013, has a capacity of 375 tph and utilizes fluid bed dryers and Rotex mineral separators. Historical production from 2013 to 2019 totals approximately 6.23 million short tons of finished product.
Quality control measures are in place throughout both wet and dry processing stages. The current processing operations and equipment are deemed suitable for their intended purpose based on site visit observations.
Website: https://www.sourceenergyservices.com/production
Report Date: 2019
Region: Wisconsin, USA
Project Status:
Commodity: Silica Sand
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Sumner Mine — 2023 Technical Report
Sumner Mine — 2023 Technical Report
Company: Source Energy Services Ltd. (SES)
Date: 31 December 2023
Executive Summary
This NI 43-101 Technical Report covers the Sumner Mine, a silica sand (frac sand) operation located in Wisconsin, USA. The operation consists of two processing facilities: a wet-processing plant located on the mine property adjacent to the mining operations, and a dry-processing plant located in Weyerhaeuser, WI, approximately 8 miles east on U.S. Highway 8. The Weyerhaeuser Plant began operation in December 2013. Combined, these operations wash, dry, and sort/size the ROM sand to yield products suitable for hydraulic fracturing (frac sand).
The wet-processing plant has a nameplate capacity of 500 short tons per hour (454 metric tonnes per hour) and includes a 60,000 short ton ROM stockpile, in-line crusher and scalping screeners, 10×10 and 8×8 density separators, attrition scrubbers, cyclones, belt presses, dewatering beds, and clarifier and process water tanks. The dry-processing plant has a nameplate capacity of 375 tph (340 metric tonnes per hour) and includes a 300,000 short ton WIP stockpile, three fluid bed dryers, and Rotex mineral separators. Historical production from 2013-2023 totals approximately 10.83 million short tons of finished product. During 2023, SES produced 1.28 million short tons (1.16 million metric tonnes) of finished product, consisting of 20/40, 30/70, and 100 Mesh (50/140) mesh silica sand.
Operational Details
Mine Type: Surface mining (silica sand)
Status: Operating
Location: Wisconsin, USA (with dry processing in Weyerhaeuser, WI)
Commodity: Silica Sand (Frac Sand)
Throughput: Wet plant: 500 stph (454 tph); Dry plant: 375 stph (340 tph)
Annual Production (2023): 1.28 million short tons (1.16 million metric tonnes)
Historical Production (2013-2023): 10.83 million short tons
Products: 20/40, 30/70, and 100 Mesh (50/140) silica sand
Employees: ~50 at mining and wet processing, ~20 at dry processing
Processing Profile
Wet-Processing Plant
- Crushing: ROM sandstone crushed to manageable sizes using in-line crusher
- Screening: Scalping screeners
- Separation: 10×10 and 8×8 density separators for size, shape, and density separation
- Scrubbing: Attrition scrubbers
- Classification: Cyclones
- Dewatering: Belt presses, dewatering beds
- Water Management: Clarifier and process water tanks
- Stockpile: 60,000 short ton ROM stockpile
Dry-Processing Plant
- Drying: Three fluid bed dryers
- Separation: Rotex mineral separators
- Stockpile: 300,000 short ton WIP stockpile
The wet-processing plant is enclosed and runs year-round with downtime for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. The dry-processing plant also operates year-round.
Website: https://www.corlissco.com/properties/sumner-mine
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Sumner Mine — 2025 Technical Report
Sumner Mine — 2025 Technical Report
Company: Source Energy Services Ltd.
Date: December 31, 2025
Commodity: Silica Sand (Frac Sand)
Executive Summary
This NI 43-101 Technical Report summarizes the processing operations at the Sumner Mine operated by Source Energy Services Ltd. The Sumner Mine is a silica sand operation dedicated to producing high-quality frac sand for hydraulic fracturing applications. Processing operations are conducted at two locations: a wet-processing plant situated on the property adjacent to mining operations, and a dry-processing facility located in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin, approximately 8 miles (12.9 km) east on U.S. Highway 8. The Weyerhaeuser Plant commenced operations in December 2013.
Combined, these facilities wash, dry, and sort/size the run-of-mine (ROM) sandstone to produce frac sand products meeting industry specifications. The wet-processing plant has a nameplate capacity of 500 short tons per hour (454 metric tonnes per hour), while the dry-processing plant operates at 375 tph (340 metric tonnes per hour). Historical production from 2013 to 2025 totals approximately 13.43 million short tons (12.19 million metric tonnes) of finished product. In 2025 alone, SES produced 1.26 million short tons (1.16 million metric tonnes) of finished product, including 20/40, 30/70, and 100 Mesh (50/140) silica sand products. The operation employs approximately 70 workers across both facilities.
Processing Overview
The processing sequence begins with crushing ROM sandstone to manageable sizes without damaging individual grains. The wet-processing plant then separates material by size, shape, and density to remove contaminants, producing 8/50 and 30/70 sized work-in-process (WIP) material. This WIP is trucked by a third-party contractor (Antczak Trucking) to the dry-processing facilities where it is dried and further sorted to produce final products. Based on site observations, the current processing operations and equipment are suitable for their intended purpose.
Production Data
| Year | Production (short tons) | Production (metric tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,260,000 | 1,160,000 |
| Historical (2013-2025) | 13,430,000 | 12,190,000 |
Products
- 20/40 Mesh silica sand
- 30/70 Mesh silica sand
- 100 Mesh (50/140) silica sand
Website: https://www.corlissco.com/properties/sumner-mine
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Sumner Mine: Dual-Plant Silica Sand Processing
Overview
The Sumner Mine operates a sophisticated dual-plant processing system for producing high-quality frac sand. The wet-processing plant is located adjacent to mining operations, while the dry-processing facility is situated 8 miles east in Weyerhaeuser, WI. This integrated system processes ROM sandstone into specialized products for hydraulic fracturing applications.
Key Process Stages
- Primary Crushing: ROM sandstone is crushed to manageable sizes while preserving grain integrity
- Wet Processing: Material undergoes size, shape, and density separation at 500 tph capacity, producing 8/50 and 30/70 WIP material
- Material Transport: WIP is trucked to dry plant via third-party contractor (Antczak Trucking)
- Dry Processing: Final drying and sorting at 375 tph capacity yields 20/40, 30/70, and 100 Mesh (50/140) products
Critical Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Wet Plant Capacity | 500 tph (454 mtph) |
| Dry Plant Capacity | 375 tph (340 mtph) |
| ROM Stockpile | 60,000 short tons (54,000 mt) |
| WIP Stockpile | 300,000 short tons (272,000 mt) |
| 2024 Production | 1.34M short tons (1.22M mt) |
| Total Employees | 70 (50 wet plant, 20 dry plant) |
Processing Equipment
Wet Plant
- In-line crusher and scalping screeners
- 10×10 and 8×8 density separators
- Attrition scrubbers
- Cyclones
- Belt presses
- Dewatering beds
- Clarifier and process water tanks
Dry Plant
- Three fluid bed dryers
- Rotex mineral separators
Both plants operate year-round with scheduled maintenance periods. Quality control is maintained through laboratory sampling at multiple process stages.
Based on filing data from 2024-2025.
Silica Sand Recovery: Wet & Dry Processing at Sumner Mine
Silica Sand Recovery: Wet & Dry Processing at Sumner Mine
Source: Source Energy Services Ltd (2026)
Website: https://www.sourceenergyservices.com/news-releases/source-energy-services-ltd-files-updated-ni-43-101-technical-reports-for-its-mineral-projects-in-wisconsin-united-states
Critical Data
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Plant Throughput | 500 | tph (short tons per hour) | Nameplate capacity; approximately 454 metric tonnes per hour |
| Dry Plant Throughput | 375 | tph (short tons per hour) | Nameplate capacity; approximately 340 metric tonnes per hour |
| ROM Stockpile Capacity | 60,000 | short tons | Approximately 54,000 metric tonnes |
| WIP Stockpile Capacity (Dry Plant) | 300,000 | short tons | Approximately 272,000 metric tonnes |
| Target Product Sizes | 20/40, 30/70, 100 mesh | mesh | Final products after dry processing; also 8/50 and 30/70 as WIP |
| Processing Capacity | 500 (wet) / 375 (dry) | tph | Combined nameplate capacity of wet and dry plants |
| Operating Schedule | Year-round | Wet and dry plants operate continuously with downtime for maintenance | |
| Employees | 50 (wet) / 20 (dry) | employees | Approximately 50 at mining and wet plant; 20 at dry plant |
| Historical Production (2013-2025) | 13.43 | million short tons | 12.19 million metric tonnes of finished product |
| 2025 Annual Production | 1.26 | million short tons | 1.16 million metric tonnes; 20/40, 30/70, and 100 mesh |
Overview
Source Energy Services Ltd. operates the Sumner Silica Sand Mine in Barron County, Wisconsin, utilizing a comprehensive two-stage recovery method to produce high-quality frac sand for hydraulic fracturing. The processing operations are split between a wet processing plant located adjacent to the mine and a dry processing plant in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin, approximately 8 miles east on U.S. Highway 8. The dry plant began operations in December 2013, while the wet plant runs year-round with scheduled maintenance. This silica sand recovery system crushes, washes, dries, and sorts run-of-mine sandstone to yield products such as 20/40, 30/70, and 100 mesh (50/140) that meet stringent specifications for the oil and gas industry. The wet plant has a nameplate capacity of 500 short tons per hour (454 metric tonnes per hour), while the dry plant processes up to 375 short tons per hour (340 metric tonnes per hour). Together, these facilities have produced over 13.43 million short tons of finished product from 2013 to 2025, with 1.26 million short tons produced in 2025 alone. The process involves crushing without damaging individual grains, density and size separation in the wet plant, trucking work-in-process material via third-party contractor Antczak Trucking, and final drying and sorting at the dry plant. Quality control labs at both locations ensure product consistency, making Source Energy Services a key supplier of silica sand for hydraulic fracturing operations across North America.
Key Process Stages
- Stage 1: Crushing and Scalping – Run-of-mine sandstone is fed through an in-line crusher and scalping screeners to reduce rock to manageable sizes while preserving individual grain integrity. The crushed material is stored in a 60,000-short-ton ROM stockpile before entering the wet plant.
- Stage 2: Wet Separation – The crushed material passes through 10×10 and 8×8 density separators, attrition scrubbers, and cyclones to remove contaminants and classify particles by size, shape, and density. This stage produces 8/50 and 30/70 sized work-in-process material.
- Stage 3: Dewatering and Clarification – Slurry from the wet plant is treated using belt presses, dewatering beds, and a clarifier with process water tanks to recover water and produce dewatered sand. The clarifier enables water recycling, reducing fresh water consumption.
- Stage 4: Trucking to Dry Plant – The dewatered work-in-process material is transported by Antczak Trucking to the dry processing plant in Weyerhaeuser, WI, where it is stockpiled in a 300,000-short-ton WIP pile prior to drying.
- Stage 5: Drying and Final Sizing – At the dry plant, three fluid bed dryers remove moisture, and Rotex mineral separators sort the sand into final products: 20/40, 30/70, and 100 mesh (50/140 mesh). Quality control laboratory sampling is performed at each stage to ensure product specifications are met.
Additional Interesting Data and Summary
Beyond the core recovery stages, the Sumner silica sand operation incorporates several technical and operational features that enhance efficiency and product quality. The wet processing plant is enclosed to minimize dust and noise, and it operates year-round with scheduled maintenance downtime. Key equipment includes density separators (10×10 and 8×8), attrition scrubbers, cyclones, belt presses, dewatering beds, and a clarifier with process water tanks – all designed to maximize fines removal and water recovery, reducing environmental impact. The dry plant features three fluid bed dryers and Rotex mineral separators, allowing precise control over final product sizing. Quality control measures are implemented at multiple stages through laboratory sampling, ensuring the 20/40, 30/70, and 100 mesh products meet strict API specifications for hydraulic fracturing. Economically, the mine and processing facilities support approximately 70 direct jobs (50 at the wet plant/mine site, 20 at the dry plant), plus indirect employment through trucking contractor Antczak Trucking. The 13.43 million short tons of finished product shipped between 2013 and 2025 represent a significant contribution to the regional and national frac sand supply chain. In 2025 alone, production reached 1.26 million short tons, indicating stable demand from oil and gas operators. Environmental considerations include water recycling via the clarifier, enclosed processing to reduce fugitive emissions, and managed stockpiles to minimize land disturbance. While the technical report does not detail specific energy or water consumption metrics, the use of modern equipment suggests industry-standard efficiency. Looking ahead, the continued operation of both plants year-round and the availability of substantial permitted resources position Source Energy Services to maintain its role as a reliable supplier of premium silica sand for hydraulic fracturing, supporting energy development in the United States. Future expansions or optimizations may focus on further reducing water usage, increasing automation, and adapting to evolving proppant specifications.
Key Processes: Crushing
Target Commodities: N/A
