Sand Mining Company’s Takeover Of Rival Could Anticipate Industry Trend

One of the oldest industrial sand mining companies in Wisconsin has bought out a relative newcomer in Jackson County, and company officials say they believe slow demand for sand could lead to industry consolidation.

Badger Mining has been in the sand business for around 100 years. Last week, they expanded with the purchase of Northern Frac II LLC, which opened a sand processing plant in Alma Center last fall.

Marty Lehman, an associate with Badger Mining, said the takeover doesn’t have anything to do with low oil prices and slowing demand for sand.

But, he said if prices stay flat, there could be some consolidation in the industry.

“In regard to lull in the industry and will there be some mergers and acquisitions and such, we would anticipate there would be,” Lehman said.

Badger Mining officials wouldn’t say how much paid for Northern Frac.