Sand - Ouch!
The North American Energy Boom is a good thing, but there is cause for concern in the casting industry. The Wall Street Journal has published a piece on the subject. The graphic below shows the forecast demand for sand. Yikes!
When I was on the Penn State FEF Advisory Board I attended a talk given by a very knowledgeable person in that industry. It was explained that the frackers want the same properties as the foundries. It was also explained that one does not simply open a sand mine overnight (nor does one simply walk into Mordor, for that matter).
But this is not some casting industry committee ... this is the Wall Street Journal. If I were a casting salesperson I would have answers in case the topic came up from buyers who want to know their longer-term price outlook. I would also be prepared to ask if they have the same concerns about offshore sources about their various inputs (they really, really should).
Things That Need to be Taught to Humans #6
Unless you have golfed together before, nobody cares about your golf game.
Absolutely nobody cares about your fantasy league.
Not hatin', just sayin'.