The race to drill for oil in the U.S. is creating another boom—in sand, a key ingredient in fracking. Energy companies are expected to use 56.3 billion pounds of sand this year, blasting it down oil and natural gas wells to help crack rocks and allow fuel to flow out. Sand use has increased 25% since 2011, according to the consulting firm PacWest, which expects a further 20% rise over the next two years. In Wisconsin, the source of white sand perfectly suited for hydraulic fracturing, state officials now estimate more than 100 sand mines, loading, and processing facilities have received permits, up from just five sand mines and five processing plants operating in 2010. And the stocks of publicly traded companies that deal in sand have soared. Shares of Houston-based Hi-Crush Partners HCLP -1.59% Hi-Crush Partners LP U.S.: NYSE $ 31.00 -0.50 -1.59% Dec. 2, 2013 4:04 pm […]