A Texas-based frac sand mining company is halting plans to develop a controversial 1,600-acre mine and processing plant in Trempealeau County.

Superior Silica Sands had been working for a year to develop a frac sand mine and processing plant between the cities of Independence and Arcadia. As part of the deal, the city of Independence annexed the property but two nearby towns sued, claiming the move was illegal.

But Superior Silica Sands CEO Rick Shearer said the decision to drop their plans had nothing to do with the lawsuit. He said oil prices are to blame.

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“Market conditions have really forced everybody, not just Superior Silica Sands but the entire frac sand industry, to really tighten their belts and look very hard at capital expenditures,” he said.

Shearer said despite the low price of oil and reduced demand for frac sand, Superior Silica Sands doesn't expect to lay off any employees.