KERMIT, Texas – Imagine a massive, steel structure snaking its way through the oil fields of the American southwest at a sluggish pace of 10 mph. Too slow for a truck and too long for a train, this is the longest conveyer belt in the United States. At an impressive 42 miles long, this conveyer belt named “The Dune Express” has been installed by Texas-based oil field company, Atlas Energy Solutions, to transport millions of tons of sand for hydraulic fracturing across the region.
In a remote area of West Texas, in the small city of Kermit with a population of less than 6,000, the unusual sight of this colossal conveyer belt goes unnoticed by many. Traditionally, sand for fracking is hauled by tractor-trailers in the area, but CEO John Turner saw the inefficiency and dangers posed by large trucks on the roads. With safety in mind, the company made the unconventional decision to invest $400 million in constructing a conveyer belt to streamline the transport process.
The conveyer belt, boasting a freight capacity of 13 tons, runs alongside traffic on its route from Texas to New Mexico, where the sand is often offloaded into silos for further distribution by truck to fracking companies. Despite its massive scale, the company has worked diligently to ensure the smooth operation of the belt, with regular maintenance and monitoring in place to prevent any disruptions in production.
While the conveyer belt represents a monumental feat in the oil and gas industry, it also raises concerns among environmentalists regarding its impact on local habitats. The belt passes through a vast oil patch where endangered species like the sagebrush lizard reside, prompting worries about potential disruptions to the ecosystem. Additionally, there are apprehensions about increased drilling activity in the area due to the efficiency brought by the conveyer belt.
The Dune Express currently operates for 12 to 14 hours a day at half capacity, with plans to run round the clock in the near future. In New Mexico, officials like Lea County Commissioner Brad Weber hope that the conveyer belt will alleviate traffic congestion on highways and improve overall safety in the region. The project represents a significant investment and a groundbreaking approach to enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing operations in the oil-rich Permian Basin.