U.S. Silica Declares Special Cash Dividend of $0.50 Per Share

FREDERICK, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2012-- U.S. Silica (NYSE: SLCA) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a special cash dividend of $0.50 per share to be paid on December 28, 2012, to stockholders of record on December 20, 2012. Commenting on the special dividend, U.S. Silica’s President and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Shinn said, “Returning cash to our shareholders underscores the confidence we have in our competitive position, business prospects and our cash flow generation capability. Furthermore, due to U.S. Silica’s continued strong cash and liquidity position post-dividend, we retain the flexibility to internally fund our long-term growth initiatives, including new transload sites, new greenfield plants and acquisitions.” He added, “Depending on the upcoming resolution of federal tax policy on qualified dividends, our board is committed to evaluating additional ways of creating shareholder value, which may include the institution of a quarterly dividend in the future.”

About U.S. Silica

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the second largest domestic producer of commercial silica, a specialized mineral that is a critical input into the oil and gas proppants end market. The company also processes ground and unground silica sand for a variety of industrial and specialty products end markets such as glass, fiberglass, foundry molds, municipal filtration and recreational uses. During its 100-plus year history, U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. has developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable it to produce and cost-effectively deliver over 200 products to customers across these end markets. U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Frederick, MD.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and speak only as of this date. Forward-looking statements include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact and may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding U.S. Silica’s growth opportunities, strategy, future financial results, forecasts, projections, dividend plans, capital expenditures, and the commercial silica industry. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are (1) fluctuations in demand for commercial silica; (2) the cyclical nature of our customers’ businesses; (3) operating risks that are beyond our control; (4) federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing; (5) our ability to implement our capacity expansion plans within our current timetable and budget; (6) loss of, or reduction in, business from our largest customers; (7) increasing costs or a lack of dependability or availability of transportation services or infrastructure; (8) our substantial indebtedness and pension obligations; (9) our ability to attract and retain key personnel; (10) silica-related health issues and corresponding litigation; (11) seasonal and severe weather conditions; and (12) extensive and evolving environmental, mining, health and safety, licensing, reclamation and other regulation (and changes in their enforcement or interpretation). Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in U.S. Silica’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Source: U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.
Investor Relations
855-745-4227
IR@USSilica.com