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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2021
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-35416
 https://cdn.kscope.io/01eed751a2124cbff387de3b78a417a8-slca-20210331_g1.jpg
U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware 26-3718801
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
24275 Katy Freeway, Suite 600
Katy, Texas 77494
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(281) 258-2170
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value SLCA  New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes    No  þ
As of April 23, 2021, 74,341,417 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the registrant were outstanding.




U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
PART IFinancial Information (Unaudited):
PART IIOther Information:



PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited; dollars in thousands)
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$154,411 $150,920 
Accounts receivable, net211,840 206,934 
Inventories, net106,151 104,684 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets24,321 23,147 
Income tax deposits410 628 
Total current assets497,133 486,313 
Property, plant and mine development, net1,333,317 1,368,092 
Lease right-of-use assets35,697 37,469 
Goodwill185,649 185,649 
Intangible assets, net157,219 159,582 
Other assets9,218 9,842 
Total assets$2,218,233 $2,246,947 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$127,123 $121,920 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities16,571 17,388 
Current portion of long-term debt40,200 42,042 
Current portion of deferred revenue13,956 13,545 
Total current liabilities197,850 194,895 
Long-term debt, net1,196,559 1,197,660 
Deferred revenue17,972 20,147 
Liability for pension and other post-retirement benefits34,543 48,169 
Deferred income taxes, net47,630 49,386 
Operating lease liabilities71,603 76,361 
Other long-term liabilities 33,801 33,538 
Total liabilities1,599,958 1,620,156 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note N)
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; zero issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020
  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 83,596,565 issued and 74,306,324 outstanding at March 31, 2021; 83,143,176 issued and 73,986,566 outstanding at December 31, 2020
832 827 
Additional paid-in capital1,203,922 1,200,023 
Retained deficit(416,267)(395,496)
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,290,241 and 9,156,610 shares at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
(182,515)(181,615)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)1,103 (8,479)
Total U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. stockholders’ equity607,075 615,260 
Non-controlling interest11,200 11,531 
Total stockholders' equity618,275 626,791 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,218,233 $2,246,947 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
2


U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Sales:
Product$191,390 $222,161 
Service43,026 47,438 
Total sales234,416 269,599 
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization):
Product142,797 165,496 
Service34,192 35,821 
Total cost of sales (excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization)176,989 201,317 
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative26,224 30,052 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization41,348 38,449 
Goodwill and other asset impairments38 103,866 
Total operating expenses67,610 172,367 
Operating loss(10,183)(104,085)
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense(17,711)(22,277)
Other income, net, including interest income2,605 17,671 
Total other expense(15,106)(4,606)
Loss before income taxes(25,289)(108,691)
Income tax benefit4,354 36,086 
Net loss$(20,935)$(72,605)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest(157)(260)
Net loss attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. $(20,778)$(72,345)
Loss per share attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.:
Basic$(0.28)$(0.98)
Diluted$(0.28)$(0.98)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic73,927 73,467 
Diluted73,927 73,467 
Dividends declared per share$ $0.02 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3


U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited; dollars in thousands)
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Net loss$(20,935)$(72,605)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on derivatives (net of tax of zero and $67 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)
 211 
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax of $(180) and $(92) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)
(569)(289)
Pension and other post-retirement benefits liability adjustment (net of tax of $3,234 and $(1,634) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)
10,151 (5,128)
Comprehensive loss$(11,353)$(77,811)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest(157)(260)
Comprehensive loss attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.$(11,196)$(77,551)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4


U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited; dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Retained
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total U.S. Silica Holdings Inc., Stockholders’
Equity
Non-controlling InterestTotal
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2020$827 $(181,615)$1,200,023 $(395,496)$(8,479)$615,260 $11,531 $626,791 
Net loss— — — (20,778)— (20,778)(157)(20,935)
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — — — (569)(569)— (569)
Pension and post-retirement liability— — — — 10,151 10,151 — 10,151 
Cash dividend declared— — — 7 — 7 — 7 
Distributions to non-controlling interest— — — — — — (174)(174)
Common stock-based compensation plans activity:
Equity-based compensation— — 4,143 — — 4,143 — 4,143 
Proceeds from options exercised— 344 (239)— — 105 — 105 
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested restricted stock and stock units5 (1,244)(5)— — (1,244)— (1,244)
Balance at March 31, 2021$832 $(182,515)$1,203,922 $(416,267)$1,103 $607,075 $11,200 $618,275 
Balance at December 31, 2019$823 $(180,912)$1,185,116 $(279,956)$(19,854)$705,217 $11,363 $716,580 
Net loss— — — (72,345)— (72,345)(260)(72,605)
Unrealized gain on derivatives— — — — 211 211 — 211 
Foreign currency translation adjustment— — — — (289)(289)— (289)
Pension and post-retirement liability— — — — (5,128)(5,128)— (5,128)
Cash dividend declared ($0.0200 per share)
— — — (1,561)— (1,561)— (1,561)
Distributions to non-controlling interest— — — — — — (4)(4)
Common stock-based compensation plans activity:
Equity-based compensation— — 2,847 — — 2,847 — 2,847 
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested restricted stock and stock units1 (457)(1)— — (457)— (457)
Balance at March 31, 2020$824 $(181,369)$1,187,962 $(353,862)$(25,060)$628,495 $11,099 $639,594 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


5


U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; dollars in thousands)
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Operating activities:
Net loss$(20,935)$(72,605)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization41,348 38,449 
Goodwill and other asset impairments38 103,866 
Debt issuance amortization1,271 1,290 
Original issue discount amortization258 260 
Deferred income taxes(4,869)(36,979)
Deferred revenue(5,132)(2,525)
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment(35)(419)
Equity-based compensation4,143 2,847 
Allowance for credit losses, net of recoveries10 902 
Other18,456 (16,792)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable(4,917)(13,471)
Inventories(1,467)2,917 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(568)(2,146)
Income taxes218 578 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses9,053 (40,455)
Operating lease liabilities(8,159)(17,365)
Liability for pension and other post-retirement benefits(13,602)6,751 
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities(1,469)6,768 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities13,642 (38,129)
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures(3,511)(16,116)
Capitalized intellectual property costs(95)(494)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment72 224 
Net cash used in investing activities(3,534)(16,386)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid (4,604)
Proceeds from options exercised105  
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested restricted stock and stock units(1,244)(457)
Proceeds from draw down of the Revolver 25,000 
Payments on short-term debt(2,077)(2,674)
Payments on long-term debt(3,200)(3,782)
Distributions to non-controlling interest(174)(4)
Principal payments on finance lease obligations(27)(3)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(6,617)13,476 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents3,491 (41,039)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period150,920 185,740 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$154,411 $144,701 



6


U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(Unaudited; dollars in thousands)
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest$16,104 $20,677 
Taxes, net of refunds$(15,889)$101 
Non-cash items:
Accrued capital expenditures$792 $20,111 
Net assets assumed in business acquisition$68 $10,955 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

7


U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited; dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
NOTE A—ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Organization
U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings,” and together with its subsidiaries “we,” “us” or the “Company”) is a global performance materials company and a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry and in a wide range of industrial applications. In addition, through our subsidiary EP Minerals, LLC ("EPM"), we are an industry leader in the production of industrial minerals, including diatomaceous earth, clay (calcium bentonite and calcium montmorillonite) and perlite. During our 121-year history, we have developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable us to produce and cost-effectively deliver products to customers across our end markets. Our operations are organized into two reportable segments based on end markets served: (1) Oil & Gas Proppants and (2) Industrial & Specialty Products. See Note T - Segment Reporting for more information on our reportable segments.
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). They do not contain certain information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020; therefore, the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with that Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature.
The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Holdings and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Throughout this report we refer to (i) our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as our “Balance Sheets,” (ii) our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as our “Income Statements,” and (iii) our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as our “Cash Flows.”
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of prior period presentations were made to conform to the current period presentation.
NOTE B—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to the purchase price allocation for businesses acquired; mineral reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates utilized in impairment calculations and units-of-production amortization calculations; environmental, reclamation and closure obligations; estimates of recoverable minerals; estimates of allowance for credit losses; estimates of fair value for certain reporting units and asset impairments (including impairments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets); write-downs of inventory to net realizable value; equity-based compensation expense; post-employment, post-retirement and other employee benefit liabilities; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; contingent considerations; reserves for contingencies and litigation and the fair value and accounting treatment of financial instruments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
8


New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this ASU simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing several exceptions and also simplify the accounting for income taxes by requiring that an entity recognize a franchise tax (or similar tax) that is partially based on income as an income-based tax and account for any incremental amount incurred as a non-income-based tax, requiring that an entity evaluate when a step up in the tax basis of goodwill should be considered part of the business combination in which the book goodwill was originally recognized and when it should be considered a separate transaction, specifying that an entity is not required to allocate the consolidated amount of current and deferred tax expense to a legal entity that is not subject to tax in its separate financial statements (however, an entity may elect to do so on an entity-by-entity basis) for a legal entity that is both not subject to tax and disregarded by the taxing authority, requiring that an entity reflect the effect of an enacted change in tax laws or rates in the annual effective tax rate computation in the interim period that includes the enactment date, and making minor codification improvements for income taxes related to employee stock ownership plans and investments in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for using the equity method. For public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2021 and it did not have a material impact to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

None

NOTE C—EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed similarly to basic earnings per common share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potentially dilutive common shares had been issued.
Diluted net earnings per share assumes the conversion of contingently convertible securities and stock options under the treasury stock method, if dilutive. Contingently convertible securities and stock options are excluded from the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share if they are anti-dilutive, including when we incur a loss from continuing operations. 
The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
9


In thousands, except per share amounts
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.$(20,778)$(72,345)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding73,927 73,467 
Diluted effect of stock awards  
Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution73,927 73,467 
Loss per share attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.:
Basic loss per share$(0.28)$(0.98)
Diluted loss per share$(0.28)$(0.98)
Potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share because we were in a net loss position. Certain stock options, restricted stock awards and performance share units were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Such potentially dilutive shares and stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per common share were as follows:
In thousandsThree Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Potentially dilutive shares excluded 1,852 41 
Stock options excluded608 827 
Restricted stock and performance share unit awards excluded50 2,391 
NOTE D—CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Common Stock
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of preferred stock, all of the voting power of the stockholders of Holdings shall be vested in the holders of the common stock. There were 83,596,565 shares issued and 74,306,324 shares outstanding at March 31, 2021. There were 83,143,176 shares issued and 73,986,566 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020.
Dividends
Any determination to pay dividends and other distributions in cash, stock, or property by Holdings in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent on then-existing conditions, including our business and financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital requirements, contractual restrictions including restrictive covenants contained in our debt agreements, and other factors. Additionally, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock may be limited by restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions to us, including restrictions under the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness. During 2020, our Board of Directors determined that it was not in the best interest of our shareholders to issue a dividend subsequent to the second quarter and for the remainder of the year. The Board of Directors will make determinations regarding future dividends on a quarterly basis using the criteria described above.
Preferred Stock
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares, in the aggregate, of preferred stock, par value of $0.01 in one or more series, to fix the powers, preferences and other rights of such series, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including the dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and liquidation preference, and to fix the number of shares to be included in any such series, without any further vote or action by our stockholders.
10


There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding at March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020. At present, we have no plans to issue any preferred stock.
Share Repurchase Program
In May 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Stock repurchases, if any, will be funded using our available liquidity. The timing and amount of stock repurchases will depend on a variety of factors, including the market conditions as well as corporate and regulatory considerations. As of March 31, 2021, we have repurchased a total of 5,036,139 shares of our common stock at an average price of $14.59 and have $126.5 million of remaining availability under this program. We did not repurchase any shares during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of fair value adjustments associated with accumulated adjustments for net experience losses and prior service costs related to employee benefit plans and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax. The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component (in thousands):
 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
 Foreign currency translation adjustmentsPension and other post-retirement benefits liabilityTotal
Beginning Balance$583 $(9,062)$(8,479)
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications(569)9,423 8,854 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 728 728 
Ending Balance$14 $1,089 $1,103 
Amounts reclassified from related to pension and other post-retirement benefits are included in the computation of net periodic benefit costs at their pre-tax amounts.

NOTE E—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

    During the first quarter of 2020, we settled multiple intellectual property and contractual lawsuits involving our SandBox Logistics unit and Arrows Up, LLC.  As part of the settlement, SandBox Logistics took control of Arrows Up's existing business, including all equipment and sand logistics contracts, while also receiving a cash payment.

    We have accounted for the acquisition of Arrows Up, LLC under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Estimates of fair value included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements represent our best estimates and valuations. In accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, the fair values are subject to adjustment until we completed our analysis, which was during the first quarter of 2021. This business combination resulted in a bargain purchase pursuant to ASC 805-30-25 because no consideration was paid for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair value of assets acquired, which included cash, accounts receivable, inventories, lease right-of-use assets, and property plant, and equipment, was $20.1 million. The fair value of liabilities assumed, which included lease liabilities and other long-term liabilities, was $2.5 million. A gain on bargain purchase of $17.6 million was recorded in "Other income, net, including interest income" in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded a $0.1 million increase to accounts receivable. The total adjustments during the measurement period of $2.4 million were recorded as a net decrease to the initial gain on bargain purchase and recorded in "Other (expense) income, net, including interest income" in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
11


NOTE F—ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable are recorded when billed or accrued and represent claims against third parties that will be settled in cash. The carrying value of our accounts receivable, net of the allowance for credit losses, represents their estimated net realizable value. Accounts receivable (in thousands) consisted of the following:
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Trade receivables$194,170 $171,230 
Less: Allowance for credit losses(6,601)(6,604)
Net trade receivables187,569 164,626 
Other receivables(1)
24,271 42,308 
Total accounts receivable$211,840 $206,934 
(1)
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, other receivables included $21.4 million and $37.4 million, respectively, of refunds related to NOL carryback claims filed for various tax years in accordance with certain provisions of the CARES Act.
We classify our trade receivables into the following portfolio segments: Oil & Gas Proppants and Industrial & Specialty Products, which also aligns with our reporting segments. We estimate the allowance for credit losses based on historical collection trends, the age of outstanding receivables, risks attributable to specific customers, such as credit history, bankruptcy or other going concern issues, and current economic and industry conditions. If events or circumstances indicate that specific receivable balances may be impaired, further consideration is given to the collectability of those balances and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. Past due balances are written off when we have exhausted our internal and external collection efforts and have been unsuccessful in collecting the amount due.
The following table reflects the change of the allowance for credit losses (in thousands) for the three months ended March 31, 2021, disaggregated by portfolio segments:
Oil & Gas ProppantsIndustrial & Specialty ProductsTotal
Beginning balance, December 31, 2020$5,684 $920 $6,604 
Allowance for credit losses 10 10 
Write-offs(16)3 (13)
Ending balance, March 31, 2021$5,668 $933 $6,601 
Our ten largest customers accounted for 42% and 38% of total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. No customers accounted for 10% or more of our total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Sales to one of our customers accounted for 10% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of our total sales during the same periods. At March 31, 2021, one of our customer's accounts receivable represented 22% of our total trade accounts receivable. At December 31, 2020, the same customer's accounts receivable represented 24% of our total trade accounts receivable. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of our total trade accounts receivable during the same periods.
NOTE G—INVENTORIES
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, inventories (in thousands) consisted of the following:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Supplies$41,624 $42,329 
Raw materials and work in process34,261 33,723 
Finished goods30,266 28,632 
Total inventories$106,151 $104,684 

12


During 2020, there was an unprecedented drop in global demand combined with the breakdown of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil producing nations ("OPEC+") agreement to restrict oil production that led to one of the largest annual crude oil inventory builds in history. This led to sharp reductions in global crude oil prices. Containment measures and other economic, travel, and business disruptions caused by COVID-19 also affected refinery activity and future demand for crude oil, and consequently, the services and products of our Oil & Gas Proppants Segment. As a result of these events, we recorded impairment charges of $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily related to unused inventory at idled plants. These charges related to the Oil & Gas Proppants Segment and were recorded in "Goodwill and other asset impairments" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. No impairment charges were recorded related to inventory for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
NOTE H—PROPERTY, PLANT AND MINE DEVELOPMENT
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, property, plant and mine development (in thousands) consisted of the following:
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Mining property and mine development$789,143 $788,287 
Asset retirement cost15,985 15,985 
Land55,292 54,710 
Land improvements76,290 76,002 
Buildings69,982 69,841 
Machinery and equipment1,172,940 1,171,382 
Furniture and fixtures4,071 4,071 
Construction-in-progress27,299 27,216 
2,211,002 2,207,494 
Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment charges(877,685)(839,402)
Total property, plant and mine development, net$1,333,317 $1,368,092 
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense related to property, plant and mine development was $38.6 million and $35.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
During 2020, there was an unprecedented drop in global demand combined with the breakdown of the OPEC+ agreement to restrict oil production that led to one of the largest annual crude oil inventory builds in history. This led to sharp reductions in global crude oil prices. Containment measures and other economic, travel, and business disruptions caused by COVID-19 also affected refinery activity and future demand for crude oil, and consequently, the services and products of our Oil & Gas Proppants Segment. As a result of these events, we recorded impairment charges of $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 related primarily to our Kosse, Texas facility, which was idled. These impairment charges related to the Oil & Gas Proppants Segment and were recorded in "Goodwill and other asset impairments" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. No impairment charges were recorded related to property, plant and mine development for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
On March 21, 2018, we completed the sale of three transload facilities located in the Permian, Eagle Ford, and Marcellus Basins to CIG Logistics (“CIG”) for total consideration of $86.1 million, including the assumption by CIG of $2.2 million of Company obligations. Total cash consideration was $83.9 million. The consideration includes receipt of a vendor incentive from CIG to enter into master transloading service arrangements. Of the total consideration, $25.8 million was allocated to the fair value of the transload facilities, which had a net book value of $20.0 million and resulted in a gain on sale of $5.8 million. The consideration included a related asset retirement obligation of $2.1 million and an equipment note of $0.1 million assumed by CIG. In addition, $60.3 million of the consideration received in excess of the facilities' fair value was allocated to vendor incentives to be recognized as a reduction of costs using a service-level methodology over the contract lives of the transloading service arrangements. At March 31, 2021, vendor incentives of $2.4 million were classified in accounts payable and accrued expenses on our balance sheet.


13


NOTE I—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands) by business segment consisted of the following:
 Oil & Gas Proppants SegmentIndustrial & Specialty Products SegmentTotals
Balance at December 31, 2020$ $185,649 $185,649 
Impairment loss   
Balance at March 31, 2021$ $185,649 $185,649 

Goodwill and trade names are evaluated for impairment annually as of October 31, or more frequently when indicators of impairment exist. We evaluated events and circumstances since the date of our last qualitative assessment, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, and our overall financial performance.

During 2020, there was an unprecedented drop in global demand combined with the breakdown of the OPEC+ agreement to restrict oil production that led to one of the largest annual crude oil inventory builds in history. This led to sharp reductions in global crude oil prices. Containment measures and other economic, travel, and business disruptions caused by COVID-19 also affected refinery activity and future demand for crude oil, and consequently, the services and products of our Oil & Gas Proppants Segment. As a result of these triggering events, we performed a quantitative analysis and determined that the goodwill of our Oil & Gas reporting unit was impaired. We recognized goodwill impairment charges of $86.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, which were recorded in "Goodwill and other asset impairments" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no triggering events during the first quarter, therefore, no impairment charges were recorded related to goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
The changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets (in thousands) consisted of the following:
 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationImpairmentsNetGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationImpairmentsNet
Technology and intellectual property$71,108 $(21,446)$ $49,662 $71,052 $(18,854)$(1,373)$50,825 
Customer relationships66,999 (24,382) 42,617 66,999 (23,182) 43,817 
 Total definite-lived intangible assets:$138,107 $(45,828)$ $92,279 $138,051 $(42,036)$(1,373)$94,642 
Trade names64,240 —  64,240 65,390 — (1,150)64,240 
Other700 —  700 700 —  700 
Total intangible assets:$203,047 $(45,828)$ $157,219 $204,141 $(42,036)$(2,523)$159,582 

Estimated useful life of technology and intellectual property is 15 years. Estimated useful life of customer relationships is a range of 13 - 20 years.

Amortization expense was $2.4 million and $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

14


The estimated amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets (in thousands) for the five succeeding years is as follows:
2021 (remaining nine months)$7,263 
20229,667 
20239,662 
20249,663 
20259,662 
NOTE J—DEBT
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, debt (in thousands) consisted of the following:
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Senior secured credit facility:
Revolver expiring May 1, 2023 (4.13% at March 31, 2021 and 4.19% at December 31, 2020)
$25,000 $25,000 
Term Loan—final maturity May 1, 2025 (5.00% at March 31, 2021 and 5.00% at December 31, 2020)
1,231,600 1,234,800 
Less: Unamortized original issue discount(4,118)(4,376)
Less: Unamortized debt issuance cost(18,987)(20,259)
Insurance financing notes payable2,107 4,187 
Finance leases1,157 350 
Total debt1,236,759 1,239,702 
Less: current portion(40,200)(42,042)
Total long-term portion of debt$1,196,559 $1,197,660 
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On May 1, 2018, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which increased our existing senior debt by entering into a new $1.380 billion senior secured credit facility, consisting of a $1.280 billion term loan (the "Term Loan") and a $100 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver") (collectively the "Credit Facility) that may also be used for swingline loans or letters of credit, and we may elect to increase the term loan in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at variable rates as determined at our election, at LIBOR or a base rate, in each case, plus an applicable margin. In addition, under the Credit Agreement, we are required to pay a per annum facility fee and fees for letters of credit. The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of our assets and of our domestic subsidiaries' assets and a pledge of the equity interests in such entities. The Term Loan matures on May 1, 2025, and the Revolver expires May 1, 2023. We capitalized $38.7 million in debt issuance costs and original issue discount as a result of the new Credit Agreement.
The Credit Facility contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability, and certain of our subsidiaries' abilities, to create, incur or assume indebtedness and liens, to make acquisitions or investments, to sell assets and to pay dividends. The Credit Agreement also requires us to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of no more than 3.75:1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter whenever usage of the Revolver (other than certain undrawn letters of credit) exceeds 30% of the Revolver commitment. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. The Credit Agreement includes events of default and other affirmative and negative covenants that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we are in compliance with all covenants in accordance with our senior secured Credit Facility.
15


Term Loan
At March 31, 2021, contractual maturities of our Term Loan (in thousands) are as follows:
2021 (remaining nine months)$9,600 
202212,800 
202312,800 
202412,800 
20251,183,600 
Thereafter 
Total$1,231,600 
Revolving Line-of-Credit
We have a $100.0 million Revolver with $25.0 million drawn and $23.3 million allocated for letters of credit as of March 31, 2021, leaving $51.7 million available under the Revolver. We have the intent and ability to repay the amounts outstanding on the Revolver within one year, therefore, the outstanding balance as of March 31, 2021 has been classified as current.
Based on our consolidated leverage ratio of 6.37:1.00 as of March 31, 2021, we may draw up to approximately $30.0 million without the consent of our lenders. With the consent of our lenders, we have access to the full availability of the Revolver.
Insurance Financing Notes Payable
During the third quarter of 2020, the Company renewed its insurance policies and financed the payments through notes payable with a stated interest rate of 3.0%. These payments will be made in installments throughout a nine-month period and, as such, have been classified as current debt. As of March 31, 2021, the notes payable had a balance of $2.1 million.
16


NOTE K—ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
Mine reclamation or future remediation costs for inactive mines are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the costs expected to be incurred at such site. Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing care, maintenance and monitoring costs. Changes in estimates at inactive mines are reflected in earnings in the period an estimate is revised.
As of March 31, 2021 and 2020, we had a liability of $25.3 million and $25.3 million, respectively, in other long-term liabilities related to our asset retirement obligations. Changes in the asset retirement obligations (in thousands) during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
20212020
Beginning balance$24,717 $25,825 
Accretion342 373 
Additions and revisions of estimates279 (890)
Ending balance$25,338 25,308
NOTE L—FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:
    Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
    Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
    Level 3—Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Cash Equivalents
Due to the short-term maturity, we believe our cash equivalent instruments at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, approximate their reported carrying values.
Long-Term Debt, Including Current Maturities
We believe that the fair values of our long-term debt, including current maturities, approximate their carrying values based on their effective interest rates compared to current market rates.
NOTE M—EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
In July 2011, we adopted the U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2011 Plan”), which was amended and restated in May 2015 and amended and restated effective February 1, 2020. The 2011 Plan provides for grants of stock options, restricted stock, performance share units and other incentive-based awards. We believe our 2011 Plan aligns the interests of our employees and directors with those of our common stockholders. At March 31, 2021, we had 2,645,658 shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2011 Plan. We use a combination of treasury stock and new shares if necessary to satisfy option exercises or vesting of restricted awards and performance share units.
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Stock Options

The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, our stock option awards during the three months ended March 31, 2021:
Number of
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual Term in Years
Outstanding at December 31, 2020826,215 $29.05 3.1 years
Granted $ 
Exercised(10,164)$10.33 
Forfeited (113,333)$24.76 
Expired $ 
Outstanding at March 31, 2021702,718 $30.01 3.0 years
Exercisable at March 31, 2021702,718 $30.01 3.0 years
There were no grants of stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
There were 10,164 stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $44 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Cash received from stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $105 thousand. The tax benefit realized from stock option exercises was $11 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2021. There were no stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
As of March 31, 2021 and 2020, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to these options. We account for forfeitures as they occur.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards
The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, our unvested restricted stock awards during the three months ended March 31, 2021:
Number of SharesGrant Date Weighted
Average Fair Value
Unvested, December 31, 20201,779,826 $6.22 
Granted633,973 $9.77 
Vested(443,225)$7.52 
Forfeited(9,762)$12.82 
Unvested, March 31, 20211,960,812 $6.92 
We granted 633,973 and 900,852 restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fair value of the awards was based on the market price of our stock at date of grant.
We recognized $1.6 million and $1.5 million of equity-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, there was $10.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to these restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.
We also granted cash awards during the three months ended March 31, 2020. These awards will vest over a period of three years and will be settled in cash. As such, these awards have been classified as liability instruments. We recognized $0.4 million and $0.1 million of expense related to these awards for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The liability for these awards is included in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our balance sheets. These awards will be remeasured at fair value each reporting period with resulting changes reflected in our income statements. Estimated unrecognized expense related to these awards is $1.8 million over a period of 1.9 years.
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Performance Share Unit Awards
The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, our performance share unit awards during the three months ended March 31, 2021:
Number of SharesGrant Date Weighted
Average Fair Value
Unvested, December 31, 20201,513,648 $12.36 
Granted773,023 $11.46 
Vested $ 
Forfeited/Cancelled(177,242)$30.63 
Unvested, March 31, 20212,109,429 $10.54 
We granted 773,023 and 1,020,161 performance share units during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The grant date fair value for these awards was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation model requires the use of highly subjective assumptions. Our key assumptions in the model included the price and the expected volatility of our common stock and our self-determined peer group companies’ stock, risk-free rate of interest, dividend yields and cross-correlations between our common stock and our self-determined peer group companies' stock.
We recognized $2.5 million and $1.3 million of compensation expense related to performance share unit awards during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, there was $14.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to these performance share unit awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
We also granted cash awards during the three months ended March 31,2020. These awards will vest over a period of three years and will be settled in cash. As such, these awards have been classified as liability instruments. We recognized $0.2 million and $0.7 million of expense related to these awards for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The liability for these awards is included in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our balance sheets. These awards will be remeasured at fair value each reporting period with resulting changes reflected in our income statements. Estimated unrecognized expense related to these awards is $1.0 million over a period of 1.9 years.
NOTE N—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Future Minimum Annual Commitments at March 31, 2021 (in thousands):
Minimum Purchase Commitments
2021 (remaining nine months)$10,297 
202210,258 
202310,258 
20246,950 
20252,584 
Thereafter6,604 
Total future purchase commitments$46,951 
Minimum Purchase Commitments
We enter into service agreements with our transload and transportation service providers. Some of these agreements require us to purchase a minimum amount of services over a specific period of time. Any inability to meet these minimum contract requirements requires us to pay a shortfall fee, which is based on the difference between the minimum amount contracted for and the actual amount purchased.
Contingent Liability on Royalty Agreement
On May 17, 2017, we purchased reserves in Crane County, Texas, for $94.4 million cash consideration plus contingent consideration. The contingent consideration is a royalty that is based on the tonnage shipped to third-parties. Because the
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contingent consideration is dependent on future tonnage sold, the amounts of which are uncertain, it is not currently possible to estimate the fair value of these future payments. The contingent consideration will be capitalized at the time a payment is probable and reasonably estimable, and the related depletion expense will be adjusted prospectively.
Other Commitments and Contingencies
Our operating subsidiary, U.S. Silica Company (“U.S. Silica”), has been named as a defendant in various product liability claims alleging silica exposure causing silicosis. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, one new claim was brought against U.S. Silica. As of March 31, 2021, there were 52 active silica-related product liability claims pending in which U.S. Silica is a defendant. Although the outcomes of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management, it is not reasonably possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations that exceeds the accrual amounts.
We have recorded estimated liabilities for these claims in other long-term liabilities as well as estimated recoveries under the indemnity agreement and an estimate of future recoveries under insurance in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. As of both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, other non-current assets included zero for insurance for third-party product liability claims. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 other long-term liabilities included $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for third-party product liability claims.
Obligations under Guarantees
We have indemnified our insurers against any loss they may incur in the event that holders of surety bonds, issued on our behalf, execute the bonds. As of March 31, 2021, there was $37.3 million in bonds outstanding, of which $33.3 million related to reclamation requirements issued by various governmental authorities. Reclamation bonds remain outstanding until the mining area is reclaimed and the authority issues a formal release. The remaining bonds relate to licenses, permits, and tax collection.
NOTE O—PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
We maintain a single-employer noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees. The plan is frozen to all new employees. The plan provides benefits based on each covered employee’s years of qualifying service. Our funding policy is to contribute amounts within the range of the minimum required and maximum deductible contributions for the plan consistent with a goal of appropriate minimization of the unfunded projected benefit obligations. The pension plan uses a benefit level per year of service for covered hourly employees and a final average pay method for covered salaried employees. The plan uses the projected unit credit cost method to determine the actuarial valuation.
In addition, we provide defined benefit post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits to some employees. Covered employees become eligible for these benefits at retirement after meeting minimum age and service requirements. The projected future cost of providing post-retirement benefits, such as healthcare and life insurance, is recognized as an expense as employees render services. In general, retiree health benefits are paid as covered expenses are incurred.
Net pension benefit cost (in thousands) consisted of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Service cost$805 $653 
Interest cost739 989 
Expected return on plan assets(1,429)(1,421)
Net amortization and deferral950 894 
Net pension benefit costs$1,065 $1,115 
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Net post-retirement benefit cost (in thousands) consisted of the following for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Service cost$19 $25 
Interest cost102 129 
Net post-retirement benefit costs$121 $154 
We contributed $1.3 million and $0.7 million to the qualified pension plan for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our best estimates of expected contributions to the pension and post-retirement medical benefit plans for the 2021 fiscal year are $5.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
We contribute to three multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements for union-represented employees. A multiemployer plan is subject to collective bargaining for employees of two or more unrelated companies. These plans allow multiple employers to pool their pension resources and realize efficiencies associated with the daily administration of the plan. Multiemployer plans are generally governed by a board of trustees composed of management and labor representatives and are funded through employer contributions. However, in most cases, management is not directly represented. Our contributions to individual multiemployer pension funds did not exceed 5% of the fund’s total contributions for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Additionally, our contributions to multiemployer post-retirement benefit plans were immaterial for all periods presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
We also sponsor a defined contribution plan covering certain employees. We contribute to the plan in two ways. For certain employees not covered by the defined benefit plan, we make a contribution equal to 4% of their salary. For all other eligible employees, we make a contribution up to 6% of eligible earnings. Contributions were $1.5 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE P— LEASES
We lease railroad cars, office space, mining property, mining/processing equipment and transportation and other equipment. The majority of our leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 20 years. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, the latter of which are generally accounted for separately.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate):
LeasesClassificationMarch 31,
2021
December 31, 2020
Assets
OperatingLease right-of-use assets$34,568 $37,130 
FinanceLease right-of-use assets1,129 339 
Total leased assets$35,697 $37,469 
Liabilities
Current
OperatingCurrent portion of operating lease liabilities$16,571 $17,388 
Finance Current portion of long-term debt293 55 
Non-current
OperatingOperating lease liabilities71,603 76,361 
FinanceLong-term debt, net864 295 
Total lease liabilities$89,331 $94,099 
Lease Term and Discount Rate
Weighted average remaining lease term:
Operating 6.9 years6.9 years
Finance3.2 years2.9 years
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating5.7%5.8%
Finance5.2%5.0%
During 2020, there was an unprecedented drop in global demand combined with the breakdown of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil producing nations ("OPEC+") agreement to restrict oil production that led to one of the largest annual crude oil inventory builds in history. This led to sharp reductions in global crude oil prices. Containment measures and other economic, travel, and business disruptions caused by COVID-19 also affected refinery activity and future demand for crude oil, and consequently, the services and products of our Oil & Gas Proppants Segment. As a result of these events, we recorded impairment charges of $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily related to railcar leases, various equipment leases, and an office building lease. These charges related to the Oil & Gas Proppants Segment and were recorded in "Goodwill and other asset impairments" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. No impairment charges were recorded related to leased assets for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
The components of lease expense (in thousands) were as follows:
Lease CostsClassificationThree Months Ended 
 March 31, 2021
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2020
Operating lease costs(1)
Cost of sales$8,137 $9,617 
Operating lease costs(2)
Selling, general and administrative528 542 
Total (3)
$8,665 $10,159 
    
(1) Included short-term operating lease costs of $3.7 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2) Included short-term operating lease costs of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3) Does not include expense for finance leases of $45 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Supplemental cash flow information (in thousands) related to leases was as follows:
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2021
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows for operating leases$8,159 $17,365 
Financing cash flows for finance leases$45 $ 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities:
Operating leases$1,306 $3,872 
Finance leases$843 $ 
Maturities of lease liabilities (in thousands) as of March 31, 2021:
Operating leasesFinance leases
2021 (remaining nine months)$15,577 $259 
202216,924 $345 
202316,491 $518 
202414,233 $89 
202511,617 $52 
Thereafter38,205 $4 
Total lease payments$113,047 $1,267 
Less: Interest20,284 110 
Less: Other operating expenses4,589  
Total$88,174 $1,157 

NOTE Q— INCOME TAXES
For interim period reporting, we record income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate based upon projected annual income, forecasted permanent tax differences, discrete items and statutory rates in states in which we operate. At the end of each interim period, we update the estimated annual effective tax rate, and if the estimated tax rate changes based on new information, we make a cumulative adjustment in the period. We record the tax effect of an unusual or infrequently occurring item in the interim period in which it occurs as a discrete item of tax.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES” Act) was enacted and signed into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, permitted NOL carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning after 2017 and before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allowed NOLs generated after 2017 and before 2021 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. As a result, during 2020, we carried the NOL generated in 2019 back to offset the taxable income in the 2014 tax year generating a refund of $36.6 million. This refund was received during the second quarter of 2020. We also amended our 2018 tax return to generate an NOL by electing bonus depreciation. We then carried the NOL generated in 2018 back to offset the taxable income in prior years generating a refund of $26.3 million, of which $4.9 million was received during the fourth quarter of 2020. At March 31, 2021, the remaining $21.4 million of this refund was included in accounts receivable in our balance sheets. The deferred tax assets related to the NOLs generated in 2018 and 2019 were recorded at the statutory income tax rate for 2018 and 2019, which was 21% for both years. As a result of the carry back of these NOLs to prior years, the NOLs will be utilized at the statutory income tax rate for pre-2018, which was 35%. This increase in the tax rate at which the 2018 and 2019 NOLs will be utilized results in a deferred tax benefit. Accordingly, for the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of $22.3 million. Pursuant to ASC 740, this was recorded as a discrete component of the tax benefit.
The CARES Act also accelerated the ability of companies to receive refunds of alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) credits related to tax years beginning in 2018 and 2019. AMT credits were presented as a receivable or a deferred tax asset in the prior
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period balance sheets. The presentation of refundable AMT credits in the balance sheet was reclassified during 2020 from deferred tax asset to accounts receivable to reflect the timing of when the credits were expected to be monetized. AMT credits in the amount of $16.0 million were included in accounts receivable on our balance sheets as of December 31, 2020, and were received in full during the first quarter of 2021.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we had tax benefits of $4.4 million and $36.1 million, respectively. The effective tax rates were 17% and 33% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Without discrete items, which primarily consist of tax expense related to equity compensation and tax benefits related to the carryback of NOLs described above, the effective tax rates for both the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 would have been 24%.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded tax expense related to equity compensation of $1.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

NOTE R— REVENUE
We consider sales disaggregated at the product and service level by business segment to depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flow are impacted by changes in economic factors. The following table disaggregates our sales by major source for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2021
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2020
CategoryOil & Gas ProppantsIndustrial & Specialty ProductsTotal SalesOil & Gas ProppantsIndustrial & Specialty ProductsTotal Sales
Product$78,671 $112,719 $191,390 $108,277 $113,884 $222,161 
Service43,026  43,026 47,438  47,438 
Total Sales$121,697 $112,719 $234,416 $155,715 $113,884 $269,599 
The following tables reflect the changes in our contract assets, which we classify as unbilled receivables and our contract liabilities, which we classify as deferred revenues, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Unbilled Receivables
March 31, 2021March 31, 2020
Beginning Balance$47,982 $20,144 
Reclassifications to billed receivables(512)(144)
Revenues recognized in excess of period billings1,647 108 
Ending Balance$49,117 $20,108 
    
Deferred Revenue
March 31, 2021March 31, 2020
Beginning Balance$33,692 $50,634 
Revenues recognized from balances held at the beginning of the period (4,256)(2,525)
Revenues deferred from period collections on unfulfilled performance obligations3,368  
Revenues recognized from period collections (876) 
Ending Balance$31,928 $48,109 
We have elected to use the practical expedients allowed under ASC 606-10-50-14, pursuant to which we have excluded disclosures of transaction prices allocated to remaining performance obligations and when we expect to recognize such revenue. The majority of our remaining performance obligations are primarily comprised of unfulfilled product, transportation service, and labor service orders, all of which hold a remaining duration of less than one year. The long-term portion of deferred
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revenue primarily represents a combination of refundable and nonrefundable customer prepayments for which related current performance obligations do not yet exist, but are expected to arise, before the expiration of the contract. Our residual unfulfilled performance obligations are comprised primarily of long-term equipment rental arrangements in which we recognize revenues equal to what we have a right to invoice. Generally, no variable consideration exists related to our remaining performance obligations and no consideration is excluded from the associated transaction prices. However, the decrease in the current year deferred revenue balance is partially attributable to revenue recognized as variable consideration from shortfall penalties assessed to multiple customers according to contract terms.
Foreign Operations
The following table includes information related to our foreign operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2021
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2020
Total Sales$21,696 $21,605 
Pre-tax income$4,138 $4,213 
Net income$3,269 $3,328 
Foreign operations constituted approximately $27.6 million and $29.7 million of consolidated assets as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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NOTE S— RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2021 or 2020.
NOTE T— SEGMENT REPORTING
Our business is organized into two reportable segments, Oil & Gas Proppants and Industrial & Specialty Products, based on end markets. The reportable segments are consistent with how management views the markets that we serve and the financial information reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. We manage our Oil & Gas Proppants and Industrial & Specialty Products businesses as components of an enterprise for which separate information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.
In the Oil & Gas Proppants segment, we serve the oil and gas recovery market primarily by providing and delivering fracturing sand, or “frac sand,” which is pumped down oil and natural gas wells to prop open rock fissures and increase the flow rate of oil and natural gas from the wells.
The Industrial & Specialty Products segment consists of over 500 product types and materials used in a variety of industries, including container glass, fiberglass, specialty glass, flat glass, building products, fillers and extenders, foundry products, chemicals, recreation products and filtration products.
An operating segment’s performance is primarily evaluated based on segment contribution margin, which excludes selling, general, and administrative costs, corporate costs, plant capacity expansion expenses, and facility closure costs. We believe that segment contribution margin, as defined above, is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of our segments. However, segment contribution margin is a non-GAAP measure and should be considered in addition to, not a substitute for, or superior to, net income (loss) or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The other accounting policies of each of the two reportable segments are the same as those in Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table presents sales and segment contribution margin (in thousands) for the reportable segments and other operating results not allocated to the reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Sales:
Oil & Gas Proppants$121,697 $155,715 
Industrial & Specialty Products112,719 113,884 
Total sales234,416 269,599 
Segment contribution margin:
Oil & Gas Proppants21,540 32,891 
Industrial & Specialty Products40,038 43,348 
Total segment contribution margin61,578 76,239 
Operating activities excluded from segment cost of sales(4,151)(7,957)
Selling, general and administrative(26,224)(30,052)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(41,348)(38,449)
Goodwill and other asset impairments(38)(103,866)
Interest expense(17,711)(22,277)
Other income, net, including interest income2,605 17,671 
Income tax benefit4,354 36,086 
Net loss$(20,935)$(72,605)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest(157)(260)
Net loss attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. $(20,778)$(72,345)
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Asset information, including capital expenditures and depreciation, depletion, and amortization, by segment is not included in reports used by management in its monitoring of performance and, therefore, is not reported by segment. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, goodwill of $185.6 million has been allocated to these segments with zero assigned to Oil & Gas Proppants and $185.6 million to Industrial & Specialty Products.

NOTE U— SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
We evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were available for issuance and did not identify any events requiring disclosure.

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
    
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”), contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the "2020 Annual Report").

Adjusted EBITDA and segment contribution margin as used herein are non-GAAP measures. For a detailed description of Adjusted EBITDA and segment contribution margin and reconciliations to their most comparable GAAP measures, please see the discussion below under “How We Evaluate Our Business.

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “can have,” “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning.

For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected costs; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our future plans and results of operations; reserve and finished products estimates; demand for our products; the strategies of our customers; anticipated expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results; our plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives; strategies and their anticipated effect on our performance and liquidity; and the expected outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation are forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expect, including but not limited to: global economic conditions; fluctuations in demand for commercial silica, diatomaceous earth, perlite, clay and cellulose; fluctuations in demand for frac sand or the development of either effective alternative proppants or new processes to replace hydraulic fracturing; changes in production spending by companies in the oil and gas industry and changes in the level of oil and natural gas exploration and development; general economic, political and business conditions in key regions of the world; ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers and end users of our products; pricing pressure; weather and seasonal factors; the cyclical nature of our customers’ business; our inability to meet our financial and performance targets and other forecasts or expectations; our substantial indebtedness and pension obligations, including restrictions on our operations imposed by our indebtedness; operational modifications, delays or cancellations; prices for electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel; our ability to maintain our transportation network; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements, including those related to mining, explosives, chemicals, and oil and gas production; silica-related health issues and corresponding litigation; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based on many detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the
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impact of the known factors described above, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. As a result, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements we make. If one or more of the risks described above or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of any such development changes), or should our underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are made only as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as other cautionary statements that are made from time to time in our other filings with the SEC, and our other public communications.
Overview
    We are a global performance materials company and a leading producer of commercial silica used in the oil and gas industry and in a wide range of industrial applications. In addition, through our subsidiary EP Minerals, LLC ("EPM"), we are an industry leader in the production of industrial minerals, including diatomaceous earth, clay (calcium bentonite and calcium montmorillonite) and perlite.
    During our 121-year history, we have developed core competencies in mining, processing, logistics and materials science that enable us to produce and cost-effectively deliver over 500 diversified product types to customers across our end markets. As of March 31, 2021, we operated 24 production facilities across the United States. We control 509 million tons of reserves of commercial silica, which we believe can be processed to make 211 million tons of finished products that meet API frac sand specifications, and 83 million tons of reserves of diatomaceous earth, perlite, and clays.
    Our operations are organized into two reportable segments based on end markets served and the manner in which we analyze our operating and financial performance: (1) Oil & Gas Proppants and (2) Industrial & Specialty Products. We believe our segments are complementary because our ability to sell to a wide range of customers across end markets in these segments allows us to maximize recovery rates in our mining operations and optimize our asset utilization.
Acquisitions
    For a description of our key business acquisitions during the periods presented, see Note E - Business Combinations to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.
Recent Trends and Outlook
Oil and gas proppants end market trends

During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic repercussions coupled with an inadequate supply response and exacerbated by the lack of global storage capacity, resulted in a precipitous decline in crude oil prices. These events negatively affected and could continue to negatively affect our Oil & Gas Proppants segment. Demand for our proppant and logistics services has declined as our customers reduce their capital budgets and drilling operations in response to lower oil prices.
In response to the effects of the pandemic on our Oil & Gas Proppants Segment, we have taken a number of steps to reduce our costs of operations. We have dramatically reduced all discretionary spending, lowered headcount, and closed or idled facilities as appropriate.
The extent to which our business will continue to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will depend on various factors and consequences beyond our control, such as the duration and scope of the pandemic, additional actions by businesses and governments in response to the pandemic, the speed and effectiveness of responses to combat the virus, the extent of the resurgence in cases, and the effects of low oil prices on the global economy generally. These effects could also aggravate the risk factors identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
Sales were relatively flat and average selling price per ton in our Oil & Gas Proppants Segment decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2020. Our results for the three–month period ended March 31, 2021 in this segment are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021.
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Amounts in thousands, except per ton dataThree Months Ended Percentage Change
Oil & Gas ProppantsMarch 31,
2021
December 31, 2020March 31, 2021 vs. December 31, 2020
Sales$121,697 $120,344 %
Tons Sold2,577 1,901 36 %
Average Selling Price per Ton$47.22 $63.31 (25)%

If oil and gas drilling and completion activity does not grow or if frac sand supply remains greater than demand, then we may sell fewer tons, sell tons at lower prices, or both. If we sell less frac sand or sell frac sand at lower prices, our revenue, net income, cash generated from operating activities, and liquidity would be adversely affected, and we could incur material asset impairments. If these events occur, we may evaluate further actions to reduce cost and improve liquidity.
Industrial and specialty products end market trends
Demand in the industrial and specialty products end markets has been relatively stable in recent years and is primarily influenced by key macroeconomic drivers such as housing starts, population growth, light vehicle sales, beer and wine production, repair and remodel activity and industrial production. The primary end markets served by our Industrial & Specialty Products segment are building and construction products, fillers and extenders, filtration, glassmaking, absorbents, foundry, and sports and recreation. We have been increasing our value-added product offerings in the industrial and specialty products end markets organically as well as through acquisitions, such as White Armor and EPM. Sales of these new higher margin products have increased our Industrial & Specialty Products segment's profitability in recent periods.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and will likely continue to cause, severe economic, market and other disruptions worldwide, which began to affect our Industrial & Specialty Products segment in the second quarter of 2020. In addition, after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may continue to experience adverse impacts in this segment as a result of any long-term economic recession or depression that may continue in the future.
Our Business Strategy
The key drivers of our growth strategy include:
increasing our presence and product offering in specialty products end markets;
optimizing our product mix and further developing value-added capabilities to maximize margins;
effectively positioning our Oil & Gas Proppants facilities to optimally serve our customers;
optimizing our supply chain network and leveraging our logistics capabilities to meet our customers’ needs;
evaluating both Greenfield and Brownfield expansion opportunities and other acquisitions; and
maintaining financial strength and flexibility.
How We Generate Our Sales
    Products
    We derive our product sales by mining and processing minerals that our customers purchase for various uses. Our product sales are primarily a function of the price per ton and the number of tons sold. We primarily sell our products through individual purchase orders executed under short-term price agreements or at prevailing market rates. The amount invoiced reflects the price of the product, transportation, surcharges, and additional handling services as applicable, such as storage, transloading the product from railcars to trucks and last mile logistics to the customer site. We invoice most of our product customers on a per shipment basis, although for some larger customers we consolidate invoices weekly or monthly. Standard collection terms are net 30 days, although extended terms are offered in competitive situations.
    Services
    We derive our service sales primarily through the provision of transportation, equipment rental, and contract labor services to companies in the oil and gas industry. Transportation services typically consist of transporting customer proppant from storage facilities to proximal well-sites and are contracted through work orders executed under established pricing agreements. The amount invoiced reflects transportation services rendered. Equipment rental services provide customers with
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use of either dedicated or nonspecific wellhead proppant delivery equipment solutions for contractual periods defined either through formal lease agreements or executed work orders under established pricing agreements. The amounts invoiced reflect the length of time the equipment set was utilized in the billing period. Contract labor services provide customers with proppant delivery equipment operators through work orders executed under established pricing agreements. The amounts invoiced reflect the amount of time our labor services were utilized in the billing period. We typically invoice our customers on a weekly or monthly basis; however, some customers receive invoices upon well-site operation completion. Standard collection terms are net 30 days, although extended terms are offered in competitive situations.
    Our ten largest customers accounted for 42% and 38% of total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. No customers accounted for 10% or more of our total sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Sales to one of our customers accounted for 10% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of our total sales during the same periods. At March 31, 2021, one of our customer's accounts receivable represented 22% of our total trade accounts receivable. At December 31, 2020, the same customer's accounts receivable represented 24% of our total trade accounts receivable. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of our total trade accounts receivable during the same periods.
    For a limited number of customers, we sell under long-term, minimum purchase supply agreements. These agreements define, among other commitments, the volume of product that our customers must purchase, the volume of product that we must provide and the price that we will charge and that our customers will pay for each product. Prices under these agreements are generally fixed and subject to certain contractual adjustments. Sometimes these agreements may undergo negotiations regarding pricing and volume requirements, particularly in volatile market conditions. When these negotiations occur, we may deliver sand at prices or at volumes below the requirements in our existing supply agreements. An executed order specifying the type and quantity of product to be delivered, in combination with the noted agreements, comprise our contracts in these arrangements. Selling more tons under supply contracts enables us to be more efficient from a production, supply chain and logistics standpoint. As discussed in Part I, Item 1A., Risk Factors of our 2020 Annual Report, these customers may not continue to purchase the same levels of product in the future due to a variety of reasons, contract requirements notwithstanding.
    As of March 31, 2021, we had eleven minimum purchase supply agreements in the Oil & Gas Proppants segment with initial terms expiring between 2021 and 2034. As of March 31, 2020, we had thirteen minimum purchase supply agreements in the Oil & Gas Proppants segment with initial terms expiring between 2020 and 2034. Collectively, sales to customers with minimum purchase supply agreements accounted for 55% and 60% of Oil & Gas Proppants segment sales during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
    In the industrial and specialty products end markets we have not historically entered into long-term minimum purchase supply agreements with our customers because of the high cost to our customers of switching providers. We may periodically do so when capital or other investment is required to meet customer needs. Instead, we often enter into supply agreements with our customers with targeted volumes and terms of one to five years. Prices under these agreements are generally fixed and subject to annual increases.
The Costs of Conducting Our Business
    The principal expenses involved in conducting our business are transportation costs, labor costs, electricity and drying fuel costs, and maintenance and repair costs for our mining and processing equipment and facilities. Transportation and related costs include freight charges, fuel surcharges, transloading fees, switching fees, railcar lease costs, demurrage costs, storage fees and labor costs. We believe the majority of our operating costs are relatively stable in price, but they can vary significantly based on the volume of product produced. We benefit from owning the majority of the mineral deposits that we mine and having long-term mineral rights leases or supply agreements for our other primary sources of raw material, which limits royalty payments.
    Additionally, we incur expenses related to our corporate operations, including costs for sales and marketing; research and development; and the finance, legal, human resources, information technology, and environmental, health and safety functions of our organization. These costs are principally driven by personnel expenses.
How We Evaluate Our Business
    Our management team evaluates our business using a variety of financial and operating metrics. We evaluate the performance of our two segments based on their tons sold, average selling price and contribution margin earned. Additionally, we consider a number of factors in evaluating the performance of our business as a whole, including total tons sold, average selling price, total segment contribution margin, and Adjusted EBITDA. We view these metrics as important factors in evaluating our profitability and review these measurements frequently to analyze trends and make decisions, and we believe the
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presentation of these metrics provides useful information to our investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the same reasons.
Segment Contribution Margin
    Segment contribution margin, a non-GAAP measure, is a key metric that management uses to evaluate our operating performance and to determine resource allocation between segments. Segment contribution margin excludes selling, general, and administrative costs, corporate costs, plant capacity expansion expenses, and facility closure costs.
    Segment contribution margin is not a measure of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered an alternative or superior to measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Our measure of segment contribution margin is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation. For more information about segment contribution margin, including a reconciliation of this measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income (loss), see Note T - Segment Reporting to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1. of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Adjusted EBITDA
    Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is included in this report because it is a key metric used by management to assess our operating performance and by our lenders to evaluate our covenant compliance. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain income and/or costs, the removal of which improves comparability of operating results across reporting periods. Our target performance goals under our incentive compensation plan are tied, in part, to our Adjusted EBITDA.
    Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of our financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative or superior to net income (loss) as a measure of operating performance, cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements. Adjusted EBITDA contains certain other limitations, including the failure to reflect our cash expenditures, cash requirements for working capital needs and cash costs to replace assets being depreciated and amortized, and excludes certain charges that may recur in the future. Management compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and by using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. Our measure of Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation.
    The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA.
(amounts in thousands)Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Net loss attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.$(20,778)$(72,345)
Total interest expense, net of interest income15,803 22,194 
Provision for taxes(4,354)(36,086)
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses41,348 38,449 
EBITDA32,019 (47,788)
Non-cash incentive compensation (1)
4,574 2,847 
Post-employment expenses (excluding service costs) (2)
363 613 
Merger and acquisition related expenses (3)
194 609 
Plant capacity expansion expenses (4)
41 2,190 
Goodwill and other asset impairments (5)
38 103,866 
Business optimization projects (6)
39 19 
Facility closure costs (7)
502 1,097 
Other adjustments allowable under the Credit Agreement (8)
546 (15,207)
Adjusted EBITDA$38,316 $48,246 
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(1)
Reflects equity-based and other equity-related compensation expense.
(2)
Includes net pension cost and net post-retirement cost relating to pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations during the applicable period, but in each case excluding the service cost relating to benefits earned during such period. Non-service net periodic benefit costs are not considered reflective of our operating performance because these costs do not exclusively originate from employee services during the applicable period and may experience periodic fluctuations as a result of changes in non-operating factors, including changes in discount rates, changes in expected returns on benefit plan assets, and other demographic actuarial assumptions. See Note O - Pension and Post-Retirement Benefits to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.
(3)
Merger and acquisition related expenses include legal fees, consulting fees, bank fees, severance costs, certain purchase accounting items such as the amortization of inventory fair value step-up, information technology integration costs and similar charges. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular transaction on an ongoing basis, similar types of costs, expenses and charges have occurred in prior periods and may recur in the future as we continue to integrate prior acquisitions and pursue any future acquisitions.
(4)
Plant capacity expansion expenses include expenses that are not inventoriable or capitalizable as related to plant expansion projects greater than $5 million in capital expenditures or plant start up projects. While these expenses are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular project on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses have occurred in prior periods and may recur in the future if we continue to pursue future plant capacity expansions.
(5)
The three months ended March 31, 2020 reflect $103.9 million of asset impairments related to goodwill, long-lived assets, operating lease right-of-use assets and inventory related to idled facilities in our Oil & Gas Proppants segment. See Note G - Inventories, Note H - Property, Plant and Mine Development, Note I - Goodwill and Intangible Assets, and Note P - Leases to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.
(6)
Reflects costs incurred related to business optimization projects within our corporate center, which aim to measure and improve the efficiency, productivity and performance of our organization. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular project on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses may recur in the future.
(7)

Reflects costs incurred related to idled sand facilities and closed corporate offices, including severance costs and remaining contracted costs such as office lease costs, maintenance, and utilities. While these costs are not operational in nature and are not expected to continue for any singular event on an ongoing basis, similar types of expenses may recur in the future.
(8)
Reflects miscellaneous adjustments permitted under the Credit Agreement, such as recruiting fees and relocation costs. The three months ended March 31, 2021 also included $0.8 million related to expenses incurred with severe winter storms during the first quarter, partially offset by $0.1 million for a measurement period adjustment related to the Arrows Up bargain purchase. See Note E - Business Combinations to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information. The three months ended March 31, 2020 also included $1.6 million in severance costs and $17.6 million related to the gain attributable to the bargain purchase of Arrows Up.
    Adjusted EBITDA-Trailing Twelve Months
    Our revolving credit facility (the "Revolver") contains a consolidated total net leverage ratio of no more than 3.75:1.00 that, unless we have the consent of our lenders, we must meet as of the last day of any fiscal quarter whenever usage of the Revolver (other than certain undrawn letters of credit) exceeds 30% of the Revolver commitment. This ratio is calculated based on our Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months. Noncompliance with this financial ratio covenant could result in the acceleration of our obligations to repay all amounts outstanding under the Revolver and the term loan (the "Term Loan") (collectively the "Credit Facility"). Moreover, the Revolver and the Term Loan contain covenants that restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to make permitted acquisitions, incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments (including dividends) and retain excess cash flow based, in some cases, on our ability to meet leverage ratios calculated based on our Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve months.
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    See the description under “Adjusted EBITDA” above for certain important information about Adjusted EBITDA-trailing twelve months, including certain limitations and management’s use of this metric in light of its status as a non-GAAP measure.
    As of March 31, 2021, we are in compliance with all covenants under our Credit Facility, and our Revolver usage was $25.0 million (not including $23.3 million allocated for letters of credit). Since the Revolver usage did not exceed 30% of the Revolver commitment, the consolidated leverage ratio covenant did not apply. Based on our consolidated leverage ratio of 6.37:1.00 as of March 31, 2021, we may draw up to approximately $30.0 million without the consent of our lenders. With the consent of our lenders, we have access to the full availability of the Revolver. The calculation of the consolidated leverage ratio incorporates the Adjusted EBITDA-trailing twelve months as follows:
(All amounts in thousands, except calculated ratio)March 31, 2021
Total debt $1,235,602 
Finance leases1,157 
Total consolidated debt$1,236,759 
Adjusted EBITDA-trailing twelve months$193,992 
Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA including impact of acquisitions (1)
— 
Other adjustments for covenant calculation (2)
253 
Total Adjusted EBITDA-trailing twelve months for covenant calculation$194,245 
Consolidated leverage ratio(3)
6.37 

(1)
Covenant calculation allows for the Adjusted EBITDA-trailing twelve months to include the impact of acquisitions on a pro forma basis.
(2)
Covenant calculation excludes activity at legal entities above the operating company, which is mainly interest income offset by public company operating expenses.
(3)

Calculated by dividing total consolidated debt by total Adjusted EBITDA-trailing twelve months for covenant calculation.
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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Sales
(In thousands except per ton data)Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
Percent
Change
 20212020'21 vs.'20
Sales:
Oil & Gas Proppants$121,697 $155,715 (22)%
Industrial & Specialty Products112,719 113,884 (1)%
Total sales$234,416 $269,599 (13)%
Tons:
Oil & Gas Proppants2,577 3,202 (20)%
Industrial & Specialty Products984 959 %
Total Tons3,561 4,161 (14)%
Average Selling Price per Ton:
Oil & Gas Proppants$47.22 $48.63 (3)%
Industrial & Specialty Products$114.55 $118.75 (4)%
    Overall Average Selling Price per Ton$65.83 $64.79 %

Total sales decreased 13% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, driven by a 14% decrease in total tons sold, partially offset by a 2% increase in overall average selling price.
The decrease in total sales was mainly driven by Oil & Gas Proppants sales, which decreased 22% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. Oil & Gas Proppants average selling price decreased 3% and tons sold decreased 20%. These decreases are a result of the shift to in-basin sand, overall decrease in demand due to current economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as overall supply being greater than demand.
The decrease in total sales was also partially driven by Industrial & Specialty Products sales, which decreased 1% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020. Industrial & Specialty Products tons sold increased 3% and average selling price decreased by 4%. The decreases in total sales and average selling price were primarily due to current economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation, depletion, and amortization)
Cost of sales decreased by $24.3 million, or 12%, to $177.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $201.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. These changes result from the main components of cost of sales as discussed below. As a percentage of sales, cost of sales represented 76% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 75% for the same period in 2020.
We incurred $78.2 million and $74.4 million of transportation and related costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The $3.8 million increase was mainly due to increased carrier costs for SandBox, offset by an overall decrease in demand in the Oil & Gas Proppants segment, more tons sold from local in-basin plants which have lower logistics costs and decreased rail car expense resulting from lease concessions negotiated during 2020. As a percentage of sales, transportation and related costs represented 33% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 28% for the same period in 2020.
We incurred $34.1 million and $41.8 million of operating labor costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The $7.7 million decrease in labor cost was mainly due to idled facilities and decreased number of
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employees which occurred in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, operating labor costs represented 15% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to 16% for the same period in 2020.
We incurred $12.0 million and $10.5 million of electricity and drying fuel (principally natural gas) costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The $1.5 million increase in electricity and drying fuel costs was mainly due to severe winter storms during the first quarter. As a percentage of sales, electricity and drying fuel costs represented 5% and 4% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
We incurred $14.0 million and $15.7 million of maintenance and repair costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The $1.7 million decrease in maintenance and repair costs was due to idled sand facilities and a decrease in plant capacity expansion expenses. As a percentage of sales, maintenance and repair costs represented 6% for both the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Segment Contribution Margin
Industrial & Specialty Products contribution margin decreased by $3.3 million to $40.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $43.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, driven by a $1.2 million decrease in revenue and a $2.1 million increase in cost of sales.
Oil & Gas Proppants contribution margin decreased by $11.4 million to $21.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $32.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, driven by a $34.0 million decrease in sales, partially offset by a $22.7 million decrease in cost of sales. The decrease in segment contribution margin was mainly driven by decreased sand pricing as a result of a shift to in basin sand, and an overall decrease in demand.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $3.9 million, or 13%, to $26.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $30.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The net decrease was primarily due to cost reduction measures implemented during 2020, including reducing discretionary spending and lowered headcount.
    In total, our selling, general and administrative expenses represented approximately 11% of our sales for both the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased by $2.9 million, or 8%, to $41.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $38.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was mainly driven by accelerated depreciation of certain assets, offset by a decrease in total depreciable assets due to idled plants and subsequent asset impairments which occurred during 2020, and reduced capital spending. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense represented approximately 18% and 14% of our sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded $38.0 thousand of asset impairment charges for other intangible assets related to the Industrial & Specialty Products segment. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded $103.9 million of asset impairment charges related to long-lived assets, inventories, operating right-of-use assets and goodwill related to the Oil & Gas Proppants segment.
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $10.2 million compared to an operating loss of $104.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The change was mainly driven by asset impairment charges discussed above which did not recur during the three months ended March 31, 2021, a 13% decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, and a 12% decrease in cost of sales, partially offset by a 13% decrease in sales and an 8% increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.
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Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by $4.6 million, or 21%, to $17.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $22.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, due to a decrease in interest rates, offset by a decrease in interest costs capitalized for property, plant and mine development and interest expense on the outstanding balance of the Revolver.
Other (Expense) Income, Net, Including Interest Income
Other income, net, decreased by $15.1 million, to $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $17.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily driven by the gain on bargain purchase not recurring during 2021, partially offset by an increase in interest income.
Provision for Income Taxes    
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we had tax benefits of $4.4 million and $36.1 million, respectively. The effective tax rates were 17% and 33% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Without discrete items, which primarily consist of tax expense related to equity compensation, the effective tax rates for both the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 would have been 24%.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded tax expense related to equity compensation of $1.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
Net (Loss) Income
Net losses attributable to U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., were $20.8 million and $72.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The year over year changes were due to the factors noted above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
    Our principal liquidity requirements have historically been to service our debt, to meet our working capital, capital expenditure and mine development expenditure needs, to return cash to our stockholders, and to pay for acquisitions. We have historically met our liquidity and capital investment needs with funds generated through operations. We have historically funded our acquisitions through cash on hand, borrowings under our credit facilities, or equity issuances. Our working capital is the amount by which current assets exceed current liabilities and is a measure of our ability to pay our liabilities as they become due. As of March 31, 2021, our working capital was $299.3 million and we had $51.7 million of availability under the Revolver. Based on our consolidated leverage ratio of 6.37:1.00 as of March 31, 2021, we may draw up to approximately $30.0 million without the consent of our lenders. With the consent of our lenders, we have access to the full availability of the Revolver. Additionally, at March 31, 2021, other receivables included $21.4 million of refunds related to NOL carryback claims filed for various tax years in accordance with certain provisions of the CARES Act, which we expect to receive during 2021.
    In connection with the EPM acquisition, on May 1, 2018, we entered into the Credit Agreement with BNP Paribas, as administrative agent, and the lenders named therein. The Credit Agreement increases our existing senior debt by entering into a new $1.380 billion senior secured Credit Facility, consisting of a $1.280 billion Term Loan and a $100 million Revolver that may also be used for swingline loans or letters of credit, and we may elect to increase the Term Loan in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. The amounts owed under the Credit Agreement use LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the rate at which interest accrues. LIBOR is the subject of recent national, international and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. These reforms and other pressures may cause LIBOR to disappear entirely or to perform differently than in the past. The consequences of these developments cannot be entirely predicted but could include an increase in the cost to us of this indebtedness.
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    In response to the effects of the pandemic on our Oil & Gas Proppants segment, we have taken a number of steps to reduce our costs of operations, including dramatically reducing all discretionary spending, lowering headcount, and closing or idling facilities as appropriate. We believe that cash on hand, cash generated through operations and cash generated from financing arrangements will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, scheduled debt payments and any dividends declared for at least the next 12 months. During the period of economic disruption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, our ability to access capital markets and other sources of liquidity may be impaired. At this time, we do not believe that any limited access to the capital markets and other sources of liquidity will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

    Management and our Board remain committed to evaluating additional ways of creating shareholder value. Any determination to pay dividends or other distributions in cash, stock, or property in the future or otherwise return capital to our stockholders, including decisions about existing or new share repurchase programs, will be at the discretion of our Board and will be dependent on then-existing conditions, including industry and market conditions, our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital requirements, contractual restrictions including restrictive covenants contained in debt agreements, and other factors. Additionally, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock may be limited by restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions to us, including restrictions under the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness. During 2020, our Board of Directors determined that it was not in the best interest of our shareholders to issue a dividend subsequent to the second quarter and for the remainder of the year.
Cash Flow Analysis
    A summary of operating, investing and financing activities (in thousands) is shown in the following table:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 20212020
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities$13,642 $(38,129)
Investing activities(3,534)(16,386)
Financing activities(6,617)13,476 
Net Cash Provided by / Used in Operating Activities
Operating activities consist primarily of net income (loss) adjusted for certain non-cash and working capital items. Adjustments to net income or loss for non-cash items include depreciation, depletion and amortization, deferred revenue, deferred income taxes, equity-based compensation and allowance for credit losses. In addition, operating cash flows include the effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities, principally accounts receivable, inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets, income taxes payable and receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $13.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. This was mainly due to a $20.9 million net loss adjusted for non-cash items, including $41.3 million in depreciation, depletion and amortization, $4.9 million in deferred income taxes, $4.1 million in equity-based compensation, $5.1 million in deferred revenue, and $20.0 million in other miscellaneous non-cash items. Also contributing to the change was a $4.9 million increase in accounts receivable, a $1.5 million increase in inventories, a $0.6 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, a $9.1 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, an $8.2 million decrease in lease liabilities, and a $14.9 million change in other operating assets and liabilities.
Net cash used in operating activities was $38.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. This was mainly due to a $72.6 million net loss adjusted for non-cash items, including $38.4 million in depreciation, depletion and amortization, $103.9 million in goodwill and other asset impairments, $37.0 million in deferred income taxes, $2.8 million in equity-based compensation, $2.5 million in deferred revenue, and $14.8 million in other miscellaneous non-cash items. Also contributing to the change was a $13.5 million increase in accounts receivable, a $2.9 million decrease in inventories, a $2.1 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, a $40.5 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, a $17.4 million decrease in lease liabilities, and a $14.1 million change in other operating assets and liabilities.
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Net Cash Used in / Provided by Investing Activities
Investing activities consist primarily of cash consideration paid to acquire businesses and capital expenditures for growth and maintenance.
Net cash used in investing activities was $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. This was mainly due to capital expenditures of $3.5 million and capitalized intellectual property costs of $0.1 million, offset by $0.1 million in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities was $16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. This was mainly due to capital expenditures of $16.1 million and capitalized intellectual property costs of $0.5 million. Capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2020 were primarily related to the payment of capital expenditures accrued in 2019 and improvements and expansions at our industrial facilities in Millen, Georgia, and Columbia, South Carolina.
Subject to our continuing evaluation of market conditions, we anticipate that our capital expenditures in 2021 will be in the range of approximately $30 million to $40 million, which will primarily be associated with maintenance and cost improvement capital projects, and near-term payback growth projects. We expect to fund our capital expenditures through cash on our balance sheet, cash generated from our operations, and cash generated from financing activities.
Net Cash Used in / Provided by Financing Activities
Financing activities consist primarily of equity issuances, dividend payments, share repurchases, borrowings and repayments related to the Revolver and Term Loan, as well as fees and expenses paid in connection with our credit facilities.
Net cash used in financing activities was $6.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. This was mainly due to $2.1 million of short-term debt payments, $3.2 million of long-term debt payments, and $1.2 million of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested restricted stock and stock units.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $13.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. This was mainly due to $2.7 million of short-term debt payments, $3.8 million of long-term debt payments, $4.6 million of dividends paid, $0.5 million of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested restricted stock and restricted stock units, offset by a $25.0 million draw down from the Revolver.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have a current material effect or are reasonably likely to have a future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no significant changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our “Contractual Obligations” table in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of our 2020 Annual Report. For more details on future minimum annual purchase commitments and operating leases commitments, please see accompanying Note N - Commitments and Contingencies and Note P - Leases to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, hazardous materials, air and water emissions, environmental contamination and reclamation and the protection of the environment and natural resources. We have made, and expect to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the full amount of such future expenditures. As of March 31, 2021, we had $25.3 million accrued for future reclamation costs, as compared to $24.7 million as of December 31, 2020.
We discuss certain environmental matters relating to our various production and other facilities, certain regulatory requirements relating to human exposure to crystalline silica and our mining activity and how such matters may affect our
36


business in the future under Item 1, "Business", Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Environmental Matters" in our 2020 Annual Report.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Our actual results may materially differ from these estimates.
A summary of our significant accounting policies, including certain critical accounting policies and estimates, are included in Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables us to provide the users of the Consolidated Financial Statements with useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New accounting pronouncements that have been recently adopted are described in Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Availability of Reports; Website Access; Other Information
Our Internet address is http://www.ussilica.com. Through “Investors” — “Financial Information” on our home page, we make available free of charge our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our proxy statements, our current reports on Form 8-K, SEC Forms 3, 4 and 5 and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our reports filed with the SEC are also available on its website at http://www.sec.gov.
Stockholders may also request a free copy of these documents from: U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., attn.: Investor Relations, 24275 Katy Freeway, Suite 600, Katy, Texas 77494.
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
We are exposed to certain market risks, which exist as a part of our ongoing business operations. Such risks arise from adverse changes in market rates, prices and conditions. We address such market risks in “Recent Trends and Outlook” and "How We Generate Our Sales" in Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from adverse changes in interest rates. As of March 31, 2021, we had $1.257 billion of debt outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Assuming LIBOR is greater than the 1.0% minimum base rate on the Term Loan, a hypothetical increase in interest rates by 1.0% would have changed our interest expense by $12.6 million per year.
LIBOR is expected to be discontinued after 2021 and there can be no assurance as to what alternative base rate may replace LIBOR in the event it is discontinued, or whether such base rate will be more or less favorable to us. We intend to monitor the developments with respect to LIBOR and work with our lenders, including under the Credit Agreement, to ensure any transition away from LIBOR will have a minimal impact on our financial condition, but can provide no assurances regarding the impact of the discontinuation of LIBOR.
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Credit Risk
We are subject to risks of loss resulting from nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers. We examine the creditworthiness of third-party customers to whom we extend credit and manage our exposure to credit risk through credit analysis, credit approval, credit limits and monitoring procedures, and for certain transactions, we may request letters of credit, prepayments or guarantees, although collateral is generally not required.
Despite enhancing our examination of our customers' creditworthiness, we may still experience delays or failures in customer payments. Some of our customers have reported experiencing financial difficulties. With respect to customers that may file for bankruptcy protection, we may not be able to collect sums owed to us by these customers and we also may be required to refund pre-petition amounts paid to us during the preference period (typically 90 days) prior to the bankruptcy filing.
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ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2021. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2021, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our existing internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended March 31, 2021 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In addition to the matters described below, we are subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and governmental inspections, audits or investigations incidental to our business, which can cover general commercial, governmental regulations, antitrust and trade regulations, product liability, environmental, intellectual property, employment and other matters. Although the outcomes of these ordinary routine claims cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Prolonged inhalation of excessive levels of respirable crystalline silica dust can result in silicosis, a disease of the lungs. Breathing large amounts of respirable silica dust over time may injure a person’s lungs by causing scar tissue to form. Crystalline silica in the form of quartz is a basic component of soil, sand, granite and most other types of rock. Cutting, breaking, crushing, drilling, grinding and abrasive blasting of or with crystalline silica containing materials can produce fine silica dust, the inhalation of which may cause silicosis, lung cancer and possibly other diseases including immune system disorders such as scleroderma. Sources of exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust include sandblasting, foundry manufacturing, crushing and drilling of rock, masonry and concrete work, mining and tunneling, and cement and asphalt pavement manufacturing.
Since at least 1975, we and/or our predecessors have been named as a defendant, usually among many defendants, in numerous lawsuits brought by or on behalf of current or former employees of our customers alleging damages caused by silica exposure. Prior to 2001, the number of silicosis lawsuits filed annually against the commercial silica industry remained relatively stable and was generally below 100, but between 2001 and 2004 the number of silicosis lawsuits filed against the commercial silica industry substantially increased. This increase led to greater scrutiny of the nature of the claims filed, and in June 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued an opinion in the former federal silica multi-district litigation remanding almost all of the 10,000 cases then pending in the multi-district litigation back to the state courts from which they originated for further review and medical qualification, leading to a number of silicosis case dismissals across the United States. In conjunction with this and other favorable court rulings establishing “sophisticated user” and “no duty to warn” defenses for silica producers, several states, including Texas, Ohio and Florida, have passed medical criteria legislation that requires proof of actual impairment before a lawsuit can be filed.
As a result of the above developments, the filing rate of new claims against us over the past few years has decreased to below pre-2001 levels, and we were named as a defendant in one, one, and 20 new silicosis cases filed in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The main driver of the increase in cases filed in 2018 was 16 claims arising out of a single location in Mississippi. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, one new claim was brought against U.S. Silica. As of March 31, 2021, there were 52 active silica-related product liability claims pending in which U.S. Silica is a defendant. Almost all of the claims pending against us arise out of the alleged use of our silica products in foundries or as an abrasive blast media and involve various other defendants. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2012, we had insurance policies for both our predecessors that cover certain claims for alleged silica exposure for periods prior to certain dates in 1985 and 1986 (with respect to certain insurance). As a result of a settlement with a former owner and its insurers in the fourth quarter of 2012, some of these policies are no longer available to us and we will not seek reimbursement for any defense costs or claim payments from these policies. Other insurance policies, however, continue to remain available to us and will continue to make such payments on our behalf.
The silica-related litigation brought against us to date has not resulted in material liability to us. However, we continue to have silica-related product liability claims filed against us, including claims that allege silica exposure for periods for which we do not have insurance coverage. Although the outcomes of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management, it is not reasonably possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations that exceeds the accrual amounts.
For more information regarding silica-related litigation, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Share Repurchase Program
The following table presents the total number of shares of our common stock that we repurchased during the first quarter of 2021, the average price paid per share, the number of shares that we repurchased as part of our share repurchase program, and the approximate dollar value of shares that still could have been repurchased at the end of the applicable fiscal period pursuant to our share repurchase program:
PeriodTotal Number of Shares Withheld or ForfeitedAverage Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced  Program(1)
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program(1)
January 1, 2021 - January 31, 20216,133 (2)$9.52 — 126,540,060 
February 1, 2021 - February 28, 2021127,498 (2)$9.30 — 126,540,060 
March 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021(8,206)(2)$— — 126,540,060 
Total125,425 $9.31 — 

(1)
In May 2018, our Board of Directors authorized and announced the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common stock.
(2)
Shares withheld by U.S. Silica to pay taxes due upon the vesting of employee restricted stock and restricted stock units for the months ended January 31, February 28, and March 31, 2021, respectively.
We did not repurchase any shares of common stock under our share repurchase program during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
From March 31, 2021 to the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have not repurchased any shares of our common stock except in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock and restricted stock units.
For more details on the stock repurchase program, see Note D - Capital Structure and Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss) to our Financial Statements in Part I, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


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ITEM 3.DEFAULT UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Safety is one of our core values and we strive to achieve a workplace free of injuries and occupational illnesses. Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6.EXHIBITS
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Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
Description
Form
File No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
8-K
001-35416
3.1
May 10, 2017
8-K
001-35416
3.2
May 10, 2017

101*
101.INS XBRL Instance - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
104*
Cover Page from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 formatted in Inline XBRL (and contained in Exhibit 101)
*Filed herewith
#Furnished herewith



We will furnish to any of our stockholders a copy of any of the above exhibits upon the written request of such stockholder.

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SIGNATURES
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 30th day of April 2021.

 
U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.
/s/ DONALD A. MERRIL
Name:  Donald A. Merril
Title:Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial Officer)
    


S-1
Document

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT
(RELATIVE TSR)
PURSUANT TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.
2011 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

* * * * *

Participant:

Grant Date:

Number of Performance Share Units Granted at Target Performance:

Number of Performance Share Units Granted at Maximum Performance:

* * * * *

    THIS PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of the Grant Date specified above, is entered into by and between U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc., a corporation organized in the State of Delaware (the “Company”), and the Participant specified above, pursuant to the Amended and Restated U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan, as in effect and as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), which is administered by the Committee; and

WHEREAS, it has been determined under the Plan that it would be in the best interests of the Company to grant the performance share units (“PSUs”) provided herein to the Participant.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:
1.Incorporation By Reference; Plan Document Receipt. This Agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan and the Company’s Executive Compensation Clawback Policy (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto adopted at any time and from time to time unless such amendments are expressly intended not to apply to the Award provided hereunder), all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this Agreement as if they were each expressly set forth herein. Any capitalized term not defined in this Agreement (including Exhibit A hereto) shall have the same meaning as is ascribed thereto in the Plan. The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of the Plan and the Executive Compensation Clawback Policy and that the Participant has read the Plan and the Executive Compensation Clawback Policy carefully and fully understands its content. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.



2.Grant of Performance Share Unit Award. The Company hereby grants to the Participant, as of the Grant Date specified above, the number of PSUs specified above. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, the Participant agrees and understands that nothing contained in this Agreement provides, or is intended to provide, the Participant with any protection against potential future dilution of the Participant’s interest in the Company for any reason, and no adjustments shall be made for dividends in cash or other property, distributions or other rights in respect of the shares of Common Stock underlying the PSUs, except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan or this Agreement.
3.Vesting.
(a)Performance-Based Vesting. Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(b) through 3(d) hereof, the PSUs subject to this grant shall become performance vested based on the Company’s total shareholder return, or “TSR” (as defined in Exhibit A hereto) for the performance period beginning on January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2023 (the “Performance Period”), expressed as a percentile ranking (the “TSR Ranking”) as compared to the TSR for the Performance Period of each of the companies in the “Peer Group” (as defined in Exhibit A hereto), in accordance with the following schedule, provided that (subject to the provisions of Sections 3(c) and 3(d) hereof), the Participant remains employed with the Company or its Affiliates through the end of the Performance Period:
TSR Ranking
January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023
Number of PSUs Vested as Percentage of Target
Less Than 30th percentile0%
30th percentile50% (Threshold)
55th percentile100%
75th percentile150%
Equal to or Greater Than 90th percentile200% (Maximum)

To the extent that actual TSR Ranking for the Performance Period hereunder is between any two levels provided in the table above, the number of PSUs to become performance vested hereunder shall be determined on a pro rata basis using straight line interpolation; provided that no PSUs shall become vested if the actual TSR Ranking for the Performance Period is less than the Threshold level of performance set forth in the schedule above; and provided, further, that the maximum number of PSUs that may become vested shall not exceed the number of PSUs set forth in the schedule above corresponding to the Maximum level of performance. In addition, the maximum number of PSUs that may become vested shall not exceed the number of PSUs set forth in the schedule above corresponding to performance at the 75th percentile of the Peer Group above if the absolute TSR of the Company is below zero.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a Change in Control occurs prior to the last day of the Performance Period, the number of PSUs that will become performance vested hereunder will equal the number of PSUs that would have become performance vested in accordance with
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the schedule above based on (i) actual performance measured as of the date of such Change in Control (assuming for such purpose that such Change in Control had occurred on the last day of the Performance Period) or (ii) the Target level of performance set forth in the schedule above, whichever is greater. Following such Change in Control, the number of PSUs determined in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence will vest (x) on the last day of the Performance Period, if the Participant remains employed with the Company or its Affiliates through the end of the Performance Period, or (y) if applicable, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3(b) and 3(c) hereof.

(b)Termination due to death or Disability, without Cause or due to Retirement. Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(c) and 3(d) hereof, in the event of the Participant’s Termination as a result of death or Disability, by the Company without Cause, or due to the Participant’s “Retirement” (as defined below) at any time prior to the end of the Performance Period, the requirement that the Participant remain in the continued employment of the Company or its Subsidiaries through the end of the Performance Period in order for the time-based vesting condition to be satisfied under Section 3(a) hereof shall be waived as of the date of such Termination. Thereafter, the PSUs shall continue to remain outstanding until the Committee can certify the Company’s TSR Ranking for the Performance Period, and the PSUs shall become vested or be forfeited based on actual performance on a pro rata basis (as determined in accordance with the following sentence) in accordance with the otherwise applicable vesting conditions set forth in Section 3(a) hereof, and shall be paid, to the extent so vested, as provided in Section 4 hereof. For purposes of determining the pro rata number of PSUs to become vested under this Section 3(b), the number of PSUs that would have become vested based on actual performance for the full Performance Period in accordance with Section 3(a) hereof shall be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of calendar days in the period beginning with the date of commencement of the Performance Period and ending on the date of such Termination, and the denominator of which is one thousand ninety six (1,096). For purposes hereof, the term “Retirement” shall mean the Participant’s voluntary Termination of Employment at or after age sixty-five (65) or such earlier date after age fifty (50), in either case, as may be approved by the Committee in its sole discretion with regard to the Participant.
(c)Change in Control. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 3(a) and 3(b) hereof, in the event of the Participant’s Termination as a result of death or Disability, by the Company without Cause, by the Participant for “Good Reason” (as defined below) or as a result of the Participant’s Retirement, in any case, at any time upon or following a Change in Control but prior to the end of the Performance Period, the PSUs shall become vested as of the date of such Termination to the extent that the TSR Ranking, as determined in accordance with Section 3(a), was achieved as of the date of such Change in Control, and shall be paid, to the extent so vested, as provided in Section 4 hereof. For purposes hereof, the term “Good Reason” shall mean (i) a material reduction in the Participant’s annual base salary rate of compensation; (ii) a required relocation of more than 50 miles from the Participant’s primary place of employment with the Company or its Affiliates; or (iii) a material, adverse change in the Participant’s title, reporting relationship, authority, duties or responsibilities; provided, however, that to invoke a Termination for Good Reason, (A) the Participant must provide written notice to the Company
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within thirty (30) days of the event the Participant believes constitutes Good Reason, (B) the Company must fail to cure such event within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such written notice and (C) the Participant must terminate employment within five (5) days following the expiration of the Company’s cure period described above.
(d)Committee Discretion to Accelerate Vesting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for accelerated vesting of the PSUs at any time and for any reason.
(e)Effect of Detrimental Activity. The provisions of Section 10.4 of the Plan regarding Detrimental Activity shall apply to the PSUs.
(f)Forfeiture. Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(b) through 3(d) hereof, all unvested PSUs shall be immediately forfeited upon the Participant’s Termination for any reason.
4.Delivery of Shares.
(a)General. Subject to the provisions of Sections 4(b) and 4(c) hereof, within two and one-half months following the vesting of the PSUs, the Participant shall receive the number of shares of Common Stock that correspond to the number of PSUs that have become vested hereunder; provided that the Participant shall be obligated to pay to the Company the aggregate par value of the shares of Common Stock to be issued within ten (10) days following the issuance of such shares unless such shares have been issued by the Company from the Company’s treasury.
(b)Blackout Periods. If the Participant is subject to any Company “blackout” policy or other trading restriction imposed by the Company on the date such distribution would otherwise be made pursuant to Section 4(a) hereof, such distribution shall be instead made on the earlier of (i) the date that the Participant is not subject to any such policy or restriction and (ii) the later of (A) the end of the calendar year in which such distribution would otherwise have been made, and (B) a date that is immediately prior to the expiration of two and one-half months following the date such distribution would otherwise have been made hereunder.
(c)Deferrals. If permitted by the Company, the Participant may elect, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and any other applicable written plan or procedure adopted by the Company from time to time for purposes of such election, to defer the distribution of all or any portion of the shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be distributed to the Participant hereunder (the “Deferred Shares”), consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Upon the vesting of PSUs that have been so deferred, the applicable number of Deferred Shares shall be credited to a bookkeeping account established on the Participant’s behalf (the “Account”). Subject to Section 4(c) hereof, the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Deferred Shares credited to the Participant’s Account shall be distributed to the Participant in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan and the other applicable written plans or procedures of the Company, consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
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5.Dividends; Rights as Stockholder. Cash dividends on shares of Common Stock issuable hereunder shall be credited to a dividend book entry account on behalf of the Participant with respect to each PSU granted to the Participant, provided that such cash dividends shall not be deemed to be reinvested in shares of Common Stock and shall be held uninvested and without interest and paid in cash at the same time that the shares of Common Stock underlying the PSUs are delivered to the Participant in accordance with the provisions hereof. Stock dividends on shares of Common Stock shall be credited to a dividend book entry account on behalf of the Participant with respect to each PSU granted to the Participant, provided that such stock dividends shall be paid in shares of Common Stock at the same time that the shares of Common Stock underlying the PSUs are delivered to the Participant in accordance with the provisions hereof. For clarity, no such cash or shares shall be paid to the Participant with respect to any PSUs that are not earned or are forfeited. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock covered by any PSU unless and until the Participant has become the holder of record of such shares.
6.Non-Transferability. No portion of the PSUs may be sold, assigned, transferred, encumbered, hypothecated or pledged by the Participant, other than to the Company as a result of forfeiture of the PSUs as provided herein, unless and until payment is made in respect of vested PSUs in accordance with the provisions hereof and the Participant has become the holder of record of the vested shares of Common Stock issuable hereunder.
7.Governing Law. All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.
8.Withholding of Tax. The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require the Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state, local and foreign taxes of any kind (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations) which the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to be withheld or remitted to comply with the Code and/or any other applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to the PSUs and, if the Participant fails to do so, the Company may otherwise refuse to issue or transfer any shares of Common Stock otherwise required to be issued pursuant to this Agreement. Any minimum statutorily required withholding obligation with regard to the Participant may be satisfied by reducing the amount of cash or shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable to the Participant hereunder; provided, however, that, at the Participant’s discretion, the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable to the Participant may be further reduced in an amount up to the maximum individual tax rate in the Participant’s particular jurisdiction, and only if the Company has a statutory obligation to withhold taxes on the Participant’s behalf, in such case only if such reduction would not result in adverse financial accounting treatment, as determined by the Company (and in particular in connection with the effectiveness of the amendments to FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, as amended by FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting).
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9.Legend. The Company may at any time place legends referencing any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law restrictions on all certificates representing shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to this Agreement. The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to this Agreement in the possession of the Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this Section 9.
10.Securities Representations. This Agreement is being entered into by the Company in reliance upon the following express representations and warranties of the Participant. The Participant hereby acknowledges, represents, and warrants that:
(a)The Participant has been advised that the Participant may be an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in this connection the Company is relying in part on the Participant’s representations set forth in this Section 10.
(b)If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, the shares of Common Stock issuable hereunder must be held indefinitely unless an exemption from any applicable resale restrictions is available or the Company files an additional registration statement (or a “re-offer prospectus”) with regard to such shares of Common Stock and the Company is under no obligation to register such shares of Common Stock (or to file a “re-offer prospectus”).
(c)If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Securities Act, the Participant understands that (i) the exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available unless (A) a public trading market then exists for the Common Stock of the Company, (B) adequate information concerning the Company is then available to the public, and (C) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom are complied with, and (ii) any sale of the shares of Common Stock issuable hereunder may be made only in limited amounts in accordance with the terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom.
11.Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with the Plan and the Executive Compensation Clawback Policy, contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements or prior understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties relating to such subject matter. The Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan. This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company and the Participant. The Company shall give written notice to the Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof.
12.Notices. Any notice hereunder by the Participant shall be given to the Company in writing and such notice shall be deemed duly given only upon receipt thereof by the General Counsel of the Company. Any notice hereunder by the Company shall be given to the Participant in writing and such notice shall be deemed duly given only upon receipt thereof at such address as the Participant may have on file with the Company.
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13.No Right to Employment. Any questions as to whether and when there has been a Termination and the cause of such Termination shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates to terminate the Participant’s employment or service at any time, for any reason and with or without Cause.
14.Transfer of Personal Data. The Participant authorizes, agrees and unambiguously consents to the transmission by the Company (or any Subsidiary) of any personal data information related to the PSUs awarded under this Agreement for legitimate business purposes (including, without limitation, the administration of the Plan). This authorization and consent is freely given by the Participant.
15.Compliance with Laws. The grant of PSUs and the issuance of shares of Common Stock hereunder shall be subject to, and shall comply with, any applicable requirements of any foreign and U.S. federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and in each case any respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and any other law, rule regulation or exchange requirement applicable thereto. The Company shall not be obligated to issue the PSUs or any shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement if any such issuance would violate any such requirements. As a condition to the settlement of the PSUs, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation.
16.Binding Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Participant shall not assign (except in accordance with Section 6 hereof) any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.
17.Headings. The titles and headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.
18.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
19.Further Assurances. Each party hereto shall do and perform (or shall cause to be done and performed) all such further acts and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as either party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the Plan and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereunder.
20.Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any
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provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
21.Acquired Rights. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that: (a) the Company may terminate or amend the Plan at any time; (b) the Award of PSUs made under this Agreement is completely independent of any other award or grant and is made at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) no past grants or awards (including, without limitation, the PSUs awarded hereunder) give the Participant any right to any grants or awards in the future whatsoever; and (d) any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of the Participant’s ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation.
* * * * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

U.S. SILICA HOLDINGS, INC.



By:                        

Name:

Title:



PARTICIPANT



    

Name:





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Exhibit A

Certain Definitions

Beginning Stock Price” for the Company or a company in the Peer Group shall mean the average closing price on the applicable stock exchange of one share of Common Stock or the stock of such company, as applicable, for the sixty (60) days immediately prior to the first day of the Performance Period; provided that the Committee shall adjust equitably the Beginning Stock Price with respect to such share, as calculated in accordance with the preceding clause, to reflect any Section 4.2 Event or Other Extraordinary Event that occurs during such 60-day period and that affects such share if such adjustment is necessary or appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Agreement.

Ending Stock Price” for the Company or a company in the Peer Group shall mean the average closing price on the applicable stock exchange of one share of Common Stock or the stock of such company, as applicable, for the sixty (60) days immediately prior to the earlier of (a) the last day of the Performance Period and (b) the date on which a Change in Control occurs; provided that the Committee shall adjust equitably the Ending Stock Price with respect to a share of the stock of any company in the Peer Group, as calculated in accordance with the preceding clause, to reflect any Section 4.2 Event or Other Extraordinary Event that occurs during the Performance Period and that affects such share if such adjustment is necessary or appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Agreement.

Insolvency Event” shall mean, with respect to a company in the Peer Group, (x) that such company files a petition under chapter 7 or 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or (y) the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such company has become insolvent.

Peer Group” shall mean the companies set forth on Schedule 1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Section 4.2 Event or Other Extraordinary Event (for clarity, other than an Insolvency Event) occurs with respect to any such company and, thereafter, the shares of such company’s stock are not publicly traded, the Peer Group shall not include such company.

TSR” shall mean total shareholder return for the Company or a company in the Peer Group, expressed as a percentage, determined by dividing (a) an amount equal to the sum of (i) the difference between the Beginning Stock Price (as defined above) and the Ending Stock Price (as defined above) and (ii) the sum of all dividends paid on one share of such company’s stock during the Performance Period (provided that dividends shall be treated as reinvested on the ex-dividend date at the closing price on that date) by (b) the Beginning Stock Price, as calculated in good faith by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that, during the Performance Period, an Insolvency Event occurs with respect to a company in the Peer Group, the TSR of such company shall equal negative 100%.
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Document

Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Bryan A. Shinn, certify that:
 
1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2021;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: April 30, 2021
 
/s/ BRYAN A. SHINN
Name: Bryan A. Shinn
Title: Chief Executive Officer

Document

Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Donald A. Merril, certify that:
 
1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2021;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: April 30, 2021
 
/s/ DONALD A. MERRIL
Name: Donald A. Merril
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Document

Exhibit 32.1
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION
I, Bryan A. Shinn, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, on the date hereof, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
 
 i.The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended March 31,2021 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
 ii.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: April 30, 2021
 
/s/ BRYAN A. SHINN
Name: Bryan A. Shinn
Title: Chief Executive Officer
A signed copy of this original statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff on request.

Document

Exhibit 32.2
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION
I, Donald A. Merril, Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, on the date hereof, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
 
 i.The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
 ii.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: April 30, 2021
 
/s/ DONALD A. MERRIL
Name: Donald A. Merril
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
A signed copy of this original statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff on request.

Document

Exhibit 95.1
Mine Safety Disclosure

The following disclosures are provided pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, which requires certain disclosures by companies required to file periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that operate mines regulated under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”).

Mine Safety Information. Whenever the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) believes a violation of the Mine Act, any health or safety standard or any regulation has occurred, it may issue a citation which describes the alleged violation and fixes a time within which the U.S. mining operator must abate the alleged violation. In some situations, such as when MSHA believes that conditions pose a hazard to miners, MSHA may issue an order removing miners from the area of the mine affected by the condition until the alleged hazards are corrected. When MSHA issues a citation or order, it generally proposes a civil penalty, or fine, as a result of the alleged violation, that the operator is ordered to pay. Citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and as part of that process, are often reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed. The number of citations, orders and proposed assessments vary depending on the size and type (underground or surface) of the mine as well as by the MSHA District’s approach to enforcement. Due to timing and other factors, the data below may not agree with the mine data retrieval system maintained by the MSHA at www.MSHA.gov.




The following table details the citations and orders issued and civil penalties assessed to us by MSHA during the quarter ended March 31, 2021:
(whole dollars)
Mine or Operating Name/MSHA Identification NumberSection 104 S&S CitationsSection 104(b) OrdersSection 104(d) Citations and OrdersSection 110(b)(2) ViolationsSection 107(a) OrdersTotal Dollar Value of MSHA Assessments Proposed (1)Total Number of Mining Related FatalitiesReceived Notice of Pattern of Violations Under Section 104(e) (yes/no)Received Notice of Potential to Have Pattern Under Section 104(e) (yes/no)Legal Actions Pending as of Last Day of PeriodLegal Actions Initiated During PeriodLegal Actions Resolved During Period
Berkley Springs, WV / 460280500000$125.000NoNo002
Celatom Mine, OR / 350323700000$0.000NoNo000
Celatom Plant, OR / 350323600000$383.000NoNo000
Cheto Mine, AZ / 020010300000$0.000NoNo000
Clark, NV / 260067700000$125.000NoNo000
Columbia, SC / 380013860000$0.00*0NoNo000
Crane, TX / 410533100000$0.000NoNo000
Dubberly, LA / 160048900000$0.000NoNo000
Fernley, NV / 260195010000$0.00*0NoNo000
Festus, MO / 230237700000$0.000NoNo000
Fowlkes Mine, MS / 220046000000$0.000NoNo000
Hazen Mine, NV/ 260067900000$0.000NoNo000
Hurtsboro, AL / 10061700000$0.000NoNo000
Jackson, MS / 220041520000$0.00*0NoNo000
Jackson, TN / 400293700000$0.000NoNo000
Kosse, TX / 410026200000$0.000NoNo000
Lamesa, TX / 410536360000$0.00*0NoNo000
Lovelock (Colado Plant) / 260068020000$0.00*0NoNo0022
Lovelock, NV (Colado Mine) / 260067200000$0.00*0NoNo000
Mapleton, PA / 360312200000$0.000NoNo000
Mauricetown, NJ / 280052600000$0.00*0NoNo001
Middletown, TN / 400296800000$0.000NoNo000
Mill Creek Mine, OK / 340083600000$0.00*0NoNo000
Mill Creek Plant, OK / 340037700000$0.00*0NoNo000
Millen, GA / 090123200000$0.000NoNo000
Montpelier, VA / 440282900000$0.00*0NoNo000
Ottawa, IL / 110101320000$5,699.00*0NoNo000
Pacific, MO / 230054410000$0.00*0NoNo000
Popcorn Mine, NV / 260223600000$0.000NoNo000
Port Elizabeth, NJ / 280051000000$0.000NoNo000
Rockwood, MI / 200060810000$202.000NoNo000
Sparta, WI / 470364400000$0.00*0NoNo000
Tyler, TX /410418200000$0.000NoNo000
Utica, IL / 110326800000$0.000NoNo000







Amounts included are the total dollar value of proposed assessments received from MSHA on or before March 31, 2021, regardless of whether the assessment has been challenged or appealed.  Citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and as part of that process, are sometimes reduced in severity and amount, and sometimes dismissed. The number of citations, orders, and proposed assessments vary by the MSHA District’s approach to enforcement and vary depending on the size and type of the operation.

* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 6 S&S citations and 7 non-S&S citations at Columbia, SC.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 1 S&S citation and 6 non-S&S citations at Fernley, NV.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 2 S&S citations and 8 non-S&S citations at Jackson, MS.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 6 S&S citations and 1 non-S&S citation at Lamesa, TX.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 2 S&S citations and 13 non-S&S citation at Lovelock, NV plant.
* As of March 31, 2020 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 1 non-S&S citation at the Lovelock, NV mine.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 3 non-S&S citations at Mauricetown, NJ.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 1 non-S&S citation at Mill Creek Mine, OK.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 2 non-S&S citations at Mill Creek Plant, OK.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 1 non-S&S citation at Montpelier, VA.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 2 non-S&S citations at Ottawa, IL.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 1 S&S citations and 2 non-S&S citation at Pacific, MO.
* As of March 31, 2021 MSHA had not yet proposed an assessment for 2 non-S&S at Sparta, WI.