The concept of fines recovery was more foreign to producers just a few years ago.
But producers are more aware of the opportunity in 2026. Eagle Iron Works (EIW), which showcased its Hawk fines recovery plant at this month’s ConExpo-Con/Agg, can attest to the shift.
“In the past, we’d have people say, ‘what is this?’” says Tim Miller, director of global sales at EIW, referring to the Hawk plant. “Now, everybody knows who we are and what our products do.”
Water management pressures are driving producers to seek out new equipment solutions.
“Everything now is about water conservation – recycling water, keeping material out of settling ponds and being more environmentally conscious about where they’re dumping material,” Miller says. “Ultra fines recovery plants are becoming very popular. Everybody wants them – not just for the environmental aspect, but for time and money.”
And many producers are finding a market for the recovered material. Some markets are latching on faster than others, Miller says, but there’s growing momentum behind fines recovery.
“One producer in Florida says he sells everything that comes off a USP or UFR plant,” says Miller, adding that such material is being marketed as fiber optic trench liners and pond liners, among other uses. “He’s got customers for it. When you get to a region like the Midwest, it’s not as likely. They just want to dispose of it a little easier than having to dig out a pond and deal with a sloppy mess.”
Still, producers have the opportunity to make their own market in some regions.
“Sometimes, it’s the salesman being creative and looking for avenues that don’t require a spec product,” Miller says.
Tougher regulatory environments may accelerate fines recovery further in the years to come.
“One of our dealers (Excel Machinery) is thinking that any new plant built in the state of Texas will need some sort of water reclamation system,” Miller says.
As adoption of water management systems continues to grow, producers are seeking more education on how to operate and optimize them. Miller says EIW has experienced strong interest this year in its Sand Schools, for example. The schools offer tips, techniques and best practices in washing, classifying and scrubbing rock and sand products, as well as tailings management and water recycling.
Demand for EIW’s Sand Schools has been high enough that the company now has dedicated trainers.
“We brought back in-person sessions last year and held our first two this January and February – a huge success,” Miller says. “The first had 50-plus attendees and the second over 60. That’s the most we’ve ever had. We went from 15 to 20 people in a classroom at the factory to filling the main hall at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines.”
Additionally, Miller says EIW is exploring the launch of an advanced academy to teach more than just the basics.
“We’re doing quarterly online seminars as well,” he says.
Related: What you missed at ConExpo-Con/Agg
