SUGAR LAND, Texas, April 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santrol, a Fairmount Minerals company, announced today the opening of its eighth proppant terminal in the Eagle Ford formation as part of the continuing strategy to enhance customers' transportation efficiency with product closer to the wellhead.

The new rail terminal, located south of Interstate 10 in Harwood, Texas, and Santrol's second in Gonzales County, is serving the north central part of the shale play.

"We are committed to identifying the locations that will allow customers to pick up and transport proppant as simply and efficiently as possible," said Tom McCoy, director of Terminal Management for Fairmount Minerals. "This competitive differentiator, combined with better proppant technology, allows us to maintain our industry leadership position."

Santrol's seven other Eagle Ford formation terminals are:

-Alice, Texas I and II—two rail terminals with access to US 281 and State Route 44, in addition to Interstate 27, serving the south part of the formation

-Gardendale, Texas—rail terminal facility with access to Interstate 35, serving the west part of the formation

-Gonzales, Texas I—rail terminal facility with access to US 90, US 183, and State Route 97, serving the east part of the formation

-Pleasanton, Texas—rail terminal facility with access to US 281, serving the central part of the formation

-Southton, Texas— rail terminal facility with access to Interstate 37, serving the north and central parts of the formation

-Victoria, Texas—barge terminal facility with access to US 59 and State Route 185, serving the southeast part of the formation.

Santrol's proppant distribution network now includes more than 50 terminals throughout the US in all of the major conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon basins.

About Santrol

Santrol, a Fairmount Minerals company, has a diversified proppant line for every conventional and unconventional reservoir application. World-class proppant technology—and one of the industry's largest terminal networks—delivers proven solutions that respond to customers' unique needs. Comprehensive R&D and a dedication to industry collaboration underscore a solid commitment to customer performance excellence. Vertical integration is supported by Fairmount Minerals, one of North America's largest producers of industrial sand with a global network of sand mining, mineral processing, manufacturing, and resin-coating plants. As part of Fairmount Minerals, Santrol has an uncompromising commitment to responsible business practices and sustainability. For more information, please visit Santrol.com.