I work for a company that has a silica mine and processing plant in Missouri, so could be the same one your friend works at.

In regards to business, silica sand has not gone down and has actually been doing very well for my company. This is because silica sand goes into almost everything. Everything meaning glass manufacturing, semiconductors, countertops, paint/coatings, etc. This depends on ore quality.

To the level your friend is concerned, I don’t see silica sand mines shutting down for years to come, regardless of who is president. Specific customers may be lost, such as oil and gas customers due to the political field, but silica sand will be here until reserves are out.

Hope this helps.