SAMSA members produce approximately 3 million tonnes of silica sand per annum. The overall production of silica sand in the UK including non SAMSA members is about 5 million tonnes per annum. The largest producer is Sibelco UK Ltd which accounts for over 50% of total UK production. Member companies account for almost all production of silica sand in the England. Scotland produces the remainder.

The reserves of silica sand with planning permission in England for extraction are about 46 million tonnes. This figure includes a wide range of different qualities of sand many of which are not interchangeable. In overall terms the permitted reserves in England make up less than 15 years supply. The reserve situation in Scotland is less well known, however, potential resources are more widespread and it is expected that the Country will become an increasingly more important producer.

Members employ approximately 1000 people directly in the quarrying operations and related activities. The direct value of silica sand sales was estimated at £67 million in 2004 though its economic importance is more truly represented by the down stream industries that depend on silica sand as their raw material such as the glass industry.

About 50% of the silica sand produced is used by the glass industry for the manufacture of flat glass, colourless containers, coloured containers and specialist glass uses.

Only about 10% is used now for foundry sand, 20% is used for other industrial uses (ceramics, water filtration, fibre glass, silica flour) and 20% for horticulture and leisure uses.