Vista Proppants and Logistics, LTD (Vista) is a leading pure-play, in-basin provider of frac sand solutions in prolific producing regions in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, including the Permian Basin, Barnett Shale, Eagle Ford Shale and SCOOP/STACK.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Vista offers leading E&Ps and oilfield service companies high-quality, fine grade white sand with the cost advantages of an in-basin provider. Through Vista’s vertically integrated logistics network of in-basin mines, transload terminals and fleet of “last mile” transport vehicles, customers can further benefit from their mine-to-wellhead frac sand supply chain solutions and assured security of supply.
“We understand the commodity aspect of the frac sand business, which is why we choose to focus our efforts on building out Vista’s best-in-class logistic solutions. Our only job at Vista is to mine the best quality of frac sand and get that sand to our customers efficiently,” said CEO Gary Humphreys.
It’s been over a decade since the founders of Vista bought their first truck and began supporting the oil and gas industry in Texas. The company has grown consistently and continues to support the industry through their extensive trucking footprint, transload facilities and in-basin frac sand mines. Vista’s founders contribute most of the company’s growth to their employees who rely heavily on technology and maintain a strong commitment to innovation.
Leader in Technology & Innovation
Vista relies on its in-house team of geologists to perform diligence on each of the company’s properties consistent with best practices from the metals, hard rock and mining industry standards. Vista’s geologists use SURPAC mine modeling software and combine the information with proprietary internal programs to develop short-, mid- and long-term production models inclusive of product split forecasting. This information helps the company’s current mining operations as well as its planning for new mines.
With this proprietary information, Vista develops 3-D block models from core sampling of reserves and pairs it with heavy equipment GPS to understand what raw materials are in the ground prior to plant construction and during operation.
“Basically, we know where and what we are digging before a tractor moves. My team is able to adjust the plants as needed to maximize yield and lower costs with a proactive approach,” said Humphreys.
Alongside the data approach within mine planning, Vista was one of the first frac sand companies to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to accurately plan for mines and allow for complex geologic model reconciliation. Vista began using UAVs to pull information on topography and calculate stockpiles as surveyors were deemed too expensive and time consuming.
The technology, the company combine UAV data with moisture surveys to increase communication and quantitative tools for mine planning and plant operations. This data creates new efficiencies, directly leading to increased production.
Building upon their commitment to innovation in the space, Vista developed an in-house LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for QA/QC data. This system provides labs at all Vista locations accurate and precise web-based data entry forms for real-time quality control. This data is centrally stored and can be accessed in real time by geologists, operators, managers and ownership anywhere in the world.
Through LIMS, data can be queried for historical results and trends. Mid-stage to final sample analysis results are viewed in real time by operators to ensure tight control over product specifications for the customer.
The focus on technology ensures that Vista is responding to the changing geology and customer requirements. Vista’s proprietary systems ensure that the company responds to the market and clients effectively.
“Our complex geologic models of the mine deposit are used in mine planning and production forecasting. This allows the team to forecast any scenario, ensuring product quantity and QA/QC of specifications,” said Humphreys “Essentially, when we say we can do it, we have the data/modeling underpinning the commitment to get it done. We do not deliver fluff and hot air.”
To learn more visit: https://www.vprop.com/