Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549  
Form 10-Q  

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2016
or
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission File Number: 001-35630 
Hi-Crush Partners LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
90-0840530
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
Three Riverway, Suite 1350
 
Houston, Texas
77056
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (713) 980-6200  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     ý   Yes     ¨   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     ý   Yes     ¨   No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ý
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     ¨   Yes     ý   No
As of October 28, 2016 , there were 63,668,244 common units outstanding.


Table of Contents

HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 
Page
 
 
 

2

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PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except unit amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015 (a)
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash
$
24,786

 
$
11,054

Accounts receivable, net
32,872

 
41,477

Inventories
34,741

 
27,971

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
6,074

 
4,840

Total current assets
98,473

 
85,342

Property, plant and equipment, net
411,289

 
393,512

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
10,518

 
45,524

Equity method investments
4,411

 

Other assets
8,011

 
9,830

Total assets
$
532,702

 
$
534,208

Liabilities, Equity and Partners’ Capital
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
17,134

 
$
24,237

Accrued and other current liabilities
8,099

 
6,429

Due to sponsor
200

 
106,746

Current portion of long-term debt
3,045

 
3,258

Total current liabilities
28,478

 
140,670

Long-term debt
190,969

 
246,783

Asset retirement obligations
7,713

 
7,066

Other liabilities
5,000

 

Total liabilities
232,160

 
394,519

Commitments and contingencies

 

Equity and partners’ capital:
 
 
 
General partner interest

 

Limited partners interest, 63,667,519 and 36,959,970 units outstanding, respectively
297,986

 
134,096

Total partners’ capital
297,986

 
134,096

Non-controlling interest
2,556

 
5,593

Total equity and partners' capital
300,542

 
139,689

Total liabilities, equity and partners’ capital
$
532,702

 
$
534,208


(a)
Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to Hi-Crush Blair LLC. See Note 3 .
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015 (a)
 
2016 (a)
 
2015 (a)
Revenues
$
46,556

 
$
81,494

 
$
137,133

 
$
267,563

Cost of goods sold (including depreciation, depletion and amortization)
46,340

 
66,400

 
138,032

 
198,737

Gross profit (loss)
216

 
15,094

 
(899
)
 
68,826

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
7,896

 
6,516

 
28,310

 
19,947

Impairments and other expenses (Note 12)
148

 
23,718

 
33,997

 
23,718

Accretion of asset retirement obligations
94

 
84

 
274

 
251

Income (loss) from operations
(7,922
)
 
(15,224
)
 
(63,480
)
 
24,910

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(2,845
)
 
(3,438
)
 
(10,398
)
 
(9,739
)
Net income (loss)
(10,767
)
 
(18,662
)
 
(73,878
)
 
15,171

(Income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest
25

 
(35
)
 
68

 
(202
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
$
(10,742
)
 
$
(18,697
)
 
$
(73,810
)
 
$
14,969

Earnings (loss) per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.21
)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(1.65
)
 
$
0.43

Diluted
$
(0.21
)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(1.65
)
 
$
0.42


(a)
Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to Hi-Crush Blair LLC. See Note 3 .
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2016 (a)
 
2015 (a)
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(73,878
)
 
$
15,171

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and depletion
11,457

 
10,031

Amortization of intangible assets
1,261

 
2,199

Loss on impairments of goodwill and intangibles assets
33,745

 
18,606

Provision for doubtful accounts
8,236

 

Unit-based compensation to directors and employees
3,015

 
2,985

Amortization of loan origination costs into interest expense
1,494

 
1,242

Accretion of asset retirement obligations
274

 
251

(Gain) loss on disposal or impairments of property, plant and equipment
(147
)
 
4,781

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
369

 
28,613

Inventories
(6,054
)
 
(5,565
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(1,137
)
 
2,179

Other assets
1,277

 
(2,779
)
Accounts payable
2,109

 
(2,800
)
Accrued and other current liabilities
1,672

 
(4,541
)
Due to sponsor
(1,296
)
 
(4,016
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(17,603
)
 
66,357

Investing activities:
 
 
 
Acquisition of Hi-Crush Blair LLC
(75,000
)
 

Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment
(36,990
)
 
(93,649
)
Equity method investments
(4,411
)
 

Restricted cash, net

 
691

Net cash used in investing activities
(116,401
)
 
(92,958
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from equity issuances, net
189,015

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 
65,000

Repayment of long-term debt
(56,851
)
 
(14,000
)
Loan origination costs
(128
)
 
(101
)
Affiliate financing, net
15,700

 
46,471

Distributions paid

 
(70,072
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
147,736

 
27,298

Net increase in cash
13,732

 
697

Cash at beginning of period
11,054

 
4,809

Cash at end of period
$
24,786

 
$
5,506

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued and other current liabilities for additions to property, plant and equipment
$
(9,212
)
 
$
(16,444
)
Increase in property, plant and equipment for asset retirement obligations
$
373

 
$

Estimated fair value of contingent consideration liability
$
5,000

 
$

Due to sponsor balance converted into non-controlling interest
$
120,950

 
$

Expense paid by Member on behalf of Hi-Crush Blair LLC
$
1,652

 
$
1,808

Cash paid for interest
$
8,904

 
$
8,497


(a)
Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to Hi-Crush Blair LLC. See Note 3 . See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Capital
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
General
Partner
Capital
 
Limited
Partner
Capital
 
Total
Partner
Capital
 
Non-Controlling
Interest
 
Total Equity and
Partners' Capital
Balance at December 31, 2015 (a)
$

 
$
134,096

 
$
134,096

 
$
5,593

 
$
139,689

Issuance of common units, net

 
189,015

 
189,015

 

 
189,015

Issuance of limited partner units to directors

 
453

 
453

 

 
453

Unit-based compensation expense

 
2,659

 
2,659

 

 
2,659

Forfeiture of distribution equivalent rights

 
2

 
2

 

 
2

Non-cash contributions by sponsor

 

 

 
1,652

 
1,652

Conversion of advances to Hi-Crush Proppants LLC

 

 

 
120,950

 
120,950

Acquisition of Hi-Crush Blair LLC

 
45,571

 
45,571

 
(125,571
)
 
(80,000
)
Net loss (a)

 
(73,810
)
 
(73,810
)
 
(68
)
 
(73,878
)
Balance at September 30, 2016
$

 
$
297,986

 
$
297,986

 
$
2,556

 
$
300,542


(a)
Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to Hi-Crush Blair LLC. See Note 3 .
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)


1 Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“interim statements”) of Hi-Crush Partners LP (together with its subsidiaries, the “Partnership”, “we”, “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair statement are reflected in the interim periods presented. The results reported in these interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be reported for the entire year. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 , which are included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2016 , as amended by the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 6, 2016. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These financial statements have been prepared assuming the Partnership will continue to operate as a going concern. On a quarterly basis, the Partnership assesses whether conditions have emerged which may cast substantial doubt about the Partnership's ability to continue as a going concern for the next twelve months following the issuance of the interim statements. Refer to Note 6 - Long-Term Debt for additional disclosure regarding covenant compliance under our Revolving Credit Agreement.
Hi-Crush Partners LP is a Delaware limited partnership formed on May 8, 2012 to acquire selected sand reserves and related processing and transportation facilities of Hi-Crush Proppants LLC. The Partnership is engaged in the excavation and processing of raw frac sand for use in hydraulic fracturing operations for oil and natural gas wells. In connection with its formation, the Partnership issued a non-economic general partner interest to Hi-Crush GP LLC, our general partner (the “General Partner” or “Hi-Crush GP”), and a 100% limited partner interest to Hi-Crush Proppants LLC (the “sponsor”), its organizational limited partner.
On August 9, 2016, the Partnership entered into a contribution agreement with the sponsor to acquire all of the outstanding membership interests in Hi-Crush Blair LLC ("Blair"), the entity that owned our sponsor's Blair facility, for $75,000 in cash, 7,053,292 of newly issued common units in the Partnership, and payment of up to $10,000 of contingent earnout consideration (the "Blair Contribution"). The Partnership completed the acquisition of the Blair facility on August 31, 2016.
The Blair Contribution was accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control whereby Blair's net assets were recorded at their historical cost. Therefore, the Partnership's historical financial information was recast to combine Blair and the Partnership as if the combination had been in effect since inception of the common control on July 31, 2014. Refer to Note 3 for additional disclosure regarding the Blair Contribution.

2. Significant Accounting Policies
In addition to the significant accounting policies listed below, a comprehensive discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2016 .
Accounts Receivable
Trade receivables relate to sales of raw frac sand and related services for which credit is extended based on the customer’s credit history and are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Partnership regularly reviews the collectability of accounts receivable. When it is probable that all or part of an outstanding balance will not be collected, the Partnership establishes or adjusts an allowance as necessary generally using the specific identification method. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and potential recovery is considered remote. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Partnership maintained an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,549 and $663 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Partnership incurred bad debt expense of $8,236 which was primarily the result of the write-off of accounts receivable due from a spot customer filing for bankruptcy.
Deferred Charges
Certain direct costs incurred in connection with debt financing have been capitalized and are being amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, over the life of the debt. Amortization expense is included in interest expense.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

On April 28, 2016, we amended our Revolving Credit Agreement. As a result of this modification, we accelerated amortization of $349 representing a portion of the remaining unamortized balance of debt issuance costs. Refer to Note 6 - Long-Term Debt for additional disclosure regarding our Revolving Credit Agreement.
In the first quarter of 2016, we adopted and applied on a retrospective basis the Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Partnership maintained unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,742 and $4,354 within long-term debt, respectively (See Note 6 - Long-Term Debt ).
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Partnership performs an assessment of the recoverability of goodwill during the third quarter of each fiscal year, or more often if events or circumstances indicate the impairment of an asset may exist. Our assessment of goodwill is based on qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying value. An additional quantitative impairment analysis is completed if the qualitative analysis indicates that the fair value is not substantially in excess of the carrying value. The quantitative analysis determines the fair value of the reporting unit based on the discounted cash flow method and relative market-based approaches. Refer to Note 12 - Impairments and Other Expenses for additional disclosure regarding goodwill.
Equity Method Investments
The Partnership accounts for investments, which it does not control but has the ability to exercise significant influence, using the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the investment is carried originally at cost, increased by any allocated share of the Partnership's net income and contributions made, and decreased by any allocated share of the Partnership's net losses and distributions received.
Revenue Recognition
Frac sand sales revenues are recognized when legal title passes to the customer, which may occur at the production facility, rail origin or at the destination terminal. At that point, delivery has occurred, evidence of a contractual arrangement exists and collectability is reasonably assured. Amounts received from customers in advance of sand deliveries are recorded as deferred revenue. Revenue from make-whole provisions in our customer contracts is recognized at the end of the defined cure period.
A substantial portion of our frac sand is sold to customers with whom we have long-term supply agreements, the current terms of which expire between 2017 and 2021 . The agreements define, among other commitments, the volume of product that the Partnership must provide, the price that will be charged to the customer, and the volume that the customer must purchase by the end of the defined cure periods, which can range from three months to the end of a contract year.
Transportation services revenues are recognized as the services have been completed, meaning the related services have been rendered. At that point, delivery of service has occurred, evidence of a contractual arrangement exists and collectability is reasonably assured. Amounts received from customers in advance of transportation services being rendered are recorded as deferred revenue.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The amounts reported in the balance sheet as current assets or liabilities, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of the senior secured term loan approximated $190,761 as of September 30, 2016 , based on the market price quoted from external sources, compared with a carrying value of $195,000 . If the senior secured term loan was measured at fair value in the financial statements, it would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Net Income per Limited Partner Unit
We have identified the sponsor’s incentive distribution rights as participating securities and compute income per unit using the two-class method under which any excess of distributions declared over net income or loss shall be allocated to the partners based on their respective sharing of income specified in the partnership agreement. Net income or loss per unit applicable to limited partners is computed by dividing limited partners’ interest in net income or loss, after deducting any sponsor incentive distributions, by the weighted-average number of outstanding limited partner units.
As described in Note 1 , the Partnership's historical financial information has been recast to combine Blair for all periods presented. The amounts of incremental income or losses recast to periods prior to the Blair Contribution are excluded from the calculation of net income per limited partner unit.

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Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Income Taxes
The Partnership is a pass-through entity and is not considered a taxable entity for federal tax purposes. Therefore, there is not a provision for income taxes in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Partnership’s net income or loss is allocated to its partners in accordance with the partnership agreement. The partners are taxed individually on their share of the Partnership’s earnings. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Partnership did not have any liabilities for uncertain tax positions or gross unrecognized tax benefits.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15 ("ASU 2016-15"), which provides guidance that is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendment will be effective for the Partnership beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Partnership is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and footnote disclosures.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), an update that supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance, as well as some cost recognition guidance. The update requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires new qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, information about contract balances and performance obligations, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The authoritative guidance, which may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis whereby the entity records a cumulative effect of initially applying this update at the date of initial application, will be effective for the Partnership beginning January 1, 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The FASB has also issued the following standards which clarify ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard: ASU No. 2016-12,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients  and   ASU 2016-10  Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing . The Partnership is currently evaluating the potential method and impact of this authoritative guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

3. Acquisition of Hi-Crush Blair LLC
On August 9, 2016, the Partnership entered into a contribution agreement with our sponsor to acquire all of the outstanding membership interests in Blair, the entity that owned our sponsor’s Blair facility, for $75,000 in cash, 7,053,292 of newly issued common units in the Partnership, and payment of up to $10,000 of contingent earnout consideration (the "Blair Contribution"). The Partnership completed the acquisition of the Blair facility on August 31, 2016.
The contingent earnout consideration is based on the Partnership's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") exceeding certain thresholds for each of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2017 and 2018. If the Partnership exceeds either or both of the respective thresholds, then it will pay an additional $5,000 for each threshold met or exceeded, for an undiscounted total of up to $10,000 . As of September 30, 2016 , the preliminary fair value of the contingent consideration liability based on available information was $5,000 , as reflected in "Other liabilities" on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. In connection with its annual budgeting process, management continues to review the preliminary valuation and expects to finalize the valuation during the fourth quarter of 2016.
As a result of this transaction, the Partnership's historical financial information has been recast to combine the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Partnership with those of Blair as if the combination had been in effect since inception of common control on July 31, 2014. Any material transactions between the Partnership and Blair have been eliminated. The balance of non-controlling interest as of September 30, 2016 includes the sponsor's interest in Blair prior to the combination. Except for the combination of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the respective allocation of recast net income (loss), capital transactions between the sponsor and Blair prior to August 31, 2016 have not been allocated on a recast basis to the Partnership’s unitholders. Such transactions are presented within the non-controlling interest column in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital as the Partnership and its unitholders would not have participated in these transactions.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

The following table summarizes the carrying value of Blair's assets as of August 31, 2016, and the allocation of the cash consideration payable:
Net assets of Hi-Crush Blair LLC as of August 31, 2016:
 
Cash
$
75

Inventories
6,310

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
360

Due from Hi-Crush Partners LP
406

Property, plant and equipment
125,565

Other assets
700

Accounts payable
(5,653
)
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities
(2,269
)
Due to sponsor
(311
)
Due to Hi-Crush Partners LP
(1,240
)
Asset retirement obligation
(380
)
Total carrying value of Blair's net assets
$
123,563

 
 
Allocation of purchase price
 
Carrying value of sponsor's non-controlling interest prior to Blair Contribution
$
125,571

Excess purchase price over the acquired interest (a)
(45,571
)
Cost of Blair acquisition
$
80,000

(a) The deemed contribution attributable to the purchase price was allocated to the common unitholders and excludes the $5,000 estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable in the future.
The following tables present our recast revenues, net income (loss) and net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP per limited partner unit giving effect to the Blair Contribution, as reconciled to the revenues, net income (loss) and net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP per limited partner unit of the Partnership.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Partnership Historical
 
Blair through August 31, 2016
 
Eliminations
 
Partnership Recast
Revenues
$
46,556

 
$
6,473

 
$
(6,473
)
 
$
46,556

Net income (loss)
$
(11,729
)
 
$
1,106

 
$
(144
)
 
$
(10,767
)
Net loss attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP per limited partner unit - basic
$
(0.21
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(0.19
)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Partnership Historical
 
Blair
 
Eliminations
 
Partnership Recast
Revenues
$
81,494

 
$

 
$

 
$
81,494

Net loss
$
(18,073
)
 
$
(589
)
 
$

 
$
(18,662
)
Net loss attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP per limited partner unit - basic
$
(0.49
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(0.51
)

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Partnership Historical
 
Blair through August 31, 2016
 
Eliminations
 
Partnership Recast
Revenues
$
137,133

 
$
13,761

 
$
(13,761
)
 
$
137,133

Net income (loss)
$
(74,157
)
 
$
716

 
$
(437
)
 
$
(73,878
)
Net loss attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP per limited partner unit - basic
$
(1.65
)
 
 
 
 
 
$
(1.65
)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Partnership Historical
 
Blair
 
Eliminations
 
Partnership Recast
Revenues
$
267,563

 
$

 
$

 
$
267,563

Net income (loss)
$
17,229

 
$
(2,058
)
 
$

 
$
15,171

Net income attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP per limited partner unit - basic
$
0.43

 
 
 
 
 
$
0.37


4. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Raw material
$
280

 
$

Work-in-process
16,546

 
11,827

Finished goods
15,550

 
13,960

Spare parts
2,365

 
2,184

Inventories
$
34,741

 
$
27,971


5. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Buildings
$
9,694

 
$
5,519

Mining property and mine development
87,278

 
79,244

Plant and equipment
236,917

 
151,582

Rail and rail equipment
43,169

 
29,300

Transload facilities and equipment
76,879

 
62,557

Construction-in-progress
3,205

 
102,464

Property, plant and equipment
457,142

 
430,666

Less: Accumulated depreciation and depletion
(45,853
)
 
(37,154
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
411,289

 
$
393,512

During the first quarter of 2016, we completed construction and commenced operations of our Blair facility.
Depreciation and depletion expense was $4,623 and $4,319 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively and $11,457 and $10,031 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

The Partnership recognized a (gain) loss on the disposal of fixed assets of $(107) and $20 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively and $(147) and $70 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
The Partnership recognized an impairment of $4,455 related to the write-down of transload and office facilities' assets to their net realizable value and recognized expense of $256 related to the abandonment of certain transload construction projects during the three months ended September 30, 2015 . These expenses are included in impairments and other expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 12 for additional disclosure on impairments and other expenses. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 the Partnership sold two of the idled transload facilities and terminated the lease on a third idled transload facility.

6. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Revolving Credit Agreement
$

 
$
52,500

Term Loan Credit Facility
195,000

 
196,500

Less: Unamortized original issue discount
(1,318
)
 
(1,529
)
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(3,742
)
 
(4,354
)
Other notes payable
4,074

 
6,924

Total debt
194,014

 
250,041

Less: current portion of long-term debt
(3,045
)
 
(3,258
)
Long-term debt
$
190,969

 
$
246,783

Revolving Credit Agreement
On April 28, 2014, the Partnership entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"). The Revolving Credit Agreement is a senior secured revolving credit facility that permits aggregate borrowings of up to $150,000 , including a $25,000 sublimit for letters of credit and a $10,000 sublimit for swing line loans. The Revolving Credit Agreement matures on April 28, 2019 . On November 5, 2015, the Partnership entered into a second amendment (the "Second Amendment") to the Revolving Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment provided for a reduction in the commitment level from $150,000 to $100,000 . On April 28, 2016 , the Partnership entered into a third amendment (the "Third Amendment") to the Revolving Credit Agreement which provided for a reduction in the commitment level to $75,000 . The outstanding balance of $52,500 under the Revolving Credit Agreement was paid in full as of June 30, 2016.
The Revolving Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all assets of the Partnership. In addition, the Partnership's subsidiaries have guaranteed the Partnership's obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement and have granted to the revolving lenders security interests in substantially all of their respective assets.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended, bear interest at a rate equal to a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 4.50% per annum through June 30, 2017 (the "Effective Period").

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

The Revolving Credit Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limits or restrictions on the Partnership’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate and dispose of assets. The Second Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement waives the compliance of customary financial covenants, which are a leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio, through the Effective Period. In addition, the Second Amendment established certain minimum quarterly EBITDA covenants, allows distributions to unitholders up to 50% of quarterly distributable cash flow after quarterly debt payments on the term loan, and requires that capital expenditures during 2016 not exceed $28,000 . The Third Amendment waives the minimum quarterly EBITDA covenants, establishes a maximum EBITDA loss for the six months ending March 31, 2017 and provides for an "equity cure" that can be applied to EBITDA covenant ratios for 2017 and all future periods. In addition, the Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary events of default (some of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods), including among other things, non-payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults and material judgment defaults. Such events of default could entitle the lenders to cause any or all of the Partnership’s indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable. If such a default were to occur, and resulted in a cross default of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, all of our outstanding debt obligations could be accelerated resulting in substantial doubt regarding the Partnership’s ability to meet its obligations over the next twelve months and continue as a going concern.
As of September 30, 2016 , we were in compliance with the covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement. Our ability to comply with such covenants in the future could be affected by the levels of cash flows from our operations and events or circumstances beyond our control.  If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our risk of non-compliance may increase.
As of September 30, 2016 , we had $67,055 of undrawn available borrowing capacity ( $75,000 , net of $7,945 letter of credit commitments) and no indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Agreement.
Term Loan Credit Facility
On April 28, 2014, the Partnership entered into a credit agreement (the "Term Loan Credit Agreement") providing for a senior secured term loan credit facility (the “Term Loan Credit Facility”) that permits aggregate borrowings of up to $200,000 , which has been fully drawn. The Term Loan Credit Agreement permits the Partnership, at its option, to add one or more incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 . Any incremental term loan facility would be on terms to be agreed among the Partnership, the administrative agent and the lenders who agree to participate in the incremental facility. The maturity date of the Term Loan Credit Facility is April 28, 2021 .
The Term Loan Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all assets of the Partnership. In addition, the Partnership’s subsidiaries have guaranteed the Partnership’s obligations under the Term Loan Credit Agreement and have granted to the lenders security interests in substantially all of their respective assets.
Borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Partnership’s option, either (1) a base rate plus an applicable margin of 2.75% per annum or (2) a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% per annum, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% .
The Term Loan Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limits or restrictions on the Partnership’s ability to incur liens, incur indebtedness, make certain restricted payments, merge or consolidate and dispose of assets. In addition, it contains customary events of default that entitle the lenders to cause any or all of the Partnership’s indebtedness under the Term Loan Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable. The events of default (some of which are subject to applicable grace or cure periods), include, among other things, non-payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults and material judgment defaults. As of September 30, 2016 , we were in compliance with the terms of the agreement.
As of September 30, 2016 , we had $189,940 indebtedness ( $195,000 , net of $1,318 of discounts and $3,742 of debt issuance costs) under our Term Loan Credit Facility, which carried an interest rate of 4.75% .
Other Notes Payable
On October 24, 2014, the Partnership entered into a purchase and sales agreement to acquire land and underlying frac sand deposits. Through September 30, 2016 , the Partnership paid total cash consideration of $5,000 , and issued two three -year promissory notes in the amounts of $3,676 , each, in connection with this agreement. The three-year promissory notes accrue interest at a rate equal to the applicable short-term federal rate, which was 0.66% as of September 30, 2016 . All principal and accrued interest is due and payable at the end of the three-year note terms in October 2017 and December 2018, respectively. However, the notes may be prepaid on a quarterly basis during the three-year terms if sand is extracted, delivered, sold and paid for from the properties.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Partnership made prepayments of $917 and $2,851 based on the volume of sand extracted, delivered, sold and paid for, respectively. In October 2016, the Partnership made a prepayment of approximately $1,045 based on the volume of sand extracted, delivered, sold and paid for through the third quarter of 2016. We did not make any prepayments during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 .

7. Equity
As of September 30, 2016 , our sponsor owned 20,693,643 common units, representing a 32.5% ownership interest in the limited partner units. In addition, our sponsor is the owner of our General Partner.  
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Partnership completed three public offerings for a total of 19,550,000 common units, representing limited partnership interests in the Partnership for aggregate net proceeds of approximately $189,015 . The net proceeds from these offerings were used to pay off the outstanding balance under the Partnership's Revolving Credit Agreement, to fund the Blair Contribution and for general partnership purposes.
Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive increasing percentages (ranging from 15.0% to 50.0% ) of quarterly distributions from operating surplus after minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels exceed $0.54625 per unit per quarter. Our sponsor currently holds the incentive distribution rights, but it may transfer these rights at any time.
Allocations of Net Income
Our partnership agreement contains provisions for the allocation of net income and loss to the unitholders and our General Partner. For purposes of maintaining partner capital accounts, the partnership agreement specifies that items of income and loss shall be allocated among the partners in accordance with their respective percentage ownership interest. Normal allocations according to percentage interests are made after giving effect, if any, to priority income allocations in an amount equal to incentive cash distributions allocated 100% to our sponsor.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , no income was allocated to our holders of incentive distribution rights. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 , no income was allocated to our holders of incentive distribution rights. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , $2,622 was allocated to our holders of incentive distribution rights.
Distributions
Our partnership agreement sets forth the calculation to be used to determine the amount of cash distributions that our limited partner unitholders and our holders of incentive distribution rights will receive.
Our recent distributions have been as follows:
Declaration Date
 
Amount Declared Per Unit
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Payment to Limited Partner Units
 
Payment to Holders of Incentive Distribution Rights
January 15, 2015
 
$
0.6750

 
January 30, 2015
 
February 13, 2015
 
$
24,947

 
$
1,311

April 16, 2015
 
$
0.6750

 
May 1, 2015
 
May 15, 2015
 
$
24,947

 
$
1,311

July 21, 2015
 
$
0.4750

 
August 5, 2015
 
August 14, 2015
 
$
17,555

 
$

On October 26, 2015, we announced the Board of Directors' decision to temporarily suspend the distribution payment to common unitholders. No quarterly distributions were declared for the third quarter of 2016, as the Partnership continued its distribution suspension to conserve cash.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Net Income per Limited Partner Unit
The following table outlines our basic and diluted, weighted average limited partner units outstanding during the relevant periods:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Basic
55,095,464

 
36,959,020

 
44,832,652

 
36,958,692

Diluted
55,095,464

 
36,959,020

 
44,832,652

 
37,200,426

For purposes of calculating the Partnership’s earnings per unit under the two-class method, common units are treated as participating preferred units, and the previously outstanding subordinated units were treated as the residual equity interest, or common equity. Incentive distribution rights are treated as participating securities.
Diluted earnings per unit excludes any dilutive awards granted (see Note 8 ) if their effect is anti-dilutive. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Partnership incurred a net loss and all 627,900 potentially dilutive awards granted and outstanding were excluded from the diluted earnings per unit calculation.
Distributions made in future periods based on the current period calculation of cash available for distribution are allocated to each class of equity that will receive such distributions.
Each period the Partnership determines the amount of cash available for distributions in accordance with the partnership agreement. The amount to be distributed to limited partner unitholders and incentive distribution rights holders is subject to the distribution waterfall in the partnership agreement. Net earnings or loss for the period are allocated to each class of partnership interest based on the distributions to be made.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net loss and the assumed allocation of net loss under the two-class method for purposes of computing net loss per limited partner unit for the three months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands, except per unit amounts):
 
General Partner and IDRs
 
Limited Partner Units
 
Total
Declared distribution
$

 
$

 
$

Assumed allocation of distributions in excess of loss

 
(10,742
)
 
(10,742
)
Add back recast income attributable to Blair through August 31, 2016

 
(962
)
 
(962
)
Assumed allocation of net loss
$

 
$
(11,704
)
 
$
(11,704
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss per limited partner unit - basic
 
 
$
(0.21
)
 
 
Loss per limited partner unit - diluted
 
 
$
(0.21
)
 
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of net loss and the assumed allocation of net loss under the two-class method for purposes of computing net loss per limited partner unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands, except per unit amounts):
 
General Partner and IDRs
 
Limited Partner Units
 
Total
Declared distribution
$

 
$

 
$

Assumed allocation of distributions in excess of loss

 
(73,810
)
 
(73,810
)
Add back recast income attributable to Blair through August 31, 2016

 
(279
)
 
(279
)
Assumed allocation of net loss
$

 
$
(74,089
)
 
$
(74,089
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss per limited partner unit - basic
 
 
$
(1.65
)
 
 
Loss per limited partner unit - diluted
 
 
$
(1.65
)
 
 

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Recast Equity Transactions
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the sponsor paid $1,652 of expenses on behalf of Blair. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the sponsor paid $838 and $1,808 , respectively, of expenses on behalf of Blair. Such transactions are recognized within the non-controlling interest section of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital.

8. Unit-Based Compensation
Long-Term Incentive Plan
On August 21, 2012, Hi-Crush GP adopted the Hi-Crush Partners LP Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for employees, consultants and directors of Hi-Crush GP and those of its affiliates, including our sponsor, who perform services for the Partnership. The Plan consists of restricted units, unit options, phantom units, unit payments, unit appreciation rights, other equity-based awards, distribution equivalent rights and performance awards. The Plan limits the number of common units that may be issued pursuant to awards under the Plan is currently 1,364,035 units. If our unitholders approve the first amendment and restatement of the Plan at a special meeting of our common unitholders to be held on December 8, 2016, the number of common units that may be issued pursuant to awards under the Plan will increase to 4,064,035 common units. After giving effect to the first amendment and restatement of the Plan, to the extent that an award is forfeited, cancelled, exercised, settled in cash, or otherwise terminates or expires without the actual delivery of common units pursuant to such awards, the common units subject to the award will again be available for new awards granted under the Plan; provided, however, that any common units withheld to cover a tax withholding obligation will not again be available for new awards under the Plan. The Plan is administered by Hi-Crush GP’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
The cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award and that cost is generally recognized over the vesting period of the award.
Performance Phantom Units - Equity Settled
The Partnership has awarded Performance Phantom Units ("PPUs") pursuant to the Plan to certain employees. The number of PPUs that will vest will range from 0% to 200% of the number of initially granted PPUs and is dependent on the Partnership's total unitholder return over a three -year performance period compared to the total unitholder return of a designated peer group. Each PPU represents the right to receive, upon vesting, one common unit representing limited partner interests in the Partnership. The PPUs are also entitled to forfeitable distribution equivalent rights ("DERs"), which accumulate during the performance period and are paid in cash on the date of settlement. The fair value of each PPU is estimated using a fair value approach and is amortized into compensation expense, reduced for an estimate of expected forfeitures, over the period of service corresponding with the vesting period. Expected volatility is based on the historical market performance of our peer group. The following table presents information relative to our PPUs.
 
Units
 
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value per Unit
Outstanding at January 1, 2016
136,570

 
$
46.85

Granted
112,345

 
$
15.94

Outstanding at September 30, 2016
248,915

 
$
32.90

As of September 30, 2016 , total compensation expense not yet recognized related to unvested PPUs was $3,451 , with a weighted average remaining service period of 1.5 years .
Time-Based Phantom Units - Equity Settled
The Partnership has awarded Time-Based Phantom Units ("TPUs") pursuant to the Plan to certain employees which automatically vest if the employee remains employed at the end of the vesting period. Each TPU represents the right to receive, upon vesting, one common unit representing limited partner interests in the Partnership. The TPUs are also entitled to forfeitable DERs, which accumulate during the vesting period and are paid in cash on the date of settlement. The fair value of each TPU is calculated based on the grant-date unit price and is amortized into compensation expense, reduced for an estimate of expected forfeitures, over the period of service corresponding with the vesting period. The following table presents information relative to our TPUs.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

 
Units
 
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value per Unit
Outstanding at January 1, 2016
55,320

 
$
37.63

Vested
(880
)
 
$
39.48

Granted
325,470

 
$
12.96

Forfeited
(925
)
 
$
38.48

Outstanding at September 30, 2016
378,985

 
$
16.44

As of September 30, 2016 , total compensation expense not yet recognized related to unvested TPUs was $4,851 , with a weighted average remaining service period of 2.6 years .
Board Unit Grants
The Partnership issued 103,377 and 6,344 common units to certain of its directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Unit Purchase Program
During 2015, the Partnership commenced a unit purchase program ("UPP") offered under the Plan. The UPP provides participating employees and members of our board of directors the opportunity to purchase common units representing limited partner interests of the Partnership at a discount. Non-director employees contribute through payroll deductions not to exceed 35% of the employee's eligible compensation during the applicable offering period. Directors contribute through cash contributions not to exceed $150 in aggregate. If the closing price of the Partnership's common units on February 28, 2017 (the "Purchase Date Price") is greater than or equal to 90% of the closing market price of our common units on a participant's applicable election date (the "Election Price"), then the participant will receive a number of common units equal to the amount of accumulated payroll deductions or cash contributions, as applicable (the “Contribution”), divided by the Election Price, capped at 20,000 common units. If the Purchase Date Price is less than the Election Price, then the participant’s Contribution will be returned to the participant.
On the date of election, the Partnership calculates the fair value of the discount, which is recognized as unit compensation expense on a straight-line basis during the period from election date through the date of purchase.  As of September 30, 2016 , total accumulated contributions of $486 from directors under the UPP is maintained within the “Accrued and Other Current Liabilities” line item in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Compensation Expense
The following table presents total unit-based compensation expense:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Performance Phantom Units
$
647

 
$
794

 
$
1,811

 
$
2,251

Time-Based Phantom Units
352

 
187

 
732

 
521

Director and other unit grants
117

 
67

 
356

 
213

Unit Purchase Program
39

 

 
116

 

Total compensation expense
$
1,155

 
$
1,048

 
$
3,015

 
$
2,985



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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

9. Related Party Transactions
Effective August 16, 2012, our sponsor entered into a services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with our General Partner, Hi-Crush Services LLC (“Hi-Crush Services”) and the Partnership, pursuant to which Hi-Crush Services provides certain management and administrative services to the Partnership to assist in operating the Partnership’s business. Under the Services Agreement, the Partnership reimburses Hi-Crush Services and its affiliates, on a monthly basis, for the allocable expenses it incurs in its performance under the Services Agreement. These expenses include, among other things, administrative, rent and other expenses for individuals and entities that perform services for the Partnership. Hi-Crush Services and its affiliates will not be liable to the Partnership for its performance of services under the Services Agreement, except for liabilities resulting from gross negligence. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the Partnership incurred $1,245 and $1,262 , respectively, of management and administrative service expenses from Hi-Crush Services. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the Partnership incurred $3,337 and $3,333 , respectively, of management and administrative service expenses from Hi-Crush Services.
In the normal course of business, our sponsor and its affiliates, including Hi-Crush Services, and the Partnership may from time to time make payments on behalf of each other.
As of September 30, 2016 , an outstanding balance of $200 payable to our sponsor is maintained as a current liability under the caption “Due to sponsor”.
During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the Partnership purchased $57 and $9,625 , respectively, of sand from Hi-Crush Whitehall LLC, a subsidiary of our sponsor and the entity that owns the sponsor's Whitehall facility, at a purchase price in excess of our production cost per ton. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the Partnership purchased $7,260 and $24,528 , respectively, of sand from our sponsor's Whitehall facility.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Partnership purchased $2,754 of sand from Goose Landing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northern Frac Proppants II, LLC. We did not purchase any sand during the three months ended September 30, 2015 or the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . The father of Mr. Alston, who is a director of our General Partner, owned a beneficial equity interest in Northern Frac Proppants II, LLC.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and throughout 2014 and 2015, the Partnership engaged in multiple construction projects and purchased equipment, machinery and component parts from various vendors that were represented by Alston Environmental Company, Inc. or Alston Equipment Company (“Alston Companies”), which regularly represent vendors in such transactions. The vendors in question paid a commission to the Alston Companies in an amount that is unknown to the Partnership. The sister of Mr. Alston, has an ownership interest in the Alston Companies. The Partnership has not paid any sum directly to the Alston Companies and Mr. Alston has represented to the Partnership that he received no compensation from the Alston Companies related to these transactions.

10. Segment Reporting
The Partnership manages, operates and owns assets utilized to supply frac sand to its customers. It conducts operations through its one operating segment titled "Frac Sand Sales". This reporting segment of the Partnership is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

11. Commitments and Contingencies
The Partnership enters into sales contracts with customers. These contracts establish minimum annual sand volumes that the Partnership is required to make available to such customers under initial terms ranging from three to six years. Through September 30, 2016 , no payments for non-delivery of minimum annual sand volumes have been made by the Partnership to customers under these contracts.
D & I Silica, LLC ("D&I") has entered into a long-term supply agreement with a supplier (the "Sand Supply Agreement"), which includes a requirement to purchase certain volumes and grades of sands at specified prices. The quantities set forth in such agreement are not in excess of our current requirements.
The Partnership has entered into royalty agreements under which it is committed to pay royalties on sand sold from its production facilities for which the Partnership has received payment by the customer. Royalty expense is recorded as the sand is sold and is included in costs of goods sold. Royalty expense was $2,002 and $2,352 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $3,357 and $8,492 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

During the third quarter of 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to terminate certain existing royalty agreements for $6,750 , of which $3,375 was paid during September 2016, with another payment scheduled for August 2017. As a result of this agreement, the Partnership reduced its ongoing future royalty payments to the applicable counterparties for each ton of frac sand that is excavated, processed and sold to the Partnership’s customers. As part of this transaction, we recorded an asset of $6,750 , as reflected in property, plant and equipment in the September 30, 2016 balance sheet.
On October 24, 2014, the Partnership entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire certain tracts of land and specific quantities of the underlying frac sand deposits. The transaction includes three separate tranches of land and deposits, to be acquired over a three -year period from 2014 through 2016. Through September 30, 2016 , the Partnership acquired two tranches of land for $12,352 and has committed to purchase the remaining tranche during 2016 for total consideration of $6,176 .
On September 8, 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to form Proppant Express Investments, LLC ("PropX"), an entity established to develop critical last-mile sand logistics equipment for the proppant industry. PropX is responsible for manufacturing the containers, or pods, and the conveyor systems that allow for transportation of frac sand from in-basin terminals to the well site. The Partnership has committed to investing up to $17,400 in PropX over the next year to 18 months for use in manufacturing of containers and conveyor systems, among other things. Through September 30, 2016 , the Partnership has funded $4,411 of its commitment.
The Partnership has long-term leases for railcars and equipment used at its terminal sites, some of which are also under long-term lease agreements with various railroads.
We have entered into service agreements with transload service providers which require us to purchase minimum amount of services over specific periods of time at specific locations. Our failure to purchase the minimum level of services would require us to pay shortfall fees. However, the minimum quantities set forth in the agreements are not in excess of our current forecasted requirements at these locations.
As of September 30, 2016 , future minimum operating lease payments and minimum purchase commitments are as follows:
Fiscal Year
Operating
Leases
 
Minimum Purchase
Commitments
2016 (three months)
$
6,396

 
$
394

2017
26,705

 
1,576

2018
26,585

 
1,576

2019
29,183

 
1,866

2020
26,620

 
2,296

Thereafter
58,928

 
6,464

 
$
174,417

 
$
14,172

In addition, the Partnership has placed orders for additional leased railcars. Such long-term operating leases commence upon the future delivery of the railcars. During the third quarter of 2016, we completed negotiations with a railcar lessor to defer the delivery of approximately 700 additional leased railcars until the second half of 2018 and reduced our annual minimum operating lease by approximately $1,300 .
From time to time the Partnership may be subject to various claims and legal proceedings which arise in the normal course of business. Management is not aware of any legal matters that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

12. Impairments and Other Expenses
Our goodwill arose from the acquisition of D&I in 2013 and is therefore allocated to the D&I reporting unit. We performed our annual assessment of the recoverability of goodwill during the third quarter of 2015. Although we had seen a significant decrease in the price of our common units since August 2014, which had resulted in an overall reduction in our market capitalization, our market capitalization exceeded our recorded net book value as of September 30, 2015.  At such time, we updated our internal business outlook of the D&I reporting unit to consider the current economic environment that affects our operations. As part of the first step of goodwill impairment testing, we updated our assessment of our future cash flows, applying expected long-term growth rates, discount rates, and terminal values that we considered reasonable. We calculated a present value of the cash flows to arrive at an estimate of fair value under the income approach, and then used the market approach to corroborate this value. As a result of these estimates, we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill as of our annual assessment date.
Specific uncertainties affecting our estimated fair value include the impact of competition, the price of frac sand, future overall activity levels and demand for frac sand, activity levels of our significant customers, and other factors affecting the rate of our future growth. These factors were reviewed and assessed during the fourth quarter of 2015 and we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2015.
However, uncertain market conditions for frac sand resulting from current oil and natural gas prices continued. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, volumes sold through the D&I reporting unit declined below previously forecasted levels and pricing deteriorated further. Industry demand for frac sand has continued to decline as the reported Baker Hughes oil rig count in North America fell to 362 rigs as of March 31, 2016, marking a 2016 year-to-date decline of more than 30% . Our customers continued to face uncertainty related to activity levels and have reduced their active frac crews, resulting in further declines in well completion activity. Therefore, as of March 31, 2016, we determined that the state of market conditions and activity levels indicated that an impairment of goodwill may exist. As a result, we assessed qualitative factors and determined that we could not conclude it was more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill exceeded its carrying value. In turn, we prepared a quantitative analysis of the fair value of the goodwill as of March 31, 2016, based on the weighted average valuation across several income and market based valuation approaches. The underlying results of the valuation were driven by our actual results during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the pricing, costs structures and market conditions existing as of March 31, 2016, which were below our forecasts at the time of the previous goodwill assessments. Other key estimates, assumptions and inputs used in the valuation included long-term growth rates, discounts rates, terminal values, valuation multiples and relative valuations when comparing the reporting unit to similar businesses or asset bases. Upon completion of the Step 1 and Step 2 valuation exercises, it was determined that a $33,745 impairment loss of all goodwill was incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was equal to the difference between the carrying value and estimated fair value of goodwill. The Partnership did not recognize any impairment losses for goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 .
During the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we completed an impairment assessment of the intangible asset associated with the Sand Supply Agreement.  Given current market conditions, coupled with our ability to source sand from our sponsor on more favorable terms, we determined that the fair value of the agreement was less than its carrying value, resulting in an impairment of $18,606 .
During the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we elected to temporarily idle five destination transload facilities and three rail origin transload facilities.  In addition, to consolidate our administrative functions, we commenced the process of closing down an office facility in Sheffield, Pennsylvania. As a result of these actions, we recognized an impairment of $4,455 related to the write down of transload and office facilities’ assets to their net realizable value, and severance, retention and relocation costs of $371 for affected employees.
We recognized impairments and other expenses as outlined in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Impairment of Goodwill
$

 
$

 
$
33,745

 
$

Impairment of Sand Supply Agreement

 
18,606

 

 
18,606

Impairment of idled administrative and transload facilities

 
4,455

 

 
4,455

Severance, retention and relocation
148

 
371

 
252

 
371

Abandonment of construction projects

 
256

 

 
256

Expiration of exclusivity agreement

 
30

 

 
30

Impairments and other expenses
$
148

 
$
23,718

 
$
33,997

 
$
23,718


20

Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)


13. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
The Partnership has filed a registration statement on Form S-3 to register, among other securities, debt securities. Each of the subsidiaries of the Partnership as of March 31, 2014 (other than Hi-Crush Finance Corp., whose sole purpose is to act as a co-issuer of any debt securities) was a 100% directly or indirectly owned subsidiary of the Partnership (the “guarantors”), will issue guarantees of the debt securities, if any of them issue guarantees, and such guarantees will be full and unconditional and will constitute the joint and several obligations of such guarantors. As of September 30, 2016 , the guarantor subsidiaries consisted of those subsidiaries associated with the Wyeville facility and D & I Silica, LLC.
As of September 30, 2016 , the Partnership had no assets or operations independent of its subsidiaries, and there were no significant restrictions upon the ability of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries to obtain funds from its respective subsidiaries by dividend or loan. As of September 30, 2016 , none of the assets of our subsidiaries represented restricted net assets pursuant to Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.
For the purpose of the following financial information, the Partnership's investments in its subsidiaries are presented in accordance with the equity method of accounting. The operations, cash flows and financial position of the co-issuer are not material and therefore have been included with the parent's financial information.
Condensed consolidating financial information for the Partnership and its combined guarantor and combined non-guarantor subsidiaries is as follows for the dates and periods indicated.

21

Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2016
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
$
22,501

 
$
1,803

 
$
482

 
$

 
$
24,786

Accounts receivable, net

 
28,119

 
4,753

 

 
32,872

Intercompany receivables
76,213

 
146,915

 

 
(223,128
)
 

Inventories

 
22,403

 
13,251

 
(913
)
 
34,741

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
232

 
5,042

 
800

 

 
6,074

Total current assets
98,946

 
204,282


19,286

 
(224,041
)
 
98,473

Property, plant and equipment, net
9

 
167,839

 
243,441

 

 
411,289

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 
10,518

 

 

 
10,518

Equity method investments

 

 
4,411

 

 
4,411

Investment in consolidated affiliates
395,033

 

 
224,250

 
(619,283
)
 

Other assets
1,011

 
6,278

 
722

 

 
8,011

Total assets
$
494,999

 
$
388,917


$
492,110

 
$
(843,324
)
 
$
532,702

Liabilities, Equity and Partners' Capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
182

 
$
10,968

 
$
5,984

 
$

 
$
17,134

Intercompany payables

 

 
223,128

 
(223,128
)
 

Accrued and other current liabilities
1,790

 
2,320

 
3,989

 

 
8,099

Due to sponsor
101

 
(717
)
 
816

 

 
200

Current portion of long-term debt
2,000

 
1,045

 

 

 
3,045

Total current liabilities
4,073

 
13,616


233,917

 
(223,128
)
 
28,478

Long-term debt
187,940

 
3,029

 

 

 
190,969

Asset retirement obligations

 
2,045

 
5,668

 

 
7,713

Other liabilities
5,000

 

 

 

 
5,000

Total liabilities
197,013

 
18,690


239,585

 
(223,128
)
 
232,160

Equity and partners' capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Partners' capital
297,986

 
370,227

 
249,969

 
(620,196
)
 
297,986

Non-controlling interest

 

 
2,556

 

 
2,556

Total equity and partners' capital
297,986

 
370,227


252,525

 
(620,196
)
 
300,542

Total liabilities, equity and partners' capital
$
494,999

 
$
388,917


$
492,110

 
$
(843,324
)
 
$
532,702



22

Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2015
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
$
4,136

 
$
5,077

 
$
1,841

 
$

 
$
11,054

Accounts receivable, net

 
39,292

 
2,185

 

 
41,477

Intercompany receivables
47,951

 
160,108

 

 
(208,059
)
 

Inventories

 
19,180

 
9,159

 
(368
)
 
27,971

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
57

 
4,282

 
501

 

 
4,840

Total current assets
52,144

 
227,939

 
13,686

 
(208,427
)
 
85,342

Property, plant and equipment, net
14

 
164,500

 
228,998

 

 
393,512

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 
45,524

 

 

 
45,524

Investment in consolidated affiliates
325,161

 

 
224,250

 
(549,411
)
 

Other assets
1,553

 
7,377

 
900

 

 
9,830

Total assets
$
378,872

 
$
445,340

 
$
467,834

 
$
(757,838
)
 
$
534,208

Liabilities, Equity and Partners' Capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
56

 
$
9,941

 
$
14,240

 
$

 
$
24,237

Intercompany payables

 

 
208,059

 
(208,059
)
 

Accrued and other current liabilities
1,284

 
1,910

 
3,235

 

 
6,429

Due to sponsor
319

 
575

 
105,852

 

 
106,746

Current portion of long-term debt
2,000

 
1,258

 

 

 
3,258

Total current liabilities
3,659

 
13,684

 
331,386

 
(208,059
)
 
140,670

Long-term debt
241,117

 
5,666

 

 

 
246,783

Asset retirement obligations

 
1,935

 
5,131

 

 
7,066

Total liabilities
244,776

 
21,285

 
336,517

 
(208,059
)
 
394,519

Equity and partners' capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Partners' capital
134,096

 
424,055

 
125,724

 
(549,779
)
 
134,096

Non-controlling interest

 

 
5,593

 

 
5,593

Total equity and partners' capital
134,096

 
424,055

 
131,317

 
(549,779
)
 
139,689

Total liabilities, equity and partners' capital
$
378,872

 
$
445,340

 
$
467,834

 
$
(757,838
)
 
$
534,208



23

Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenues
$

 
$
47,916

 
$
13,338

 
$
(14,698
)
 
$
46,556

Cost of goods sold (including depreciation, depletion and amortization)

 
50,233

 
10,708

 
(14,601
)
 
46,340

Gross profit (loss)

 
(2,317
)
 
2,630

 
(97
)
 
216

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
3,616

 
2,917

 
1,363

 

 
7,896

Impairments and other expenses

 
148

 

 

 
148

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 
37

 
57

 

 
94

Income (loss) from operations
(3,616
)
 
(5,419
)
 
1,210

 
(97
)
 
(7,922
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from consolidated affiliates
(4,313
)
 

 

 
4,313

 

Interest expense
(2,813
)
 
5

 
(37
)
 

 
(2,845
)
Net income (loss)
(10,742
)
 
(5,414
)
 
1,173

 
4,216

 
(10,767
)
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 
25

 

 
25

Net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
$
(10,742
)
 
$
(5,414
)
 
$
1,198

 
$
4,216

 
$
(10,742
)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenues
$

 
$
76,194

 
$
10,475

 
$
(5,175
)
 
$
81,494

Cost of goods sold (including depreciation, depletion and amortization)

 
63,154

 
8,154

 
(4,908
)
 
66,400

Gross profit

 
13,040

 
2,321

 
(267
)
 
15,094

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
2,406

 
3,003

 
1,107

 

 
6,516

Impairments and other expenses

 
23,692

 
26

 

 
23,718

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 
34

 
50

 

 
84

Income (loss) from operations
(2,406
)
 
(13,689
)
 
1,138

 
(267
)
 
(15,224
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from consolidated affiliates
(13,019
)
 

 

 
13,019

 

Interest expense
(3,272
)
 
(37
)
 
(129
)
 

 
(3,438
)
Net income (loss)
(18,697
)
 
(13,726
)
 
1,009

 
12,752

 
(18,662
)
Income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 
(35
)
 

 
(35
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
$
(18,697
)
 
$
(13,726
)
 
$
974

 
$
12,752

 
$
(18,697
)


24

Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenues
$

 
$
147,045

 
$
22,026

 
$
(31,938
)
 
$
137,133

Cost of goods sold (including depreciation, depletion and amortization)

 
150,273

 
19,152

 
(31,393
)
 
138,032

Gross profit (loss)

 
(3,228
)
 
2,874

 
(545
)
 
(899
)
Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
8,144

 
16,397

 
3,769

 

 
28,310

Impairments and other expenses

 
33,990

 
7

 

 
33,997

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 
110

 
164

 

 
274

Loss from operations
(8,144
)
 
(53,725
)
 
(1,066
)
 
(545
)
 
(63,480
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from consolidated affiliates
(55,699
)
 

 

 
55,699

 

Interest expense
(9,967
)
 
(103
)
 
(328
)
 

 
(10,398
)
Net loss
(73,810
)
 
(53,828
)
 
(1,394
)
 
55,154

 
(73,878
)
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 
68

 

 
68

Net loss attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
$
(73,810
)
 
$
(53,828
)
 
$
(1,326
)
 
$
55,154

 
$
(73,810
)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Revenues
$

 
$
252,621

 
$
38,346

 
$
(23,404
)
 
$
267,563

Cost of goods sold (including depreciation, depletion and amortization)

 
197,125

 
26,229

 
(24,617
)
 
198,737

Gross profit

 
55,496

 
12,117

 
1,213

 
68,826

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
7,261

 
8,807

 
3,879

 

 
19,947

Impairments and other expenses

 
23,692

 
26

 

 
23,718

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 
102

 
149

 

 
251

Income (loss) from operations
(7,261
)
 
22,895

 
8,063

 
1,213

 
24,910

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings from consolidated affiliates
31,735

 

 

 
(31,735
)
 

Interest expense
(9,505
)
 
(66
)
 
(168
)
 

 
(9,739
)
Net income
14,969

 
22,829

 
7,895

 
(30,522
)
 
15,171

Income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 
(202
)
 

 
(202
)
Net income attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
$
14,969

 
$
22,829

 
$
7,693

 
$
(30,522
)
 
$
14,969


25

Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(41,522
)
 
$
(1,858
)
 
$
(2,485
)
 
$
28,262

 
$
(17,603
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of Hi-Crush Blair LLC
(75,000
)
 

 

 

 
(75,000
)
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment

 
(11,867
)
 
(25,123
)
 

 
(36,990
)
Equity method investments

 

 
(4,411
)
 

 
(4,411
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(75,000
)
 
(11,867
)
 
(29,534
)
 

 
(116,401
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from equity issuances
189,015

 

 

 

 
189,015

Repayment of long-term debt
(54,000
)
 
(2,851
)
 

 

 
(56,851
)
Advances from (to) parent, net

 
13,302

 
14,960

 
(28,262
)
 

Loan origination costs
(128
)
 

 

 

 
(128
)
Affiliate financing, net

 

 
15,700

 

 
15,700

Net cash provided by financing activities
134,887

 
10,451

 
30,660

 
(28,262
)
 
147,736

Net increase (decrease) in cash
18,365

 
(3,274
)
 
(1,359
)
 

 
13,732

Cash:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
4,136

 
5,077

 
1,841

 

 
11,054

End of period
$
22,501

 
$
1,803

 
$
482

 
$

 
$
24,786



26

Table of Contents     
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per ton and per unit amounts, or where otherwise noted)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
20,866

 
$
61,935

 
$
17,298

 
$
(33,742
)
 
$
66,357

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment

 
(34,591
)
 
(59,058
)
 

 
(93,649
)
Restricted cash, net

 
691

 

 

 
691

Net cash used in investing activities

 
(33,900
)
 
(59,058
)
 

 
(92,958
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
65,000

 

 

 

 
65,000

Repayment of long-term debt
(14,000
)
 

 

 

 
(14,000
)
Advances to parent, net

 
(29,299
)
 
(4,443
)
 
33,742

 

Loan origination costs
(101
)
 

 

 

 
(101
)
Affiliate financing, net

 

 
46,471

 

 
46,471

Distributions paid
(70,072
)
 

 

 

 
(70,072
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(19,173
)
 
(29,299
)
 
42,028

 
33,742

 
27,298

Net increase (decrease) in cash
1,693

 
(1,264
)
 
268

 

 
697

Cash:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
308

 
3,490

 
1,011

 

 
4,809

End of period
$
2,001

 
$
2,226

 
$
1,279

 
$

 
$
5,506



27

Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion of our historical performance, financial condition and future prospects in conjunction with our unaudited condensed financial statements and accompanying notes in “Item 1. Financial Statements” contained herein and our audited financial statements as of December 31, 2015 , included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2016 , as amended by the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 6, 2016. The information provided below supplements, but does not form part of, our unaudited condensed financial statements. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on the views and beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions and estimates made by our management. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors, including those that may not be in the control of management. See “Forward-Looking Statements” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. All amounts are presented in thousands except tonnage, acreage or per unit data, or where otherwise noted.
Overview
We are a pure play, low-cost, domestic producer and supplier of premium monocrystalline sand, a specialized mineral that is used as a proppant to enhance the recovery rates of hydrocarbons from oil and natural gas wells. Our reserves consist of “Northern White” sand, a resource existing predominately in Wisconsin and limited portions of the upper Midwest region of the United States, which is highly valued as a preferred proppant because it exceeds all American Petroleum Institute (“API”) specifications. We own, operate and develop sand reserves and related excavation and processing facilities. We operate through an extensive logistics network of rail-served destination terminals strategically located throughout Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Texas.
We sell a substantial portion of the frac sand we produce to customers with whom we have long-term contracts. Through September 30, 2016 , as a result of the existing and continuing market dynamics, we have provided contract customers with temporary pricing discounts and/or waivers of minimum volume purchase requirements, in certain circumstances in exchange for, among other things, additional term and/or volume. As of October 1, 2016 , the average remaining contractual term was 2.9 years with remaining terms ranging from 11 to 58 months.
Our Assets and Operations
We own and operate an 857-acre facility with integrated rail infrastructure, recently expanded to approximately 32,000 feet of track, located in Wyeville, Wisconsin (the "Wyeville facility") which, as of December 31, 2015 , contained 82.1 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of frac sand. We completed construction of the Wyeville facility in June 2011 and expanded the facility in 2012. The Wyeville facility has an annual processing capacity of approximately 1,850,000 tons of 20/100 frac sand per year.
We also own a 98.0% interest in the 1,187-acre facility with approximately 28,800 feet of integrated rail infrastructure, located in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin (the "Augusta facility") which, as of December 31, 2015 , contained 40.9 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of frac sand. We completed construction of the Augusta facility in June 2012. The Augusta facility has an annual processing capacity of approximately 2,860,000 tons of 20/100 frac sand per year. During September 2016, the Partnership restarted production at its Augusta facility, which was previously idled as a result of market conditions.
We also own the 1,285-acre facility with approximately 43,000 feet of integrated rail infrastructure, located near Blair, Wisconsin (the "Blair facility"). During March 2016, we completed construction and started operations of the Blair facility, which is capable of delivering approximately 2,860,000 tons of 20/100 frac sand per year. As of December 31, 2015 , this facility contained 120.1 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of frac sand.
According to John T. Boyd Company ("John T. Boyd"), our proven reserves at the Wyeville, Augusta and Blair facilities consist of coarse grade Northern White sand exceeding API specifications. Analysis of sand at our facilities by independent third-party testing companies indicates that they demonstrate characteristics exceeding of API specifications with regard to crush strength, turbidity and roundness and sphericity. Based on third-party reserve reports by John T. Boyd, as of December 31, 2015 , we have an implied average reserve life of 32 years, assuming production at the rated capacity of 7,570,000 tons of 20/100 frac sand per year.
During the third quarter of 2014, our sponsor completed construction of the 1,447-acre facility with approximately 30,000 feet of integrated rail infrastructure, located near Independence, Wisconsin and Whitehall, Wisconsin (the "Whitehall facility"). As of December 31, 2015 , this facility contained 80.7 million tons of proven recoverable reserves of frac sand and is capable of delivering approximately 2,860,000 tons of 20/100 frac sand per year. As a result of current market conditions, the Whitehall facility is temporarily idled.
As of September 30, 2016 , we own or operate 12 destination rail-based terminal locations throughout Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Texas, of which two are temporarily idled and seven are capable of accommodating unit trains. Our destination terminals include approximately 81,000 tons of rail storage capacity and approximately 120,000 tons of silo storage capacity.

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We are continuously looking to increase the number of destination terminals we operate and expand our geographic footprint, allowing us to further enhance our customer service and putting us in a stronger position to take advantage of opportunistic short term pricing agreements. Our destination terminals are strategically located to provide access to Class I railroads, which enables us to cost effectively ship product from our production facilities in Wisconsin. As of September 30, 2016 , we leased or owned 4,208 railcars used to transport our sand from origin to destination and managed a fleet of approximately 1,500 additional railcars dedicated to our facilities by our customers or the Class I railroads. As of September 30, 2016 , 607 railcars were idled and held in storage.
How We Generate Revenue
We generate revenue by excavating, processing and delivering frac sand and providing related services. A substantial portion of our frac sand is sold to customers with whom we have long-term contracts which have current terms expiring between 2017 and 2021 . Each contract defines the minimum volume of frac sand that the customer is required to purchase monthly and annually, the volume that we are required to make available, the technical specifications of the product and the price per ton. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we continued to provide temporary price discounts and/or waivers of minimum volume purchase requirements to contract customers in response to the market driven decline in proppant demand. We also sell our frac sand on the spot market at prices and other terms determined by the existing market conditions as well as the specific requirements of the customer.
Delivery of sand to our customers may occur at the rail origin or at the destination terminal. We generate service revenues through performance of transportation services including railcar storage fees, transload services, silo storage and other miscellaneous services performed on behalf of our customers.
Due to sustained freezing temperatures in our area of operation during winter months, it is industry practice to halt excavation activities and operation of the wet plant during those months. As a result, we excavate and wash sand in excess of current delivery requirements during the months when those facilities are operational. This excess sand is placed in stockpiles that feed the dry plant and fill customer orders throughout the year.
Costs of Conducting Our Business
The principal expenses involved in production of raw frac sand are excavation costs, labor, utilities, maintenance and royalties. We have a contract with a third party to excavate raw frac sand, deliver the raw frac sand to our processing facility and move the sand from our wet plant to our dry plant. We pay a fixed price per ton excavated and delivered without regard to the amount of sand excavated that meets API specifications. Accordingly, we incur excavation costs with respect to the excavation of sand and other materials from which we ultimately do not derive revenue (rejected materials), and for sand which is still to be processed through the dry plant and not yet sold. However, the ratio of rejected materials to total amounts excavated has been, and we believe will continue to be, in line with our expectations, given the extensive core sampling and other testing we undertook at our facilities.
Labor costs associated with employees at our processing facilities represent the most significant cost of converting raw frac sand to finished product. We incur utility costs in connection with the operation of our processing facilities, primarily electricity and natural gas, which are both susceptible to price fluctuations. Our facilities require periodic scheduled maintenance to ensure efficient operation and to minimize downtime. Excavation, labor, utilities and other costs of production are capitalized as a component of inventory and are reflected in cost of goods sold when inventory is sold.
We pay royalties to third parties at our facilities at various rates, as defined in the individual royalty agreements. During the third quarter of 2016, the Partnership entered into an agreement to terminate certain existing royalty agreements for $6,750 , of which $3,375 was paid during September 2016, with another payment scheduled for August 2017. As a result of this agreement, the Partnership reduced its ongoing future royalty payments to the applicable counterparties for each ton of frac sand that is excavated, processed and sold to the Partnership’s customers. We currently pay an aggregate rate up to $5.15 per ton of sand excavated, delivered at our on-site rail facilities and paid for by our customers.
The principal expenses involved in distribution of raw sand are the cost of purchased sand, freight charges, fuel surcharges, railcar lease expense, terminal switch fees, demurrage costs, storage fees, transload fees, labor and facility rent.
We purchase sand from our sponsor's production facility, through a long-term supply agreement with a third party at a specified price per ton and also through the spot market. We incur transportation costs including trucking, rail freight charges and fuel surcharges when transporting our sand from its origin to destination. We utilize multiple railroads to transport our sand and transportation costs are typically negotiated through long-term working relationships.
We incur general and administrative costs related to our corporate operations. Under our partnership agreement and the services agreement with our sponsor and our general partner, our sponsor has discretion to determine, in good faith, the proper allocation of costs and expenses to us for its services, including expenses incurred by our general partner and its affiliates on our behalf. The allocation of such costs is based on management’s best estimate of time and effort spent on the respective operations and facilities. Under these agreements, we reimburse our sponsor for all direct and indirect costs incurred on our behalf.

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How We Evaluate Our Operations
We utilize various financial and operational measures to evaluate our operations. Management measures the performance of the Partnership through performance indicators, including gross profit, contribution margin, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow.
Gross Profit and Contribution Margin
We use contribution margin, which we define as total revenues less costs of goods sold excluding depreciation, depletion and amortization, to measure our financial and operating performance. Contribution margin excludes other operating expenses and income, including costs not directly associated with the operations of our business such as accounting, human resources, information technology, legal, sales and other administrative activities.  We believe contribution margin is a meaningful measure because it provides an operating and financial measure of our ability to generate margin in excess of our operating cost base.  
We use gross profit, which we define as revenues less costs of goods sold, to measure our financial performance. We believe gross profit is a meaningful measure because it provides a measure of profitability and operating performance based on the historical cost basis of our assets.
As a result, contribution margin, contribution margin per ton, sales volumes, sales price per ton sold and gross profit are key metrics used by management to evaluate our results of operations.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow
We view EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as important indicators of performance. We define EBITDA as net income (loss) plus depreciation, depletion and amortization and interest expense, net of interest income. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA, adjusted for any non-cash impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill. We define distributable cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA less cash paid for interest expense, income attributable to non-controlling interests and maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, including accrual for reserve replacement, plus accretion of asset retirement obligations and non-cash unit-based compensation. We use distributable cash flow as a performance metric to compare cash generating performance of the Partnership from period to period and to compare the cash generating performance for specific periods to the cash distributions (if any) that are expected to be paid to our unitholders. Distributable cash flow will not reflect changes in working capital balances. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental measures utilized by our management and other users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others, to assess the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis.
Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are not financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide useful information to investors in assessing our results of operations. Our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures has important limitations as analytical tools because they exclude some but not all items that affect the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. You should not consider EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA or distributable cash flow in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, as applicable, for each of the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Reconciliation of distributable cash flow to net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(10,767
)
 
$
(18,662
)
 
$
(73,878
)
 
$
15,171

Depreciation and depletion expense
4,623

 
4,319

 
11,457

 
10,031

Amortization expense
420

 
733

 
1,261

 
2,199

Interest expense
2,845

 
3,438

 
10,398

 
9,739

EBITDA
(2,879
)
 
(10,172
)
 
(50,762
)
 
37,140

Non-cash impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets

 
23,061

 
33,745

 
23,061

Adjusted EBITDA
(2,879
)
 
12,889

 
(17,017
)
 
60,201

Less: Cash interest paid
(2,472
)
 
(3,023
)
 
(8,904
)
 
(8,497
)
Less: (Income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest
25

 
(35
)
 
68

 
(202
)
Less: Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, including accrual for reserve replacement (a)
(1,550
)
 
(1,282
)
 
(3,460
)
 
(3,661
)
Add: Accretion of asset retirement obligations
94

 
84

 
274

 
251

Add: Unit-based compensation
1,155

 
1,048

 
3,015

 
2,985

Distributable cash flow
(5,627
)
 
9,681

 
(26,024
)
 
51,077

Adjusted for: Distributable cash flow attributable to Hi-Crush Blair LLC, prior to the Blair Contribution (b)
(1,072
)
 
589

 
(747
)
 
2,058

Distributable cash flow attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
(6,699
)
 
10,270

 
(26,771
)
 
53,135

Less: Distributable cash flow attributable to holders of incentive distribution rights

 

 

 
(1,311
)
Distributable cash flow attributable to limited partner unitholders
$
(6,699
)
 
$
10,270

 
$
(26,771
)
 
$
51,824

(a)
Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, including accrual for reserve replacement, were determined based on an estimated reserve replacement cost of $1.35 per ton produced and delivered during the period. Such expenditures include those associated with the replacement of equipment and sand reserves, to the extent that such expenditures are made to maintain our long-term operating capacity. The amount presented does not represent an actual reserve account or requirement to spend the capital.
(b)
The Partnership's historical financial information has been recast to consolidate Blair for all periods presented. For purposes of calculating distributable cash flow attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP, the Partnership excludes the incremental amount of recast distributable cash flow earned during the periods prior to the Blair Contribution.


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Basis of Presentation
The following discussion of our historical performance and financial condition is derived from the historical financial statements.
Factors Impacting Comparability of Our Financial Results
Our historical results of operations and cash flows are not indicative of results of operations and cash flows to be expected in the future principally for the following reasons:
Through September 30, 2016 , we provided significant price concessions and waivers under our contracts. Beginning in August 2014 and continuing through the second quarter of 2016, oil and natural gas prices have declined dramatically and persist at levels well below those experienced through the middle of 2014. As a result of these market dynamics and coupled with the impact on proppant demand and pricing, we have engaged and continue to be engaged in ongoing discussions with all of our contract customers regarding pricing and volume requirements under our existing contracts. We have provided contract customers with temporary pricing discounts and/or waivers of minimum volume purchase requirements, in certain circumstances in exchange for, among other things, additional term and/or volume. We continue to engage in discussions and may deliver sand at prices or at volumes below those provided for in our existing contracts. Through September 30, 2016 these circumstances have negatively affected our revenues, net income and cash generated from operations and may continue into the remainder of 2016.
We impaired our goodwill during the first quarter of 2016.  During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we completed an impairment assessment of our goodwill. As a result of the assessment, we estimated the fair value of our goodwill and determined that it was less than its carrying value, resulting in an impairment of $33,745 .
Our Augusta production facility was temporarily idled from October 2015 through August 2016. On October 9, 2015, we announced a reduction in force to our employees in connection with the temporary idling of our Augusta production facility, which has a higher cost structure than our lowest cost production facility. During September 2016, the Partnership restarted production at its Augusta facility. The temporarily idling of Augusta resulted in a decrease in volumes produced and delivered during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015 .
We incurred bad debt expense in connection with a customer’s bankruptcy filing. We incurred bad debt expense of $8,236 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , principally as a result of a spot customer filing for bankruptcy.
Our outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement was paid in full. As of September 30, 2016 , we did not have any indebtedness outstanding under our Revolving Credit Agreement. As a result, our interest expense decreased during the third quarter of 2016.
We completed construction of our Blair facility. During the first quarter of 2016, we completed construction and commenced operations of our Blair facility.
We impaired the intangible value associated with a third party supply agreement. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we completed an impairment assessment of the intangible asset associated with a third party supply agreement (the "Sand Supply Agreement").  Given current market conditions, coupled with our ability to source sand from our sponsor on more favorable terms, we determined that the fair value of the Sand Supply Agreement was less than its carrying value, resulting in an impairment of $18,606 .
We realized asset impairments and other expenses during the third quarter of 2015. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we elected to idle five destination transload facilities and three rail origin transload facilities.  In addition, to consolidate our administrative functions, we commenced the process of closing down an office facility in Sheffield, Pennsylvania.  As a result of these actions, we recognized an impairment of $4,455 related to the write down of transload and office facilities’ assets to their net realizable value, and severance, retention and relocation costs of $371 for affected employees.


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Market Conditions
Beginning in August 2014 and continuing through the second quarter of 2016, oil and natural gas prices declined dramatically and persisted at levels well below those experienced through the middle of 2014. As a result, the number of rigs drilling for oil and gas fell dramatically as compared to the high levels achieved during third quarter of 2014, but have now started to improve as oil and gas prices have somewhat stabilized. Specifically, the reported Baker Hughes oil rig count in North America fell from a high of 1,589 rigs in August 2014 to a low of 316 rigs in May 2016 and recovered to 425 rigs as of September 30, 2016 . From January 1, 2016, the year-to-date decline in rig count has been more than 31% . Due to the uncertainty experienced over the past two years regarding the timing and extent of a rebound, exploration and production companies sharply reduced their drilling activities in an effort to control costs. In addition a significant number of wells drilled since August 2014 have not yet been completed and may not be completed in the foreseeable future. As a result, our customers continue to face uncertainty related to activity levels and well completion activity is significantly below levels experienced in 2014 and 2015. The combination of these factors, along with others, has reduced proppant demand and pricing in 2016 and significantly from the levels experienced during 2014. Proppant demand did not decline as significantly as the rig count and well completion activity might imply, though, due to the continuing trend of increasing use of sand per lateral foot in well completions. The recent rebound in rig count and related well completion activity has resulted in an increase in proppant demand in the third quarter of 2016. Given the energy industry's outlook for the remainder of 2016 combined with seasonal factors that normally reduce activity levels, increases in proppant demand and, therefore, our sales volumes, may be pressured in the fourth quarter, although we expect continued improvement in demand absent a correction in oil and gas prices that leads to a reversal of the increase activity levels during the remainder of 2016.
In general, pricing for Northern White frac sand reached its highest levels during the fourth quarter of 2014. Since then spot market prices for Northern White frac sand have declined dramatically, as sand producers with excess inventories discounted sand pricing, and in some cases, substantially discounted sand pricing. Pricing declined throughout the year and has stabilized in the third quarter of 2016, although at historically low levels. Given the amount of idled and higher cost production capacity, combined with the expected levels of well completion activity and resulting proppant demand, frac sand pricing may continue to be pressured throughout 2016 and into 2017.
As a result of the market dynamics existing throughout the past two years, we have engaged and continue to be engaged in ongoing discussions with all of our contract customers regarding pricing and volume requirements under our existing contracts. While these discussions continue, we have provided contract customers with temporary pricing discounts and/or waivers of minimum volume purchase requirements, in certain circumstances in exchange for, among other things, additional term and/or volume. We continue to engage in discussions and may deliver sand at prices or at volumes below those provided for in our existing contracts. We expect that these circumstances may continue to negatively affect our revenues, net income and cash generated from operations for the remainder of 2016.
The following table presents sales, volume and pricing comparisons for the third quarter of 2016 , as compared to the second quarter of 2016 :
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
June 30,
 
 
 
Percentage
 
2016
 
2016
 
Change
 
Change
Revenues generated from the sale of frac sand (in thousands)
$
46,546

 
$
38,229

 
$
8,317

 
22
 %
Tons sold
1,082,974

 
849,263

 
233,711

 
28
 %
Percentage of volumes sold in-basin
47
%
 
49
%
 
(2
)%
 
(4
)%
Average price per ton sold
$
43

 
$
45

 
$
(2
)
 
(4
)%
We continued to sell sand at spot pricing during the third quarter of 2016 , continuing to provide price discounts to customers compared to contract prices. In-basin and FOB plant spot prices improved sequentially, however, due to the decreased percentage of total sales made in-basin and timing of price increases, our average sales price per ton sold decreased slightly to $43 per ton in the third quarter of 2016 from $45 per ton in the second quarter of 2016 . Tons sold during the third quarter of 2016 were 28% higher than the second quarter of 2016 reflecting the increased demand associated with a contract amendment for higher volumes, combined with the increase in market demand resulting from the improvement in rig count and well completion activity. The Augusta facility resumed operations in September 2016 to meet this increased demand. Revenues increased due to the sequential increase in sales volumes, offset by a lower percentage of higher-priced volumes sold in-basin during the third quarter of 2016 .

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Our sales volumes and pricing may be lower in the future if demand for frac sand decreases. Such decreases could have a negative impact on our future liquidity if it results in lower net income and/or cash flows generated from operations. In such a circumstance, we may access availability under our Revolving Credit Agreement and continue to focus on reducing our operating expenses. Despite the current market declines, we continue to believe that the long-term fundamental trends for frac sand demand, including the increased use of sand per lateral foot in well completions, remain favorable.
We have taken several steps to ensure we continue to deliver low-cost solutions to our customers, including construction of additional in-basin storage facilities and marketing of our product through additional third-party operated terminals. We eliminated the volumes of sand purchased from third parties, and worked to ensure that volumes were sourced at our lowest cost, combining our lowest production cost with the lowest origin to destination freight rates where possible. In 2015, we temporarily idled production at our Augusta facility, idled several transload facilities and closed an administrative office, reducing headcount and eliminating costs. In 2016, we further reduced headcount and our sponsor temporarily idled our sponsor's Whitehall facility. We strategically managed the size of our railcar fleet by eliminating the use of system cars to reduce cost and returning cars at the end of their lease term. As of September 30, 2016 , we have 607 railcars in long-term storage and will continue to incur storage expense related to these cars. We also focused on ensuring optimal origin and destination routing. Our fleet management resulted in minimizing paid storage for idled railcars compared to industry.
Results of Operations
The following table presents consolidated revenues and expenses for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues
$
46,556

 
$
81,494

 
$
137,133

 
$
267,563

Costs of goods sold:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs
13,144

 
10,744

 
28,132

 
37,091

Other cost of sales
28,576

 
51,026

 
98,449

 
150,684

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
4,620

 
4,630

 
11,451

 
10,962

Gross profit (loss)
216

 
15,094

 
(899
)
 
68,826

Operating costs and expenses
8,138

 
30,318

 
62,581

 
43,916

Income (loss) from operations
(7,922
)
 
(15,224
)
 
(63,480
)
 
24,910

Other income (expense):
 
 


 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(2,845
)
 
(3,438
)
 
(10,398
)
 
(9,739
)
Net income (loss)
(10,767
)
 
(18,662
)
 
(73,878
)
 
15,171

(Income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest
25

 
(35
)
 
68

 
(202
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
$
(10,742
)
 
$
(18,697
)
 
$
(73,810
)
 
$
14,969

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Revenues
The following table presents sales, volume and pricing comparisons for the third quarter of 2016 , as compared to the third quarter of 2015 :
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
Percentage
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
Change
Revenues generated from the sale of frac sand (in thousands)
$
46,546

 
$
80,695

 
$
(34,149
)
 
(42
)%
Tons sold
1,082,974

 
1,409,032

 
(326,058
)
 
(23
)%
Percentage of volumes sold in-basin
47
%
 
49
%
 
(2
)%
 
(4
)%
Average price per ton sold
$
43

 
$
57

 
$
(14
)
 
(25
)%

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Revenues generated from the sale of frac sand were $46,546 and $80,695 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, during which we sold 1,082,974 and 1,409,032 tons of frac sand, respectively. Average sales price per ton was $43 and $57 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The sales prices between the two periods differ due primarily to changes in industry sales price trends, coupled with the change in the mix in pricing of FOB plant and in-basin volumes ( 47% and 49% of tons were sold in-basin for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively). With oil and gas prices persisting at levels well below those experienced in the middle of 2014 and the resulting decline in drilling activity, pricing of frac sand continued to decline during 2015 through the second quarter of 2016 and we continued to provide discounted pricing for contract customers in the third quarter of 2016 . Pricing in the third quarter of 2016 was lower than the third quarter of 2015 .
Costs of goods sold – Production costs
We incurred production costs of $13,144 and $10,744 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, reflecting increased tonnage produced and delivered from our facilities offset by more volumes originating from the lower cost Wyeville and Blair facilities rather than being produced from our sponsor's Whitehall facility.
The principal components of production costs involved in operating our business are excavation costs, plant operating costs and royalties. Such costs, with the exception of royalties, are capitalized as a component of inventory and are reflected in costs of goods sold when inventory is sold. Royalties are charged to expense in the period in which they are incurred. The following table provides a comparison of the drivers impacting the level of production costs for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 .
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Excavation costs
$
5,062

 
$
2,532

Plant operating costs
6,080

 
5,860

Royalties
2,002

 
2,352

   Total production costs
$
13,144

 
$
10,744

Costs of goods sold – Other cost of sales
The other principal costs of goods sold are the cost of purchased sand, freight charges, fuel surcharges, railcar lease expense, terminal switch fees, demurrage costs, storage fees, transload fees, labor and facility rent. The cost of purchased sand and transportation related charges are capitalized as a component of inventory and are reflected in cost of goods sold when inventory is sold. Other cost components, including costs associated with in-basin storage, such as demurrage and terminal operations, which includes labor and rent, are charged to costs of goods sold in the period in which they are incurred.
We procure sand from our facilities and our sponsor's Whitehall facility. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we purchased $57 and $9,625 of sand, respectively. The decrease was attributable to the Whitehall facility being temporarily idled during the three months ended September 30, 2016 .
We incur transportation costs including freight charges, fuel surcharges and railcar lease costs when transporting our sand from its origin to destination. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred $26,798 and $37,009 of transportation costs, respectively. Other costs of sales were $2,828 and $3,960 during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and were primarily comprised of demurrage, storage and transload fees and on-site labor. The decrease in transportation and other costs of sales was driven by decreased in-basin sales volumes, utilization of silo storage at our terminals, decreases in freight rates and lease costs were offset by increased costs of storage of idled rail cars.
Costs of goods sold – Depreciation, depletion and amortization of intangible assets
For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred $4,620 and $4,630 , respectively, of depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.
Gross Profit
Gross profit was $216 and $15,094 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Gross profit percentage declined to 0.5% in the third quarter of 2016 from 18.5% in the third quarter of 2015 . The decline was primarily driven by pricing discounts, decreased volumes and reduced other revenues, offset by lower production and transportation costs.

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Operating Costs and Expenses
For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred total operating costs and expenses of $8,138 and $30,318 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred general and administrative expenses of $7,896 and $6,516 , respectively. The increase in such costs was primarily attributable to $850 in transaction costs associated with the Blair Contribution and $407 in other business development costs.
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we incurred impairments and other expenses of $23,718 related to the impairment of the Sand Supply Agreement, idled administrative and transload facilities, costs associated with staffing reductions and relocations and the write-off of costs associated with abandoned construction projects.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $2,845 and $3,438 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The decrease in interest expense during the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to having no borrowings outstanding on our revolver.
Net Loss Attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
Net loss attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP was $10,742 and $18,697 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Revenues
The following table presents sales, volume and pricing comparisons for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 :
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
Percentage
 
2016
 
2015
 
Change
 
Change
Revenues generated from the sale of frac sand (in thousands)
$
136,672

 
$
247,690

 
$
(111,018
)
 
(45
)%
Tons sold
2,895,235

 
3,794,531

 
(899,296
)
 
(24
)%
Percentage of volumes sold in-basin
52
%
 
50
%
 
2
%
 
4
 %
Average price per ton sold
$
47

 
$
65

 
$
(18
)
 
(28
)%
Revenues generated from the sale of frac sand were $136,672 and $247,690 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, during which we sold 2,895,235 and 3,794,531 tons of frac sand, respectively. Average sales price per ton was $47 and $65 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The sales prices between the two periods differ due to changes in industry sales price trends, offset by the mix in pricing of FOB plant and in-basin volumes ( 52% and 50% of tons were sold in-basin for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively). With oil and gas prices persisting at levels well below those experienced in the middle of 2014 and the resulting decline in drilling activity, pricing of frac sand continued to decline during 2015 through the second quarter of 2016 and we continued to provide discounted pricing for contract customers into the third quarter of 2016 . Pricing in the third quarter of 2016 was lower than the third quarter of 2015 .
Other revenue related to transload and terminaling, silo leases and other services was $461 and $19,873 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The decrease in such revenues was driven by decreased transloading and logistics services provided at our destination terminals, resulting from lower overall industry sand demand and the decrease in volumes sold FOB plant.

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Costs of goods sold – Production costs
We incurred production costs of $28,132 and $37,091 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, reflecting lower sales volumes, combined with a greater percentage of volumes produced and delivered from the lower cost Wyeville and Blair facilities rather than being produced from our sponsor's Whitehall facility.
The principal components of production costs involved in operating our business are excavation costs, plant operating costs and royalties. Such costs, with the exception of royalties, are capitalized as a component of inventory and are reflected in costs of goods sold when inventory is sold. Royalties are charged to expense in the period in which they are incurred. The following table provides a comparison of the drivers impacting the level of production costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 .
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Excavation costs
$
10,486

 
$
9,690

Plant operating costs
14,289

 
18,909

Royalties
3,357

 
8,492

   Total production costs
$
28,132

 
$
37,091

Costs of goods sold – Other cost of sales
The other principal costs of goods sold are the cost of purchased sand, freight charges, fuel surcharges, railcar lease expense, terminal switch fees, demurrage costs, storage fees, transload fees, labor and facility rent. The cost of purchased sand and transportation related charges are capitalized as a component of inventory and are reflected in cost of goods sold when inventory is sold. Other cost components, including costs associated with in-basin storage, such as demurrage and terminal operations, which includes labor and rent, are charged to costs of goods sold in the period in which they are incurred.
We procure sand from our facilities and our sponsor's Whitehall facility, and in 2015, through a long-term supply agreement with a third party at a specified price per ton. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we purchased $7,260 and $27,282 of sand, respectively. The decrease was due to a lower average purchase price paid in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 and lower volumes purchased as we temporarily idled our sponsor's Whitehall facility in late March 2016.
We incur transportation costs including freight charges, fuel surcharges and railcar lease costs when transporting our sand from its origin to destination. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred $82,671 and $107,561 of transportation costs, respectively. Other costs of sales was $8,575 and $14,307 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and was primarily comprised of demurrage, storage and transload fees and on-site labor. The decrease in transportation and other costs of sales was driven by decreased in-basin sales volumes, utilization of silo storage at our terminals, decreases in freight rates and lease costs were offset by increased costs of storage of idled rail cars.
Costs of goods sold – Depreciation, depletion and amortization of intangible assets
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred $11,451 and $10,962 , respectively, of depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. The increase was driven by an increased asset base offset by reduced amortization of intangible assets due to the impairment of the Sand Supply Agreement in the third quarter of 2015.
Gross Profit (Loss)
Gross loss was $899 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , compared to gross profit of $68,826 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Gross profit (loss) percentage declined to (0.7)% in the first nine months of 2016 from 25.7% in the first nine months of 2015 . The decline was primarily driven by pricing discounts, decreased volumes and reduced other revenues, offset by lower production and transportation costs.
Operating Costs and Expenses
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred total operating costs and expenses of $62,581 and $43,916 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we incurred general and administrative expenses of $28,310 and $19,947 , respectively. The increase in such costs was primarily attributable to $850 in transaction costs associated with the Blair Contribution, $407 in other business development costs and $8,236 increase in bad debt expense associated with a spot customer filing for bankruptcy.

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we incurred impairments and other expenses of $33,997 primarily related to the impairment of goodwill. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we incurred impairments and other expenses of $23,718 related to the impairment of the Sand Supply Agreement, idled administrative and transload facilities, costs associated with staffing reductions and relocations and the write-off of costs associated with abandoned construction projects.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $10,398 and $9,739 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The increase in interest expense during the 2016 period was primarily attributable to increased borrowings outstanding on our revolver during the first half of 2016. In addition, during the first half of 2016, we amended our Revolving Credit Agreement and as a result of this modification, we accelerated amortization of $349 representing a portion of the remaining unamortized balance of debt issuance costs.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP
Net loss attributable to Hi-Crush Partners LP was $73,810 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , compared to net income of $14,969 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 .
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
We expect our principal sources of liquidity will be cash generated by our operations, supplemented by borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement, as available. We believe that cash from these sources will be sufficient to meet our short-term working capital requirements and long-term capital expenditure requirements. As of October 28, 2016 , our sources of liquidity consisted of $25,119 of available cash and $66,368 pursuant to available borrowings under the third amendment of our Revolving Credit Agreement ( $75,000 , net of $8,632 letter of credit commitments). Our Revolving Credit Agreement allows distributions to unitholders up to 50% of quarterly distributable cash flow after quarterly debt payments on the term loan, and requires that capital expenditures during 2016 not exceed $28,000 , excluding any capital expenditures associated with the Blair facility prior to August 31, 2016, the date of the Blair Contribution. The third amendment to our Revolving Credit Agreement waives the minimum quarterly EBITDA covenants and establishes a maximum EBITDA loss for the six months ending March 31, 2017. The third amendment also provides for an equity cure that can be applied to EBITDA covenant ratios for 2017 and all future periods. As of September 30, 2016 , we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our Revolving Credit Agreement. We expect to be in compliance with the covenants throughout the remainder of 2016. However, our ability to comply with such covenants in the future could be affected by the levels of cash flows from our operations and events and circumstances beyond our control. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our risk of non-compliance may increase. In addition, we have a $200,000 senior secured term loan facility which permits us to add one or more incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000. Our General Partner is also authorized to issue an unlimited number of units without the approval of existing limited partner unitholders.
We expect that our future principal uses of cash will be for working capital, capital expenditures, funding debt service obligations and making distributions to our unitholders. Capital expenditures totaled $36,990 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , representing costs associated with the completion of our Blair facility, completion of distribution terminal facilities in Colorado and Texas, and expansion of rail capacity at our Wyeville facility, among other projects. We plan to spend $5,000 to $10,000 on capital expenditures during the remainder of 2016. On October 26, 2015, our General Partner’s board of directors announced the temporary suspension of our quarterly distribution to common unitholders in order to conserve cash and preserve liquidity. It is currently uncertain when market conditions will improve, at which time it may be appropriate to reinstate the distribution.
Credit Ratings
As of October 28, 2016 , the credit rating of the Partnership’s senior secured term loan credit facility was B+ from Standard and Poor’s and Caa1 from Moody’s.
The credit ratings of the Partnership’s senior secured term loan facility reflect only the view of a rating agency and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any of our securities.  A credit rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency, if it determines that circumstances warrant such a change.  A credit rating from one rating agency should be evaluated independently of credit ratings from other rating agencies.


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Working Capital
Working capital is the amount by which current assets, excluding cash, exceed current liabilities and is a measure of our ability to pay our liabilities as they become due. At the end of any given period, accounts receivable and payable tied to sales and purchases are relatively balanced to the volume of tons sold during the period. The factors that typically cause variability in the Partnership's working capital are (1) changes in receivables due to fluctuations in volumes sold, pricing and timing of collection, (2) inventory levels, which the Partnership closely manages, or (3) major structural changes in the Partnership's asset base or business operations, such as any acquisition, divestures or organic capital expenditures. As of September 30, 2016 , we had a positive working capital balance of $48,254 as compared to a deficit of $63,124 at December 31, 2015 .
The following table summarizes our working capital as of the dates indicated.
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Current assets:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
$
32,872

 
$
41,477

Inventories
34,741

 
27,971

Prepaid and other current assets
6,074

 
4,840

Total current assets
73,687

 
74,288

Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
17,134

 
24,237

Accrued and other current liabilities
8,099

 
6,429

Due to sponsor
200

 
106,746

Total current liabilities
25,433

 
137,412

Working capital (deficit)
$
48,254

 
$
(63,124
)
Accounts receivable decreased $8,605 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , reflecting the combined impact of lower sales volumes and lower pricing compared to the fourth quarter of 2015 .
Our inventory consists primarily of sand that has been excavated and processed through the wet plant and finished goods. The increase in our inventory was primarily driven by an increase in our finished goods inventory held in-basin and the stockpiling of washed sand at our production facilities for processing through the dry plant during the winter months.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased by $5,433 on a combined basis, primarily due to a decrease in outstanding payables associated with capital projects.
Our balance due to our sponsor decreased $106,546 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , primarily as a result of $120,950 of sponsor advances converting to capital on August 31, 2016, in connection with the closing of the Blair Contribution and decreased payables for sand purchased from our sponsor's Whitehall facility.
The following table provides a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated.
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Net cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
(17,603
)
 
$
66,357

Investing activities
(116,401
)
 
(92,958
)
Financing activities
147,736

 
27,298


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Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $17,603 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $66,357 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Operating cash flows include a net loss of $73,878 and net income earned of $15,171 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, adjusted for non-cash operating expenses and the changes in operating assets and liabilities described above. The decrease in cash flows from operations was primarily attributable to decreased gross profit margins, increased days of sales outstanding in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015 and an increase of inventory both finished goods held in-basin and wet sand at our production facilities as of September 30, 2016 .
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $116,401 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , and consisted of the $75,000 cost of the Blair Contribution, $4,411 of equity method investments and $36,990 of capital expenditures related to the completion of the Blair facility, completion of distribution terminal facilities in Colorado and Texas, and expansion of rail capacity at our Wyeville facility. Net cash used in investing activities was $92,958 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , and primarily consisted of capital expenditures for construction of the Blair facility, expanding our Augusta facility and expanding silo storage at our terminal facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , $691 of restricted cash was released from escrow upon completion of a project.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $147,736 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , and was comprised of $189,015 net proceeds from the issuance of 19,550,000 common units, $15,700 of advances received from our sponsor to fund the construction of the Blair facility, offset by $128 of loan origination costs and a $52,500 repayment of the outstanding balance on our Revolving Credit Agreement and $4,351 of repayments on other long-term debt.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $27,298 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , and was comprised of $52,500 of cash proceeds from net borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement, $46,471 of advances received from our sponsor to fund the construction of the Blair facility, offset by $70,072 of distributions paid to our unitholders, $101 of loan origination costs and a $1,500 repayment of our term loan.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our current or future financial condition, changes in financial condition, sales, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
The Partnership has long-term operating leases for railcars and equipment used at its terminal sites, some of which are also under long-term lease agreements with various railroads.
Capital Requirements
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we spent $36,990 related to costs associated with the completion of our Blair facility, completion of distribution terminal facilities in Colorado and Texas, and expansion of rail capacity at our Wyeville facility, among other projects. We plan to spend $5,000 to $10,000 on capital expenditures during the remainder of 2016.
Revolving Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Term Loan Facility
As of October 28, 2016 , we have a $75,000 senior secured Revolving Credit Agreement, which matures in April 2019. As of October 28, 2016 , we had $66,368 of undrawn available borrowing capacity ( $75,000 , net of $8,632 letter of credit commitments) and had no indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Agreement. The Revolving Credit Agreement is available to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including the making of certain restricted payments permitted therein. Borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets.
As of October 28, 2016 , we have a $200,000 senior secured term loan facility, which matures in April 2021. As of October 28, 2016 , the senior secured term loan facility was fully drawn with a $195,000 balance outstanding. The senior secured term loan facility permits us to add one or more incremental term loan facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000. Any incremental senior secured term loan facility would be on terms to be agreed among us, the administrative agent under the senior secured term loan facility and the lenders who agree to participate in the incremental facility. Borrowings under our senior secured term loan facility are secured by substantially all of our assets.
For additional information regarding our Revolving Credit Agreement and our senior secured term loan facility, see Note 6 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition, or forecasts of future events. Words such as “may,” “assume,” “forecast,” “position,” “predict,” “strategy,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “budget,” “potential,” or “continue,” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. They can be affected by assumptions used or by known or unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2016 , as amended by the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 6, 2016. Actual results may vary materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should also understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and as such should not consider the following to be a complete list of all potential risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:
the amount of frac sand we are able to excavate and process, which could be adversely affected by, among other things, operating difficulties and unusual or unfavorable geologic conditions;
the volume of frac sand we are able to buy and sell;
the price at which we are able to buy and sell frac sand;
changes in the price and availability of natural gas or electricity;
changes in prevailing economic conditions, including the extent of changes in natural gas, crude oil and other commodity prices;
unanticipated ground, grade or water conditions;
inclement or hazardous weather conditions, including flooding, and the physical impacts of climate change;
environmental hazards;
difficulties in obtaining or renewing environmental permits;
industrial accidents;
changes in laws and regulations (or the interpretation thereof) related to the mining and hydraulic fracturing industries, silica dust exposure or the environment;
the outcome of litigation, claims or assessments, including unasserted claims;
inability to acquire or maintain necessary permits, licenses or other approvals, including mining or water rights;
facility shutdowns in response to environmental regulatory actions;
inability to obtain necessary production equipment or replacement parts;
reduction in the amount of water available for processing;
technical difficulties or failures;
inability to attract and retain key personnel;
labor disputes and disputes with our excavation contractor;
late delivery of supplies;
difficulty collecting receivables;
inability of our customers to take delivery;
changes in the price and availability of transportation;
fires, explosions or other accidents;
cave-ins, pit wall failures or rock falls;
our ability to borrow funds and access capital markets;
changes in the political environment of the drilling basins in which we and our customers operate; and
changes in the railroad infrastructure, price, capacity and availability, including the potential for rail line washouts.
All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
(Dollars in thousands)
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure of Market Risks
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. Historically, our risks have been predominantly related to potential changes in the fair value of our long-term debt due to fluctuations in applicable market interest rates and those risks that arise in the normal course of business, as we do not engage in speculative, non-operating transactions, nor do we utilize financial instruments or derivative instruments for trading purposes.
The market for frac sand is indirectly exposed to fluctuations in the prices of crude oil and natural gas to the extent such fluctuations impact drilling and completion activity levels and thus impact the activity levels of our customers in the pressure pumping industry. We do not intend to hedge our indirect exposure to commodity risk.
Interest Rate Risk
As of September 30, 2016 , we had $199,074 of principal outstanding under our senior secured term loan facility and other notes payable, with an effective interest rate of 4.67% . Assuming no change in the amounts outstanding, the impact on interest expense of a 10% increase or decrease in the average interest rate would be approximately $929 per year.
Credit Risk – Customer Concentration
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , approximately 47% of our revenues were earned from our two largest customers. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , approximately 6% of our revenues were earned from a spot customer that filed for bankruptcy in early April. We incurred bad debt expense of $8,236 which was primarily the result of the write-off of accounts receivable due from the spot customer. Our customers are generally pressure pumping service providers. This concentration of counterparties operating in a single industry may increase our overall exposure to credit risk in that the counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions. If a customer defaults or we are unable to renew or replace these customer relationships, our gross profit and cash flows may be adversely affected.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15 ("ASU 2016-15"), which provides guidance that is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendment will be effective for the Partnership beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Partnership is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and footnote disclosures.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 ("ASU 2014-09"), an update that supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance, as well as some cost recognition guidance. The update requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires new qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, information about contract balances and performance obligations, and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The authoritative guidance, which may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective basis whereby the entity records a cumulative effect of initially applying this update at the date of initial application, will be effective for the Partnership beginning January 1, 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The FASB has also issued the following standards which clarify ASU 2014-09 and have the same effective date as the original standard: ASU No. 2016-12,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients  and   ASU 2016-10  Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing . The Partnership is currently evaluating the potential method and impact of this authoritative guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally acceptable in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Our actual results may materially differ from these estimates.

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Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Partnership performs an assessment of the recoverability of goodwill during the third quarter of each fiscal year, or more often if events or circumstances indicate the impairment of an asset may exist. Our assessment of goodwill is based on qualitative factors to determine whether the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying value. An additional quantitative impairment analysis is completed if the qualitative analysis indicates that the fair value is not substantially in excess of the carrying value. The quantitative analysis determines the fair value of the reporting unit based on the discounted cash flow method and relative market-based approaches.
Our goodwill arose from the acquisition of D & I Silica, LLC ("D&I") in 2013 and is therefore allocated to the D&I reporting unit. We performed our annual assessment of the recoverability of goodwill during the third quarter of 2015. Although we had seen a significant decrease in the price of our common units since August 2014, which had resulted in an overall reduction in our market capitalization, our market capitalization exceeded our recorded net book value as of September 30, 2015.  At such time, we updated our internal business outlook of the D&I reporting unit to consider the current economic environment that affects our operations. As part of the first step of goodwill impairment testing, we updated our assessment of our future cash flows, applying expected long-term growth rates, discount rates, and terminal values that we considered reasonable. We calculated a present value of the cash flows to arrive at an estimate of fair value under the income approach, and then used the market approach to corroborate this value. As a result of these estimates, we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill as of our annual assessment date.
Specific uncertainties affecting our estimated fair value include the impact of competition, the price of frac sand, future overall activity levels and demand for frac sand, activity levels of our significant customers, and other factors affecting the rate of our future growth. These factors were reviewed and assessed during the fourth quarter of 2015 and we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2015.
However, uncertain market conditions for frac sand resulting from current oil and natural gas prices continued. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, volumes sold through the D&I reporting unit declined below previously forecasted levels and pricing deteriorated further. Industry demand for frac sand has continued to decline as the reported Baker Hughes oil rig count in North America fell to 362 rigs as of March 31, 2016, marking a 2016 year-to-date decline of more than 30% . Our customers continued to face uncertainty related to activity levels and have reduced their active frac crews, resulting in further declines in well completion activity. Therefore, as of March 31, 2016, we determined that the state of market conditions and activity levels indicated that an impairment of goodwill may exist. As a result, we assessed qualitative factors and determined that we could not conclude it was more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill exceeded its carrying value. In turn, we prepared a quantitative analysis of the fair value of the goodwill as of March 31, 2016, based on the weighted average valuation across several income and market based valuation approaches. The underlying results of the valuation were driven by our actual results during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the pricing, costs structures and market conditions existing as of March 31, 2016, which were below our forecasts at the time of the previous goodwill assessments. Other key estimates, assumptions and inputs used in the valuation included long-term growth rates, discounts rates, terminal values, valuation multiples and relative valuations when comparing the reporting unit to similar businesses or asset bases. Upon completion of the Step 1 and Step 2 valuation exercises, it was determined that a $33,745 impairment loss of all goodwill was incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was equal to the difference between the carrying value and estimated fair value of goodwill. The Partnership did not recognize any impairment losses for goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (See Note 12 - Impairments and Other Expenses ).
A discussion of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 of the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 23, 2016 . Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, purchase accounting allocations and valuations, asset retirement obligations, depletion of mineral rights, inventory valuation, valuation of unit-based compensation, and impairment of long-lived and intangible assets.


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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time the Partnership may be subject to various claims and legal proceedings which arise in the normal course of business. Management is not aware of any legal matters that are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , as filed with the SEC on February 23, 2016 . There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 .

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
We adhere to a strict occupational health program aimed at controlling exposure to silica dust, which includes dust sampling, a respiratory protection program, medical surveillance, training and other components. Our safety program is designed to ensure compliance with the standards of our Occupational Health and Safety Manual and U.S. Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) regulations. For both health and safety issues, extensive training is provided to employees. We have safety committees at our plants made up of salaried and hourly employees. We perform annual internal health and safety audits and conduct semi-annual crisis management drills to test our abilities to respond to various situations. Health and safety programs are administered by our corporate health and safety department with the assistance of plant environmental, health and safety coordinators.
All of our production facilities are classified as mines and are subject to regulation by MSHA under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). MSHA inspects our mines on a regular basis and issues various citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
The exhibits to this report are listed in the Exhibit Index.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Hi-Crush Partners LP
    (Registrant)
By: Hi-Crush GP LLC, its general partner
 
 
 
Date:
October 31, 2016
/s/ Laura C. Fulton
 
 
Laura C. Fulton, Chief Financial Officer

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HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
3.1
 
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Hi-Crush Partners LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-182574, filed with the SEC on July 9, 2012).
3.2
 
Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Hi-Crush Partners LP, dated January 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2013).
10.1
 
Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 31, 2016, by and between Hi-Crush Partners LP and Hi-Crush Proppants LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 6, 2016).
10.2
 
Fourth Amendment, dated August 31, 2016, by and among Hi-Crush Partners LP, as borrower, ZB, N.A. DBA Amegy Bank, as administrative agent, and the lenders named (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 6, 2016).
10.3
 
Contribution Agreement, dated August 9, 2016, by and between Hi-Crush Proppants LLC and Hi-Crush Partners LP.
10.4*
 
Letter Agreement, dated September 6, 2016, by and between D & I Silica, LLC, Hi-Crush Operating LLC and Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
23.1
 
Consent of John T. Boyd Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 23.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2016).
31.1
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by the Principal Executive Officer, filed herewith.
31.2
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by the Principal Financial Officer, filed herewith.
32.1
 
Statement required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by Principal Executive Officer, filed herewith. (1)
32.2
 
Statement required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by Principal Financial Officer, filed herewith. (1)
95.1
 
Mine Safety Disclosure Exhibit
101
 
Interactive Data Files- XBRL
 
(1)
This document is being furnished in accordance with SEC Release Nos. 33-8212 and 34-47551.
*
Parts of the exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.




47
Exhibit 10.3
Execution Version




CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT


by and between


HI-CRUSH PROPPANTS LLC
and

HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP
dated as of

August 9, 2016











TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
Section 1.1
Definitions
3

Section 1.2
Rules of Construction
10

 
 
 
ARTICLE II
CONTRIBUTION; CLOSING
Section 2.1
The Contribution Transactions
10

Section 2.2
The Closing
11

Section 2.3
Earnout
12

 
 
 
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO PROPPANTS
Section 3.1
Organization
13

Section 3.2
Authorization; Enforceability
13

Section 3.3
No Conflict
13

Section 3.4
Proppants Brokers’ Fees
14

Section 3.5
Proppants Credit Agreement
14

Section 3.6
Investment Intent
14

 
 
 
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO BLAIR
Section 4.1
Organization of Blair
15

Section 4.2
Capitalization
15

Section 4.3
Subsidiaries
16

Section 4.4
Financial Statements; Records; Undisclosed Liabilities
16

Section 4.5
Absence of Certain Changes
16

Section 4.6
Contracts
16

Section 4.7
Litigation
18

Section 4.8
Taxes
18

Section 4.9
Environmental Matters
18

Section 4.10
Legal Compliance; Permits
19

Section 4.11
Employees
19

Section 4.12
Reserve Engineer
19

Section 4.13
Title to Properties and Related Matters
19

Section 4.14
Insurance
21

Section 4.15
Brokers’ Fees
21


i




 
 
Page

ARTICLE V
 
[Reserved]
21

 
 
 
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 6.1
Organization of the Partnership
21

Section 6.2
Authorization; Enforceability
22

Section 6.3
No Conflict
22

Section 6.4
Litigation
22

Section 6.5
Partnership Brokers’ Fees
22

 
 
 
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS
Section 7.1
Blair Conduct of Business
23

Section 7.2
Third Party Approvals
23

Section 7.3
Financing
24

 
 
 
ARTICLE VIII
TAX MATTERS
Section 8.1
Tax Returns
24

Section 8.2
Transfer Taxes
25

Section 8.3
Tax Indemnity
25

Section 8.4
Scope
26

 
 
 
ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS
Section 9.1
[Reserved]
26

Section 9.2
Conditions to the Obligations of Proppants
26

Section 9.2
Conditions to Obligations of the Partnership
27

 
 
 
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.1
Survival
28

Section 10.2
Indemnification
28

Section 10.3
Indemnification Procedures
29

Section 10.4
Additional Agreements Regarding Indemnification
31

Section 10.5
Waiver of Other Representations
32

Section 10.6
Consideration Adjustment
33

Section 10.7
Exclusive Remedy
33




ii




 
 
Page

ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION
Section 11.1
Termination
34

Section 11.2
Effect of Termination
34

 
 
 
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.1
Notices
34

Section 12.2
Assignment
35

Section 12.3
Rights of Third Parties
35

Section 12.4
Expense
35

Section 12.5
Counterparts
35

Section 12.6
Entire Agreement
35

Section 12.7
Disclosure Schedule
35

Section 12.8
Amendments
36

Section 12.9
Publicity
36

Section 12.10
Severability
36

Section 12.11
Governing Law; Jurisdiction
36

Annex A
Form of Registration Rights Agreement Amendment

iii




Disclosure Schedule
Schedule 1.1(ii)    -    Proppants Knowledge
Schedule 1.1(iii)    -    Partnership Knowledge
Schedule 1.1(iv)    -    Permitted Liens
Schedule 3.3        -    Proppants Approvals
Schedule 3.4        -    Proppants Brokers’ Fees
Schedule 4.2(c)     -    Blair Capitalization
Schedule 4.4(a)     -    Financial Statements
Schedule 4.4(b)     -    Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 4.5         -    Absence of Certain Changes
Schedule 4.6(c)     -    Enforceability of Material Contracts; No Defaults
Schedule 4.7         -    Blair Litigation
Schedule 4.8         -    Taxes
Schedule 4.9         -    Environmental Matters
Schedule 4.13(a)(i)    -    Owned Real Property
Schedule 4.13(a)(ii)     -    Leased Real Property
Schedule 4.14        -    Insurance
Schedule 6.3        -    Partnership Approvals
Schedule 6.5        -    Partnership Brokers’ Fees
Schedule 7.1        -    Blair Conduct of Business




iv


 

CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT , dated as of August 9, 2016 (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into by and between Hi-Crush Proppants LLC, a limited liability company organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware (“ Proppants ”) and Hi-Crush Partners LP, a limited partnership organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware (the “ Partnership ”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS , Proppants is the sole member of Hi-Crush GP LLC, a limited liability company organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware (the “ General Partner ”) and the general partner of the Partnership, which owns a non-economic general partner interest in the Partnership;
WHEREAS , Proppants owns all of the issued and outstanding Blair Membership Interests (as defined below);
WHEREAS , Proppants and the Partnership desire for Proppants to contribute to the Partnership all of the outstanding Blair Membership Interests (the “ Contributed Interests ”) and, in exchange, (i) the Partnership will pay to Proppants cash in an amount equal to $75.0 million (the “ Cash Consideration ”) and (ii) the Partnership will issue to Proppants, in a private placement under applicable securities laws, the number of Common Units set forth in Section 2.2(d)(ii) of this Agreement (the “ Unit Consideration ” and, together with the Cash Consideration, the “ Consideration”, and such transactions, the “ Contribution Transactions ”);
WHEREAS , pursuant to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended hereto, the “ Proppants Credit Agreement ”), dated as of December 20, 2013, by and among Proppants, Amegy Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Swing Line Lender, and the Lenders named therein, Blair has previously agreed to guarantee the Indebtedness (as defined below) of Proppants;
WHEREAS , immediately prior to the Closing, the parties to the Proppants Credit Agreement intend to amend the Proppants Credit Agreement to remove Blair as a guarantor of the Proppants Credit Agreement (the “ Proppants Credit Agreement Amendment ”) and to release Blair from all responsibility for the repayment of any existing or future Indebtedness of Proppants under the Proppants Credit Agreement; and
WHEREAS , the Conflicts Committee (as defined below) has (i) received an opinion of Evercore Group L.L.C., the financial advisor to the Conflicts Committee, that (a) the Consideration paid by the Partnership in exchange for the Contributed Interests is fair to the Partnership and its unaffiliated common unitholders from a financial point of view, (ii) found this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Contribution Transactions, to be in the best interest of the Partnership and (iii) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

2


 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties (as defined below) agree as follows:
ARTICLE I     
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
Section 1.1      Definitions . As used herein, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:
Accountant ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(c).
Accredited Investor ” has the meaning set forth in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.
Affiliate ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Agreement ” has the meaning provided such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
Balance Sheet Date ” means June 30, 2016.
Basket ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.4(b).
Blair ” means Hi-Crush Blair LLC, a limited liability company organized under the Laws of the State of Delaware.
Blair Membership Interests ” has the meaning provided to the term “Common Units” in the Blair LLC Agreement.
Blair LLC Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Blair, dated as of January 31, 2013.
Business ” means the operations and business conducted by Blair.
Business Day ” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of Texas or a federal holiday in the United States.
Cap ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.4(d).
Cash Consideration ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Claim Notice ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.3(a).
Closing ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.2(a).
Closing Date ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.2(a).
Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

3


 

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Common Units ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Conflicts Committee ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Consideration ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Contract ” means any legally binding agreement, commitment, lease, license or contract.
Contributed Interests ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Contribution Transactions ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Cross Receipt” means a cross receipt acknowledging the receipt by the Parties of the documents and deliverables required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.2(b) and Section 2.2(d).
Earnout Period ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(a).
Disclosure Schedule ” means the schedules attached hereto.
Dispute Resolution Period ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(b).
Dollars ” and “ $ ” mean the lawful currency of the United States.
Effective Time ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.2(a).
Environmental Law ” means any Law relating to the environment, natural resources, human health and safety, or the protection thereof, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq. , the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq. , the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq. , the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. , the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq. , the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq. , the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. § 136 et seq. , the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq. , the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq. , and any Law relating to the prevention of pollution, remediation of contamination or the restoration of environmental quality, and all analogous state or local statutes, and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Financial Statements ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.4(a).

4


 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles of the United States, consistently applied.
General Partner ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, municipal, county, local or similar governmental authority, regulatory or administrative agency, court or arbitral body.
Hazardous Substance(s )” means each substance defined, designated or classified as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material, solid waste, pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law and any petroleum or petroleum products that have been Released into the environment.
Incentive Distribution Rights ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Indebtedness ” means with respect to any Person, at any date, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including intercompany obligations), including all principal, interest, premiums, fees, expenses, overdrafts and penalties with respect thereto, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property, except trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business, (d) all obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under a letter of credit or similar instrument, (e) all capitalized lease obligations of such Person, and (f) all indebtedness of any other Person of the type referred to in clauses (a) to (e) above directly or indirectly guaranteed by such Person or secured by any assets of such Person, whether or not such indebtedness has been assumed by such Person.
Indemnified Party ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.3(a).
Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.3(a).
Indemnified Tax Claim ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 8.3(b).
Intellectual Property ” means intellectual property rights, statutory or common law, worldwide, including (a) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, slogans, logos and all goodwill associated therewith, and any applications or registrations for any of the foregoing, (b) copyrights and any applications or registrations for any of the foregoing, and (c) patents, all confidential know-how, trade secrets and similar proprietary rights in confidential inventions, discoveries, improvements, processes, techniques, devices, methods, patterns, formulae and specifications.
Knowledge ” as to Proppants means the actual knowledge of those Persons listed on Schedule 1.1(ii) ; and as to the Partnership means the actual knowledge of those Persons listed on Schedule 1.1(iii) .
Law ” means any applicable law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, judgment or decree of a Governmental Authority.

5


 

Leased Real Property ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.13(a).
Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, pledge, charge, security interest or other encumbrance of any kind in respect of such property or asset.
Losses ” means all actual liabilities, losses, damages, fines, penalties, judgments, settlements, awards, costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel); provided, however , that (a) Losses shall not include any special, punitive, exemplary, incidental, consequential or indirect damages nor shall Losses include lost profits, lost opportunities or other speculative damages, except that this clause (a) shall not apply to the extent a Party is required to pay such damages to a third party in connection with a matter for which such Party is entitled to indemnification under ARTICLE X and (b) the amount of any Loss shall be reduced by (i) any insurance proceeds actually recovered with respect to such Loss, (ii) any Tax Benefits with respect to such Loss, and (iii) indemnification or reimbursement payments actually recovered from third parties with respect to such Loss.
Material Adverse Effect ” with respect to any Person, means, any circumstance, change or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, (a) is or would reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the business, operations or financial condition of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) materially impedes or would reasonably be expected to impede the ability of the Parties to complete the transactions contemplated herein, but shall exclude any circumstance, change or effect resulting or arising from:
(i)      any change in general economic conditions in the industries or markets in which such Person and its Subsidiaries operate;
(ii)      seasonal reductions in revenues or earnings of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, substantially consistent with the historical results of such businesses;
(iii)      national or international political conditions, including any engagement in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack;
(iv)      changes in Law or GAAP; or
(v)      the entry into or announcement of this Agreement, actions contemplated by this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, clauses (i), (iii) and (iv) shall not apply in the event of a materially disproportionate effect on such Person as compared to other entities in the industry or markets in which such Person and its Subsidiaries operate.
Material Contracts ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.6(a).
Objection Notice ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(b).

6


 

Organizational Documents ” means any charter, certificate of incorporation, certificate of formation, articles of association, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement or similar formation or governing documents and instruments.
Owned Real Property ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.13(a).
Parties ” means Proppants and the Partnership.
Partnership ” has the meaning provided such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
Partnership Adjusted EBITDA ” means net income plus depreciation, depletion and amortization and interest expense, net of interest income, of the Partnership on a consolidated basis, adjusted for any non-cash impairments of long-lived assets and excluding any such items of income and expenses associated with acquisitions by the Partnership and its subsidiaries after the date of this Agreement (other than the acquisition contemplated by this Agreement). Partnership Adjusted EBITDA shall be calculated using the Partnership’s audited financial statements with respect to a fiscal year and such calculation shall otherwise be in accordance with the Partnership’s practices for calculating Partnership Adjusted EBITDA as of the date of this Agreement.
Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 2.3(a).
Partnership Agreement ” means the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of January 31, 2013, as the same may be amended, supplemented, modified or restated
Partnership Approvals ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 6.3.
Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties ” means the representations and warranties contained in Section 6.1, Section 6.2, Section 6.3 and Section 6.5.
Partnership Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.2(a).
Permits ” means authorizations, licenses, permits or certificates issued by Governmental Authorities; provided, however , right-of-way agreements and similar rights and approvals are not included in the definition of Permits.
Permitted Liens ” means (a) Liens for Taxes not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) statutory Liens (including materialmen’s, warehousemen’s, mechanic’s, repairmen’s, landlord’s, and other similar Liens) arising in the ordinary course of business securing payments not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (c) the rights of lessors and lessees under leases, and the rights of third parties under any agreement, in each case executed in the ordinary course of business and that do not materially and adversely affect the ability of Blair to conduct its Business as currently conducted, (d) the rights of licensors and licensees under licenses executed in the ordinary course of business and that do not materially and adversely affect the ability of Blair to conduct its Business as currently conducted, (e) restrictive covenants, easements and defects, imperfections or irregularities of title or Liens, if

7


 

any, of a nature that do not materially and adversely affect the assets or properties subject thereto, (f) preferential purchase rights and other similar arrangements with respect to which consents or waivers are obtained for this transaction or as to which the time for asserting such rights has expired at the Closing Date without an exercise of such rights, (g) restrictions on transfer with respect to which consents or waivers are obtained for this transaction, (h) Liens granted in the ordinary course of business which do not secure the payment of Indebtedness and which do not materially and adversely affect the ability of Blair to conduct its Business as currently conducted, (i) Liens listed in Schedule 1.1(iii) , and (j) Liens created by the Partnership or its successors and assigns.
Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, Governmental Authority or other entity of any kind.
Proceeding ” means any proceeding, action, claim, suit, investigation or inquiry by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Entity.
Proppants ” has the meaning provided such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
Proppants Approvals ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 3.3.
Proppants Credit Agreement ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Proppants Credit Agreement Amendment ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.
Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties ” means the representations and warranties contained in ARTICLE III, Section 4.1, Section 4.2, Section 4.9 and Section 4.13.
Proppants Indemnified Parties ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.2(b).
Real Property ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.13(a).
Real Property Lease ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 4.13(a).
Registration Rights Agreement Amendment ” means Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Rights Agreement by and among Proppants, the Partnership and the General Partner, in the form attached as Annex A hereto.
Release ” means any depositing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, placing, emitting, discarding, abandoning, emptying, discharging, migrating, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing of, without limitation, Hazardous Substances, into the environment.
Representatives ” means, as to any Person, its officers, directors, employees, counsel, accountants, financial advisers and consultants.

8


 

Sand Reserve Information ” means all information related to the sand reserves of Blair included in the reserve report of John T. Boyd Company, dated February 29, 2016.
Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Subsidiary ” has the meaning provided such term in the Partnership Agreement.
Tax ” means all taxes, assessments, duties, levies, imposts or other similar charges imposed by a Governmental Authority, including all income, franchise, profits, capital gains, capital stock, transfer, gross receipts, sales, use, transfer, service, occupation, ad valorem, property, excise, severance, windfall profits, premium, stamp, license, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, disability, environmental (including taxes under Code Section 59A), alternative minimum, add-on, value-added, backup withholding and other taxes, assessments, duties, levies, imposts or other similar charges of any kind whatsoever (whether payable directly or by withholding and whether or not requiring the filing of a Tax Return), and all estimated taxes, deficiency assessments, additions to tax, additional amounts imposed by any Governmental Authority, penalties and interest.
Tax Authority ” means any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or imposition of any Tax.
Tax Benefit ” means, with respect to a Loss, an amount by which the Tax liability of a Person (or group of Persons filing a Tax Return that includes such Person) is reduced as a result of such Loss or the amount of any Tax refund or Tax credit that is generated (including, by deduction, loss, credit or otherwise) as a result of such Loss, and any related interest received from any relevant Tax Authority; provided, however , in each case, only the reasonable present value of any Tax Benefit shall be considered with respect to a Loss.
Tax Indemnified Party ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 8.3(b).
Tax Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 8.3(b).
Tax Proceeding ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 8.1(b).
Tax Return ” means any report, return, election, document, estimated Tax filing, declaration or other filing provided to any Tax Authority, including any amendments thereto.
Third Party Claim ” has the meaning provided such term in Section 10.3(a).
Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Proppants Credit Agreement Amendment, the Registration Rights Agreement Amendment and such other agreements, documents or instruments as are reasonably required to be delivered by Proppants, the General Partner or the Partnership at or prior to the Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise reasonably required in or contemplated in connection herewith.
Unit Consideration ” has the meaning provided such term in the recitals to this Agreement.

9


 

United States ” or “ U.S. ” means United States of America.
Section 1.2      Rules of Construction.
(a)      All article, section and schedule references used in this Agreement are to articles, sections and schedules to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. The schedules attached to this Agreement constitute a part of this Agreement and are incorporated herein for all purposes.
(b)      If a term is defined as one part of speech (such as a noun), it shall have a corresponding meaning when used as another part of speech (such as a verb). Terms defined in the singular have the corresponding meanings in the plural, and vice versa. Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neutral genders and vice versa. The term “includes” or “including” shall mean “including without limitation.” The words “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereby,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section or article in which such words appear.
(c)      The Parties acknowledge that each Party and its attorney have reviewed this Agreement and that any rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party, or any similar rule operating against the drafter of an agreement, shall not be applicable to the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
(d)      The captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of or affect the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.
(e)      All references to currency herein shall be to, and all payments required hereunder shall be paid in, Dollars.
(f)      All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP.
(g)      Any event hereunder requiring the payment of cash or cash equivalents on a day that is not a Business Day shall be deferred until the next Business Day.
(h)      References to any Law are references to such Law as it may be amended from time to time, and references to particular provisions of a Law include a reference to the corresponding provisions of any succeeding Law.
ARTICLE II
CONTRIBUTION; CLOSING
Section 2.1      The Contribution Transactions . At the Closing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Proppants shall contribute to the Partnership, and the Partnership shall accept from Proppants, the Contributed Interests, free and clear of any Liens other than transfer restrictions imposed thereon by securities Laws or the Blair LLC Agreement, and in exchange for the contribution of the Contributed Interests by Proppants, the Partnership shall pay cash and issue to Proppants the Consideration.

10


 

Section 2.2      The Closing.
(a)      The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 1001 Fannin, Suite 2500, Houston, Texas 77002, commencing at 10:00 a.m. (Houston, Texas time) on the later of (i) December 31, 2016 or (ii) the third (3 rd ) Business Day following the date on which all conditions to the obligations of the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby have been satisfied or waived (other than conditions that will be satisfied by actions the Parties shall take at the Closing itself), or such other date as the Parties may mutually determine (the “ Closing Date ”); provided, however , the Closing shall be deemed to have been consummated at 11:59 p.m. (Houston, Texas time) on the Closing Date (the “ Effective Time ”).
(b)      At the Closing, Proppants will deliver the following documents and deliverables:
(i)      an assignment effecting the transfer to the Partnership of ownership of all of the Contributed Interests and such other documentation as is reasonably required to transfer the Contributed Interests to the Partnership;
(ii)      a certification in the form prescribed by Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(b)(2) to the effect that Proppants is not a foreign person;
(iii)      a counterpart of the Cross Receipt, duly executed by Proppants;
(iv)      a counterpart of the Registration Rights Agreement Amendment duly executed by Proppants;
(v)      documents necessary to release Blair from its obligations as guarantor under the Proppants Credit Agreement, including, among others, (i) the Proppants Credit Agreement Amendment and (ii) a release agreement;
(vi)      the certificates contemplated by Section 9.2(f) and Section 9.3(d); and
(vii)      such other certificates, instruments of conveyance and documents as may be reasonably requested by a Party and agreed to by Proppants prior to the Closing Date to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
(c)      [Reserved]
(d)      At the Closing, the Partnership will deliver the following documents and deliverables:
(i)      the Cash Consideration by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. federal funds to an account specified by Proppants;

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(ii)      evidence from American Stock & Transfer of the issuance of 7,053,292 Common Units to Proppants;
(iii)      a counterpart of the Cross Receipt, duly executed by the Partnership;
(iv)      a counterpart of the Registration Rights Agreement Amendment duly executed by the Partnership;
(v)      the certificate contemplated by Section 9.2(f); and
(vi)      such other certificates, instruments of conveyance and documents as may be reasonably requested by a Party and agreed to by the Partnership prior to the Closing Date to carry out the intent and purposes of this Agreement.
Section 2.3      Earnout .
(a)      For each of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018 (each, an “ Earnout Period ”), the Partnership shall prepare and deliver to Proppants, within 90 days after the end of each such fiscal year, a written notice specifying the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA for such fiscal year (the “ Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice ”). If Partnership Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 exceeds $73.1 million, then the Partnership shall pay Proppants an additional $5,000,000 in cash with respect to the Contribution Transactions. If Partnership Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal the year ending December 31, 2018 exceeds $150.6 million, then the Partnership shall pay Proppants an additional $5,000,000 in cash with respect to the Contribution Transactions.
(b)      If Proppants objects to the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA with respect to an Earnout Period as set forth in the Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice, then Proppants shall provide the Partnership with written notice of same (which notice shall contain a reasonably detailed explanation of the basis for such objection) (such notice, an “ Objection Notice ”) within 30 days after the receipt of the Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice. If Proppants fails to object to the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA with respect to an Earnout Period as set forth in the Partnership Adjusted EBITDA Notice within such 30 days period, then Proppants shall be deemed to have agreed with and accepted the Partnership’s calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA with respect to such Earnout Period for all purposes of this Agreement. If Proppants timely provides an Objection Notice as contemplated by this Section 2.3(b), then, for a period of 30 days after the Partnership’s receipt of such Objection Notice (the “ Dispute Resolution Period ”), the Partnership shall (i) provide Proppants with reasonable access to the books, records (including work papers, schedules, memoranda and other documents), supporting data, facilities and employees of the Partnership for purposes of evaluating the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA and (ii) reasonably cooperate with Proppants and its representatives in connection with such review, including providing on a timely basis all other information reasonably necessary or useful in connection with the review of the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA.
(c)      If Proppants provides an Objection Notice in accordance with Section 2.3(b) and the Partnership and Proppants cannot agree on the calculation of Partnership Adjusted

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EBITDA during the Dispute Resolution Period, then the Partnership and Proppants will submit their respective calculations of the items in dispute (including any adjustments the parties wish to make as a result of negotiations up to the date of such submission) to EEPB, P.C. or an accounting firm of national standing agreed to by the Partnership and Proppants (the “ Accountant ”). The Accountant will review each party’s calculations, and with respect to each disputed item, make a selection as to which of the disputed items presented to it is, in the aggregate, more accurate (selecting one of such items without interpolation or adjustment). The decision of the Accountant will be made within 20 days after being engaged, or as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable, and will be final and binding on the parties hereto. The costs and expenses of the Accountant will be split evenly by the Partnership and Proppants. Each of the Partnership and Proppants will make available to the Accountant all reasonably relevant books and records relating to the calculations submitted and all other information reasonably requested by the Accountant for purposes of evaluating the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA.
(d)      The Conflicts Committee shall review and approve the calculation of Partnership Adjusted EBITDA as determined under this Section 2.3.
ARTICLE III    
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO PROPPANTS

Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule, Proppants hereby represents and warrants as follows:
Section 3.1      Organization . It is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware.
Section 3.2      Authorization; Enforceability . It has all requisite limited liability company power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all requisite limited liability company action, on its part, and no other limited liability company proceeding on its part is necessary to authorize this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party, or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Closing will be duly and validly executed and delivered by it, and this Agreement constitutes and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Closing will constitute the valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.
Section 3.3      No Conflict . The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party by it and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by it (assuming all required filings, consents, approvals,

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authorizations and notices set forth in Schedule 3.3 (collectively, the “ Proppants Approvals ”) have been made, given or obtained) do not and shall not:
(a)      violate any Law applicable to Proppants or any filing with, consent, approval or authorization of, or notice to, any Governmental Authority;
(b)      violate the Organizational Documents of Proppants; or
(c)      (i) breach any Contract to which Proppants is a party, (ii) result in the termination of any such Contract, (iii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the Contributed Interests or (iv) constitute an event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such breach, termination or creation of a Lien upon any of the Contributed Interests, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) for such breaches or terminations as would not reasonably be expected to adversely affect the ability of Proppants to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is or will be a party.
Section 3.4      Proppants Brokers’ Fees . Except as set forth on Schedule 3.4 , no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by it or any of its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries).
Section 3.5      Proppants Credit Agreement . Immediately after the Effective Time, Blair shall have no responsibility, as a guarantor or otherwise, for the repayment of any existing or future Indebtedness under the Proppants Credit Agreement.
Section 3.6      Investment Intent .
(a)      Proppants acknowledges and agrees that the Common Units to be acquired by Proppants pursuant to this Agreement will be acquired for investment for Proppant’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof in violation of applicable securities laws. Proppants is an experienced investor in securities and acknowledges that it can bear the economic risk of its investment in the Common Units acquired pursuant to this Agreement and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Common Units.
(b)      Proppants is an Accredited Investor.
(c)      Proppants has had an opportunity to discuss the Partnership’s and its subsidiaries' businesses, management, financial affairs and the terms and conditions of the offering of Common Units with the Partnership’s management.
(d)      Proppants understands that the Common Units issued hereunder have not been registered under the Securities Act, by reason of a specific exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act that depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of Proppants’ representations as expressed herein; Proppants’ further understands that the Common Units acquired by it hereunder are "restricted securities" under

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applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and that, pursuant to these laws, Proppants must hold the Common Units acquired by it hereunder indefinitely until such Common Units are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and qualified by state authorities or an exemption from such registration and qualification requirements is available.
ARTICLE IV     
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
RELATING TO BLAIR
Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule, Proppants hereby represents and warrants as follows:
Section 4.1      Organization of Blair . Blair is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite limited liability company power and authority to own, operate or lease its properties and assets and to conduct the Business as it is now being conducted. Blair is duly licensed or qualified in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of its assets or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Blair. Proppants has made available to the Parties true copies of all existing Organizational Documents of Blair.
Section 4.2      Capitalization .
(a)      As of the date of this Agreement, Proppants has good and valid title to, holds of record and owns all of the outstanding Blair Membership Interests, free and clear of any Liens other than transfer restrictions imposed thereon by securities Law or arising under the Blair LLC Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding equity interests in Blair other than the Blair Membership Interests. All of the outstanding membership interests in Blair are duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid (to the extent required by the Blair LLC Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be effected by Section 18-607 of the Delaware LLC Act), and were issued free of preemptive rights in compliance with applicable Laws.
(b)      Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Partnership will acquire good and valid title to all of the Contributed Interests, free and clear of any Liens other than transfer restrictions imposed thereon by securities Laws or arising under the Blair LLC Agreement.
(c)      Except as set forth in Schedule 4.2(c) , there are no voting agreements, proxies or other similar agreements or understandings with respect to the Contributed Interests.
(d)      There are no outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for limited liability company interests of Blair issued or granted by Blair, any other commitments or agreements to which Blair is a party providing for the issuance by it of additional limited liability company interests or the repurchase or redemption by it of limited liability company interests, and there are no agreements of any kind which may

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obligate Blair to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its limited liability company interests, except as are provided in the Blair LLC Agreement.
Section 4.3      Subsidiaries . Blair does not own any equity interests in any Person.
Section 4.4      Financial Statements; Records; Undisclosed Liabilities.
(a)      Schedule 4.4(a) sets forth true, accurate, correct and complete copies of the balance sheets as of the Balance Sheet Date and December 31, 2015, and the statements of operations, statements of cash flows and statements of member capital (deficit) for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the six-month periods ended the Balance Sheet Date and June 30, 2015 (the “ Financial Statements ”). The Financial Statements (i) are in all material respects in accordance with the books and records of Blair, (ii) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, and (iii) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and the results of operations of Blair as of the Balance Sheet Date.
(b)      Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.4(b) , and other than potential obligations associated with sand supply agreements, Blair does not have any liabilities or obligations (whether known or unknown, whether absolute or contingent, whether liquidated or unliquidated and whether due or to become due) reasonably expected to be in excess of $450,000, other than liabilities or obligations expressly reflected on, or reserved against in, the Financial Statements.
Section 4.5      Absence of Certain Changes . Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.5 , since the Balance Sheet Date, (a) there has not been any Material Adverse Effect with respect to Blair, (b) there has been no damage, destruction or loss to the assets or properties of Blair which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Blair and (c) there have been no additional or new liabilities or obligations (whether known or unknown, whether absolute or contingent, whether liquidated or unliquidated and whether due or to become due) with respect to Blair in excess of $450,000, other than potential costs associated with sand supply agreements that include revenues in excess of such potential costs.
Section 4.6      Contracts.
(a)      Material Contracts ” means each of the following agreements to which Blair is a party:
(i)      each Contract for the sale or delivery of frac sand;
(ii)      each Contract requiring the payment by Blair of any royalties or similar payments or arrangements in connection with the production or sale of frac sand;
(iii)      each Contract for Indebtedness;
(iv)      each Contract involving a remaining commitment by Blair to make capital expenditures in excess of $250,000;

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(v)      each Contract for lease of real or personal property involving payments in excess of $250,000 in any calendar year;
(vi)      each Contract between Proppants or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and Blair, on the other hand;
(vii)      each Contract that provides for a limit on the ability of Blair to compete in any line of business or with any Person or in any geographic area during any period of time;
(viii)      any Contract that involves a confidentiality, standstill or similar arrangement;
(ix)      except for Contracts of the nature described in clauses (ii) through (vii) above, any Contract for the purchase of materials, supplies, goods, services, equipment or other assets that provides for aggregate payments by Blair of $250,000 or more in any 12 month period;
(x)      any employment, independent contractor or consulting Contract;
(xi)      any management service, financial advisory or any other similar type of Contract;
(xii)      any Contract which contains restrictions with respect to payment of dividends or any other distribution in respect of the capital stock or other equity interests of Blair;
(xiii)      any Contract which is a current insurance policy of, or covering any of the material assets or a business of, Blair;
(xiv)      any Intellectual Property Contract material to the operations of the business of Blair;
(xv)      any Contract that grants or evidences a Lien on any properties or assets of Blair, other than Permitted Liens;
(xvi)      any partnership or joint venture agreement (other than the Organizational Documents of Blair); and
(xvii)      any Contract relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) or granting to any Person a right of first refusal, first offer or right to purchase any of the assets of Blair which right survives the Closing, other than Permitted Liens.
(b)      True and complete copies of all Material Contracts have been made available to the Partnership.
(c)      Except as set forth in Schedule 4.6(c) , each Material Contract (i) is in full force and effect and (ii) represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of Blair and, to the

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Knowledge of Proppants, represents the legal, valid and binding obligation of the other parties thereto, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.6(c) , none of Blair, or, to the Knowledge of Proppants, any other party is in breach of any Material Contract, and none of Proppants or Blair has received any written notice of termination or breach of any Material Contract.
Section 4.7      Litigation . Except as set forth in Schedule 4.7 , (a) there are no legal actions before any Governmental Authority or lawsuits pending or, to the Knowledge of Proppants, threatened against Blair, and (b) Blair is not subject to any injunction, order or unsatisfied judgment from any Governmental Authority.
Section 4.8      Taxes . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.8 , (a) all Tax Returns required to be filed by Blair or with respect to the acquisition, ownership or operation of Blair’s assets have been duly and timely filed with the appropriate Tax Authority, and were, when filed, true, correct and complete in all material respects, (b) all material Taxes due and owing by Blair or with respect to the acquisition, ownership or operation of Blair’s assets have been timely paid in full, (c) there are no Liens (other than Permitted Liens) on any of the assets of Blair that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax, (d) there is no claim, action or proceeding pending by any applicable Tax Authority in connection with any Tax due from Blair or with respect to the acquisition, ownership or operation of Blair’s assets, (e) no Tax Returns of Blair or with respect to the acquisition, ownership or operation of Blair’s assets are now under audit or examination by any Tax Authority, (f) there are no agreements or waivers providing for an extension of time with respect to the filing of any such Tax Returns or the assessment or collection of any such Tax, (g) no written claim has been made by any Tax Authority in a jurisdiction where Blair does not file a Tax Return that it is or may be subject to taxation in that jurisdiction, (h) Blair is not a party to any Tax sharing agreement or otherwise liable for the Taxes of any other Person (including as a transferee or successor), (i) since the date of its formation, Blair has been disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for federal income tax purposes, and (j) Blair has no liability for Taxes of any Person under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee, successor, or by Contract.
Section 4.9      Environmental Matters . Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9 or as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Blair:
(a)      the operations of Blair are in compliance with all Environmental Laws, which compliance includes the possession and maintenance of, and compliance with, all Permits required under all Environmental Laws;
(b)      Blair is not the subject of any outstanding administrative or judicial order or judgment, agreement or arbitration award from any Governmental Authority under any Environmental Laws requiring remediation or the payment of a fine or penalty or limiting the operations of Blair;

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(c)      Blair is not subject to any action pending or threatened in writing, whether judicial or administrative, alleging noncompliance with or potential liability under any Environmental Law;
(d)      there has been no Release of any Hazardous Substance into the environment by Blair or its assets, operations and the Business except in compliance with applicable Environmental Law; and
(e)      there has been no exposure of any Person or property to any Hazardous Substances in connection with the operation of the assets of Blair that could reasonably be expected to form the basis of a claim for damages or compensation.
The Partnership acknowledges that this Section 4.9 shall be deemed to be the only representation and warranty in this Agreement with respect to environmental matters.
Section 4.10      Legal Compliance; Permits . Except with respect to (i) matters set forth in Schedule 4.7 (Litigation), (ii) compliance with Laws concerning Taxes (as to which representations and warranties are made only pursuant to Section 4.8) and (iii) compliance with Environmental Laws (as to which representations and warranties are made only pursuant to Section 4.9), (a) Blair is in compliance with all Laws in all material respects, (b) Blair has not received notice of any violation of any Law and (c) Blair possesses all Permits necessary for it to own its assets and operate the Business as currently conducted, and all such Permits are in full force and effect.
Section 4.11      Employees . Blair (i) has no employees and (ii) does not maintain or contribute to and is not subject to any liability in respect of any employee benefit or welfare plan of any nature, including plans subject to ERISA.
Section 4.12      Reserve Engineer. John T. Boyd Company was, as of the date of its reserve report related to the sand reserves of Blair, dated February 29, 2016, an independent mining engineer and geologist with respect to Blair. To the Knowledge of Proppants, the Sand Reserve Information has been calculated in accordance with standard mining engineering procedures used in the sand industry and applicable government reporting requirements and applicable law. To the Knowledge of Proppants, the factual, non-interpretive Sand Reserve Information on which the reserve report of John T. Boyd Company, dated February 29, 2016, was based was accurate in all material respects.
Section 4.13      Title to Properties and Related Matters.
(a)      As of the date hereof, Schedule 4.13(a)(i) sets forth a true, correct and complete list of (i) each parcel of real property (including any mineral interest) owned by Blair (collectively, the “ Owned Real Property ”) and (ii) as of the date hereof, Schedule 4.13(a)(ii) sets forth a true, correct and complete list of each lease, sublease, license or other arrangement under which real property (including any mineral interest) is leased, occupied or possessed by Blair or under which Blair has a right to lease, occupy or possess real property (each, a “ Real Property Lease ” and each real property subject thereto, a “ Leased Real Property ”) (the Owned Real Property and Leased Real Property collectively referred to as the “ Real Property ”). With respect to each Leased Real Property, Schedule 4.13(a)(ii) sets forth the date of and parties to each lease and, the

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dates of all amendments to each lease. True, correct and complete copies of the Real Property Leases, and any amendments through the date hereof, have been made available to Buyer. To the extent that it is in possession thereof, the Company has provided preexisting owners’ title insurance policies for the Owned Real Property and preexisting ALTA surveys for the Real Property.
(b)      Blair has (i) good, valid and marketable fee simple title to or valid leasehold interests in all of its Real Property, including to all buildings, structures and other improvements located thereon, (ii) good, valid and marketable title to the mineral interests underlying the estimates of Blair’s proved reserves described in the Sand Reserve Information and (iii) good, valid and marketable title to all of its personal property used in the ordinary conduct of the Business, except (x) for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to materially and adversely impact the ability of Blair to conduct the Business and (y) for easements, rights of way and similar property use rights which are addressed in Section 4.13(c), in each case free and clear of Liens other than Permitted Liens.
(c)      Blair has such easements, rights of way and other similar property use rights which are sufficient for Blair to conduct the Business as currently conducted. The Partnership acknowledges that this Section 4.13(c) shall be deemed to be the only representation and warranty in the Agreement with respect to easements, rights of way and other similar property use rights held or used by Blair.
(d)      Each Real Property Lease is valid, binding and enforceable against Blair and, to Proppant’s Knowledge, the other parties thereto. Blair is in compliance in all material respects with the terms and conditions of each Real Property Lease. All rents and additional rents, royalties, license fees, charges or other payments due and payable by Blair under the Real Property Leases have been paid through the date of this Agreement and will continue to be paid when due through the Closing Date. To the Knowledge of Proppants, no event has occurred and no condition exists which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would give rise to a right on the part of the applicable landlord thereunder to terminate the Real Property Lease or would otherwise constitute a default thereunder. Without limiting the foregoing, Blair has not received any notice from any landlord asserting the existence of a default under any Real Property Lease or been informed that the landlord under any Real Property Lease has taken action (or, to the Knowledge of Proppants, threatened) to terminate the applicable Real Property Lease before the expiration date specified in such Real Property Lease.
(e)      Blair has not received notice of any pending or threatened condemnation, incorporation, annexation or similar proceeding with respect to the Real Property or any portion thereof, and to the Knowledge of Proppants, no condemnation, incorporation, annexation or similar proceeding with respect to the Real Property or any portion thereof is threatened.
(f)      No event has occurred and no condition exists which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would permit any party to exercise a repurchase or similar right with respect to the Real Property.

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(g)      To the Knowledge of Proppants, the use of the Real Property for the purposes for which it is presently being used is permitted under applicable zoning Laws and applicable regulations of, and agreements with, Governmental Entities.
(h)      To the Knowledge of Proppants, there are no pending or threatened special assessments, reassessments or changes in real property tax basis with respect to the Real Property or any portion thereof.
Section 4.14      Insurance . Set forth on Schedule 4.14 is an accurate and complete list of each current insurance policy which covers Blair or its businesses, properties, assets or employees (including, without limitation, self-insurance), and lists whether such policies are ‘occurrence’ or ‘claims made’ policies. Such policies are in full force and effect, all premiums due thereon have been paid, and Blair is otherwise in compliance in all material respects with the terms and provisions of such policies. Blair is not in default under any of the insurance policies set forth on Schedule 4.14 (or required to be set forth on Schedule 4.14 ) and, to the Knowledge of Proppants, there exists no event, occurrence, condition or act (including, without limitation, the transactions contemplated under this Agreement) which, with the giving of notice, the lapse of time or the happening of any other event or condition, would become a default thereunder. Schedule 4.14 also sets forth a list of all pending claims and the claims history for Blair during the past three (3) years (including, without limitation, with respect to insurance obtained but not currently maintained). Blair has made available to the Partnership all of its currently effective insurance policies.
Section 4.15      Brokers’ Fees . No broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement based upon arrangements made by Blair or any of its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries).
ARTICLE V     
[Reserved]
ARTICLE VI     
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE PARTNERSHIP
The Partnership hereby represents and warrants as follows:
Section 6.1      Organization of the Partnership . The Partnership is a limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware, and has all requisite partnership power and authority to own, operate or lease its properties and assets and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted. The Partnership is duly licensed or qualified in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or operation of its assets or the character of its activities is such as to require it to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Partnership. The Partnership has made available to the Parties true copies of all existing Organizational Documents of the Partnership.

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Section 6.2      Authorization; Enforceability . The Partnership has all requisite partnership power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and to perform all obligations to be performed by it hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all requisite limited partnership action on the part of the Partnership. This Agreement has been and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Closing will be duly and validly executed and delivered by the Partnership, and each of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party constitutes or at the Closing will constitute, as applicable, a valid and binding obligation of the Partnership, enforceable against the Partnership in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.
Section 6.3      No Conflict. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party by the Partnership and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby by the Partnership (assuming all required filings, consents, approvals authorizations and notices set forth in Schedule 6.3 (collectively, the “ Partnership Approvals ”) have been made, given or obtained) do not and shall not:
(a)      violate in any material respect, any Law applicable to the Partnership or require of the Partnership any filing with, consent, approval or authorization of, or, notice to, any Governmental Authority;
(b)      violate any Organizational Document of the Partnership; or
(c)      (i) breach any material Contract, to which the Partnership is a party, (ii) result in the termination of any such material Contract, (iii) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Partnership or (iv) constitute an event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would result in any such breach, termination or creation of a Lien.
Section 6.4      Litigation . There are no legal actions before any Governmental Authority or lawsuits pending or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership, threatened against the Partnership that would adversely affect the ability of the Partnership to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Partnership, and there are no orders or unsatisfied judgments from any Governmental Authority binding upon the Partnership that would adversely affect the ability of the Partnership to perform its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Partnership.
Section 6.5      Partnership Brokers’ Fees. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.5 , no broker, finder, investment banker or other Person is entitled to any brokerage fee, finders’ fee or other commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries.

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ARTICLE VII     
COVENANTS
Section 7.1      Blair Conduct of Business . From the date of this Agreement through the Closing, except: (1) as set forth on Schedule 7.1 , (2) as contemplated by this Agreement, including Section 7.3(a) hereof, or (3) as consented to by the Partnership in writing, Proppants shall not permit Blair to:
(a)      amend its Organizational Documents;
(b)      liquidate, dissolve, recapitalize or otherwise wind up its business;
(c)      sell, assign, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any material assets, other than frac sand in the ordinary course of business;
(d)      incur any Indebtedness or issue or sell any equity interests, notes, bonds or other securities of Blair, or any option, warrant or right to acquire same not in the ordinary course of business in excess of $900,000, except for Indebtedness under the Proppants Credit Agreement;
(e)      adopt any profit sharing, compensation, savings, insurance, pension, retirement or other benefit plan or hire any employees;
(f)      materially amend, terminate or grant a material waiver under any Material Contract or Permit;
(g)      create or assume any Lien, other than a Permitted Lien;
(h)      make any capital expenditure in excess of $600,000;
(i)      terminate or close any facility, business or operation of Blair except in the ordinary course of business;
(j)      take or omit any action that would permit any party to exercise a repurchase or similar right with respect to the Real Property;
(k)      settle or compromise any Proceeding;
(l)      make or change any material Tax election; enter into any Tax allocation agreement, Tax sharing agreement, Tax indemnity agreement or closing agreement relating to any material Tax; consent to any extension or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment; or take any action that would change the classification of Blair for United States federal income tax purposes; or
(m)      agree, whether in writing or otherwise, to do any of the foregoing.
Section 7.2      Third Party Approvals .
(a)      [Reserved]

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(b)      The Partnership shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to) use reasonable efforts to obtain all material consents and approvals of third parties that the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries are required to obtain in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Partnership Approvals.
(c)      Proppants shall (and shall cause its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) to) use reasonable efforts to obtain all material consents and approvals of third parties that Proppants or any of its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) are required to obtain in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Proppants Approvals.
Section 7.3      Financing .
(a)      Prior to Closing, the Partnership shall consummate an underwritten public offering of Common Units providing net proceeds to the Partnership of not less than $60 million, which proceeds shall be used to fund all or a portion of the Cash Consideration (the “ Equity Financing ”).
ARTICLE VIII     
TAX MATTERS
Section 8.1      Tax Returns .
(a)      The Parties agree that the income of Blair for the period up to and including the Closing Date will be reflected on the federal income Tax Return of Proppants, and that the income of Blair for the period after the Closing Date will be reflected on the federal income Tax Return of the Partnership, to be allocated (i) in the case of any Taxes determined on a periodic basis, pro rata based on the number of days prior to or on the Closing Date (such amount to be allocated to Proppants) and for any time thereafter (such amount to be allocated to the Partnership), or (ii) for all other Taxes, based on the closing of the books of Blair as of the end of the Closing Date.
(b)      The Parties shall cooperate fully, and cause their Affiliates to cooperate fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other Party, to accomplish the apportionment of income described pursuant to this Section 8.1, requests for the provision of any information or documentation within the knowledge or possession of the other Party as reasonably necessary to facilitate compliance with financial reporting obligations arising under FASB Statement No. 109 (including compliance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48), and any audit, litigation or other proceeding (each a “ Tax Proceeding ”) with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation shall include access to, the retention and (upon the other Party’s request) the provision of records and information that are reasonably relevant to any Tax Return or Tax Proceeding, and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. The Partnership and Proppants will use reasonable efforts to cause Blair to, retain all books and records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to Blair relating to any taxable period beginning before the Effective Time until the later of six years after the Effective Time or the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations of the respective taxable periods (including any extensions thereof), and to abide by all record retention agreements entered

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into with any Tax Authority. The Partnership and Proppants each agree, upon request, to use reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from any Tax Authority or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 8.2      Transfer Taxes . Responsibility for the payment of all state and local transfer, sales, use, stamp, registration or other similar Taxes resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be borne 50% by the Partnership and 50% by Proppants.
Section 8.3      Tax Indemnity.
(a)      Proppants shall be liable for, shall pay and shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and its Subsidiaries from and against all Losses such parties incur arising from (i) any breach of the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.8, (ii) any Taxes of Proppants or its Affiliates arising prior to and including the Closing Date, (iii) any liability of Blair for the Tax of another Person as a result of being (A) a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group or (B) a party to any Contract providing for an obligation to indemnify any other Person for Tax. The Partnership shall be solely liable for, shall pay and shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Proppants and its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) from any and all Taxes which arise as a result of the ownership of the Contributed Interests after the Effective Time.
(b)      If any claim (an “ Indemnified Tax Claim ”) is made by any Tax Authority that, if successful, would result in indemnification of any Party (the “ Tax Indemnified Party ”) by another Party (the “ Tax Indemnifying Party ”) under this Section 8.3, the Tax Indemnified Party shall promptly, but in no event later than the earlier of (i) 45 days after receipt of notice from the Tax Authority of such claim or (ii) 15 days prior to the date required for the filing of any protest of such claim, notify the Tax Indemnifying Party in writing of such fact.
(c)      The Tax Indemnifying Party (in cooperation with the other members of Blair pursuant to the documents governing the management of the affairs of Blair) shall control all decisions with respect to any Tax Proceeding involving an Indemnified Tax Claim and the Tax Indemnified Party shall take such action (including settlement with respect to such Tax Proceeding or the prosecution of such Tax Proceeding to a determination in a court or other tribunal of initial or appellate jurisdiction) in connection with a Tax Proceeding involving an Indemnified Tax Claim as the Tax Indemnifying Party shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including the selection of counsel and experts and the execution of powers of attorney; provided, however , that (i) within 30 days after the notice required by Section 8.3(b) has been delivered (or such earlier date that any payment of Taxes with respect to such claim is due but in no event sooner than five days after the Tax Indemnifying Party’s receipt of such notice), the Tax Indemnifying Party requests that such claim be contested, and (ii) if the Tax Indemnified Party is requested by the Tax Indemnifying Party to pay the Tax claimed and sue for a refund, the Tax Indemnifying Party shall have advanced to the Tax Indemnified Party, on an interest-free basis, the amount of such claim. The Tax Indemnified Party shall not make any payment of an Indemnified Tax Claim for at least 30 days (or such shorter period as may be required by Law) after the giving of the notice required by Section 8.3(b) with respect to such claim, shall give to the Tax Indemnifying Party any information

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requested related to such claim, and otherwise shall cooperate with the Tax Indemnifying Party in order to contest effectively any such claim.
Section 8.4      Scope . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this ARTICLE VIII shall be the exclusive remedy for any claims relating to Taxes (including any claims relating to representations respecting Tax matters including Section 4.8). The rights under this ARTICLE VIII shall survive the Closing until 30 days after the expiration of the statute of limitations (including extensions) applicable to such Tax matter. No claim may be made or brought by any Party hereto after the expiration of the applicable survival period unless such claim has been asserted by written notice specifying the details supporting the claim on or prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period. For the avoidance of doubt, this ARTICLE VIII shall not be subject to the provisions of ARTICLE X.
ARTICLE IX     
CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS
Section 9.1      [Reserved].
Section 9.2      Conditions to the Obligations of Proppants . The obligations of Proppants to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by Proppants:
(a)      all necessary filings with and consents, approvals, Permits, and orders of any Governmental Authority required by Law for the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement shall have been made and obtained (or any applicable waiting period shall have expired), other than those that would not reasonably be expected, in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on Proppants. The Proppants Approvals and the Partnership Approvals shall have been made or obtained, other than those that would not reasonably be expected, in the aggregate, to result in material Losses to Proppants or the Partnership;
(b)      (i) the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing, as if made at and as of that time (other than such representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a certain date, which need only be true as of such certain date) and (ii) all other representations and warranties of the Partnership contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects ( disregarding all qualifications as to materiality and Material Adverse Effect and qualifications of similar import contained therein ) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing, as if made at and as of that time (other than such representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a certain date, which need only be true as of such certain date), except where the failure of such representations, individually or in the aggregate, to be true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Partnership;
(c)      [Reserved]

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(d)      the Partnership shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by the Partnership on or before the Closing;
(e)      [Reserved]
(f)      the Partnership shall have delivered a certificate, dated the Closing Date, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 9.2(b) and Section 9.2(d) have been fulfilled;
(g)      no statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, judgment or other order shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated, enforced or issued by any Governmental Authority, or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in effect, and no investigation, action or proceeding before a court or any other governmental agency or body shall have been instituted or threatened challenging or seeking to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(h)      [Reserved]; and
(i)      the Partnership shall have delivered or caused to be delivered the Closing deliverables set forth in Section 2.2(d).
Section 9.3      Conditions to Obligations of the Partnership . The obligation of the Partnership to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by the Partnership (with the approval of the Conflicts Committee):
(a)      all necessary filings with and consents, approvals, licenses, Permits, and orders of any Governmental Authority required by Law for the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement shall have been made and obtained (or any applicable waiting period shall have expired), other than those that do not or would not reasonably be expected to result in Losses to Blair. The Proppants Approvals and the Partnership Approvals shall have been made or obtained, other than those that do not or would not reasonably be expected to result in material Losses to the Partnership or Proppants;
(b)      (i) the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties and the representation set forth in Section 4.5 shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing, as if made at and as of that time (other than such representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a certain date, which need only be true as of such certain date) and (ii) all other representations and warranties of Proppants contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects ( disregarding all qualifications as to materiality and Material Adverse Effect and qualifications of similar import contained therein ) as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing, as if made at and as of that time (other than such representations and warranties that expressly address matters only as of a certain date, which need only be true as of such certain date), except where the failure of such representations, individually

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or in the aggregate, to be true and correct would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Partnership;
(c)      Proppants shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or before the Closing;
(d)      Proppants shall have delivered a certificate dated the Closing Date, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 9.3(b) and Section 9.3(c) have been fulfilled;
(e)      no statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, judgment or other order shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated, enforced or issued by any Governmental Authority, or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in effect, and no investigation, action or proceeding before a Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened challenging or seeking to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated hereby;
(f)      Proppants shall have delivered or caused to be delivered the Closing deliverables set forth in Section 2.2(b); and
(g)      the Partnership shall have consummated the Equity Financing.
     ARTICLE X     
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.1      Survival.
(a)      Subject to ARTICLE VIII relating to Taxes, the representations and warranties of the Parties contained in this Agreement and all covenants contained in this Agreement that are to be performed prior to the Closing will survive the closing for 12 months following the Closing; provided, however , that the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties and the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties shall survive the Closing for five years following the Closing. No Party shall have any liability for indemnification claims made under this ARTICLE X with respect to any such representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant unless a Claim Notice is provided by the non-breaching Party to the other Party prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period for such representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant. If a Claim Notice has been timely given in accordance with this Agreement prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period for such representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant or claim, then the applicable representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant shall survive as to such claim, until such claim has been finally resolved.
(b)      All covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement to be performed after the Closing will survive the Closing in accordance with their terms.
Section 10.2      Indemnification.
(a)      Subject to ARTICLE VIII relating to Taxes and the provisions of this ARTICLE X, from and after the Closing, Proppants shall indemnify and hold harmless the

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Partnership, the Partnership’s Subsidiaries, and their respective Representatives (the “ Partnership Indemnified Parties ”) from and against all Losses that the Partnership Indemnified Parties incur arising from any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of Proppants in this Agreement or in any closing certificate to be delivered by Proppants at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement.
(b)      Subject to ARTICLE VIII relating to Taxes and the provisions of this ARTICLE X, from and after the Closing, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless Proppants and its Affiliates (other than the Partnership and its Subsidiaries) and their respective Representatives (the “ Proppants Indemnified Parties ”) from and against all Losses that the Proppants Indemnified Parties incur arising from or out of any breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of the Partnership in this Agreement or any closing certificate to be delivered by the Partnership at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement.
(c)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Parties shall have a duty to use reasonable efforts to mitigate any Loss arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
(d)      Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE X to the contrary, all Losses relating to Taxes which are the subject of ARTICLE VIII shall only be subject to indemnification under Section 8.3.
Section 10.3      Indemnification Procedures . Claims for indemnification under this Agreement (other than claims involving a Tax Proceeding, the procedures for which are set forth in ARTICLE VIII) shall be asserted and resolved as follows:
(a)      Any Partnership Indemnified Party or Proppants Indemnified Party claiming indemnification under this Agreement (an “ Indemnified Party ”) with respect to any claim asserted against the Indemnified Party by a third party (“ Third Party Claim ”) in respect of any matter that is subject to indemnification under Section 10.2 shall promptly (i) notify the Party providing the indemnification hereunder (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) of the Third Party Claim and (ii) transmit to the Indemnifying Party a written notice (“ Claim Notice ”) describing in reasonable detail the nature of the Third Party Claim and a copy of all papers served with respect to such claim (if any). Failure to timely provide such Claim Notice shall not affect the right of the Indemnified Party’s indemnification hereunder, except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is prejudiced by such delay or omission.
(b)      The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend the Indemnified Party against such Third Party Claim (unless (i) such Third Party Claim is asserted against the Indemnifying Party also and the Indemnified Party determines in good faith that joint representation would be inappropriate, or (ii) the Indemnifying Party fails to provide reasonable assurance to the Indemnified Party of its financial capacity to defend such Third Party Claim and provide indemnification with respect to any Losses arising from Third Party Claim). If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party elects to assume the defense of the Third Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend such Third Party Claim with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party (who shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party), by all appropriate proceedings, to a final conclusion or settlement at the

29


 

discretion of the Indemnifying Party in accordance with this Section 10.3(b) and, after notice from the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party of its election to assume the defense of such Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party will not, as long as it diligently conducts such defense, be liable to the Indemnified Party under this ARTICLE X for any fees of other counsel or any other expenses with respect to the defense of such Third Party Claim, in each case subsequently incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with the defense of such Third Party Claim, other than reasonable costs of investigation. The Indemnifying Party shall have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof; provided, however , that the Indemnifying Party shall not enter into any settlement agreement without the written consent of the Indemnified Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided, further, that such consent shall not be required if (i) the settlement agreement contains a complete and unconditional general release by the third party asserting the claim to all Indemnified Parties affected by the claim, (ii) the settlement agreement does not contain any sanction or restriction upon the conduct of any business by the Indemnified Party or its Affiliates, (iii) there is no finding or admission of any violation of applicable Law or any violation of the rights of any Person and no effect on any other Third Party Claims that may be made against the Indemnified Party, (iv) the sole relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the Indemnifying Party and (v) the Indemnified Party will have no liability with respect to any compromise or settlement of such Third Party Claims. If requested by the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party agrees, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party, to cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and its counsel in contesting any Third Party Claim which the Indemnifying Party elects to contest, including the making of any related counterclaim against the Person asserting the Third Party Claim or any cross complaint against any Person. The Indemnified Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement of any Third Party Claim controlled by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Section 10.3(b), and the Indemnified Party shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation.
(c)      If the Indemnifying Party does not notify the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party elects to defend the Indemnified Party pursuant to Section 10.3(b), then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to defend, and be reimbursed for its reasonable cost and expense (but only if the Indemnified Party is actually entitled to indemnification hereunder) in regard to the Third Party Claim with counsel selected by the Indemnified Party, by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings shall be prosecuted diligently by the Indemnified Party. In such circumstances, the Indemnified Party shall defend any such Third Party Claim in good faith and have full control of such defense and proceedings; provided, however , that the Indemnified Party may not enter into any compromise or settlement of such Third Party Claim if indemnification is to be sought hereunder, without the Indemnifying Party’s consent. The Indemnifying Party may participate in, but not control, any defense or settlement controlled by the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 10.3(c), and the Indemnifying Party shall bear its own costs and expenses with respect to such participation.
(d)      Subject to the other provisions of this ARTICLE X, a claim for indemnification for any matter not involving a Third Party Claim may be asserted by notice to the Party from whom indemnification is sought.

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(e)      The Parties hereby consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court in which a Proceeding is brought against any Indemnified Party for purposes of any Claim that an Indemnified Person may have under this Agreement with respect to such Proceeding or the matters alleged therein, and agree that process may be served on any Party with respect to such a claim anywhere in the world.
(f)      The Indemnified Party or the Indemnifying Party, as the case may be, shall furnish such information (so long as such information is not subject to any confidentiality agreements or attorney-client privilege; provided, that the parties shall take all reasonable measures to fully provide such information in compliance with such obligations) in reasonable detail as it may have with respect to a Third Party Claim (including copies of any summons, complaint or other pleading which may have been served on such party and any written claim, invoice, billing or other document evidencing or asserting the same) to the other party if such other party is assuming defense of such Third Party Claim, and make available all records and other similar materials which are reasonably required in the defense of such Third Party Claim and shall otherwise reasonably cooperate with and assist the defending party in the defense of such Third Party Claim.
(g)      With respect to any Third Party Claim subject to indemnification under this ARTICLE X: (i) both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, as the case may be, shall keep the other Person reasonably informed of the status of such Third Party Claims and any related judicial or other proceedings at all stages thereof where such Person is not represented by its own counsel and (ii) the parties agree (each at its own expense) to render to each other such assistance as they may reasonably require of each other and to cooperate in good faith with each other in order to ensure the proper and adequate defense of any Third Party Claim.
(h)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10.3, the indemnification procedures set forth in ARTICLE VIII shall control any indemnities relating to Taxes.
Section 10.4      Additional Agreements Regarding Indemnification . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein and subject to ARTICLE VIII relating to Taxes:
(a)      a breach of any representation or warranty (other than with respect to a breach of the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties or the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties) in connection with any single item or group of related items that results in Losses of less than $25,000 shall be deemed, for all purposes of this ARTICLE X not to be a breach of such representation, warranty or pre-closing covenant;
(b)      Proppants shall not have any liability arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(a) for breaches of representations or warranties (other than with respect to a breach of the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties) except if the aggregate Losses actually incurred by the Partnership Indemnified Parties thereunder exceed $2,000,000 (the “ Basket ”), and then, subject to Section 10.4(d), only to the extent such aggregate Losses exceed such amount;
(c)      the Partnership shall not have any liability arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(b) for breaches of representations or warranties (other than with respect to a breach

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of the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties) except if the aggregate Losses actually incurred by the Proppants Indemnified Parties thereunder exceed the Basket, and then, subject to Section 10.4(e), only to the extent such aggregate Losses exceed such amount;
(d)      in no event shall (i) the aggregate liability of Proppants arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(a) for breaches of representations or warranties (other than with respect to a breach of the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties) exceed $40,000,000 (the “ Cap ”) and (ii) the aggregate liability of Proppants arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(a) for breaches of the Proppants Fundamental Representations and Warranties exceed $200,000,000;
(e)      in no event shall (i) the liability of the Partnership arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(b) for breaches of representations or warranties (other than with respect to a breach of the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties) exceed the Cap and (ii) the liability of the Partnership arising out of or relating to Section 10.2(b) for breaches of the Partnership Fundamental Representations and Warranties exceed $200,000,000;
(f)      for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 10.4 shall affect the provisions of ARTICLE VIII.
(g)      for purposes of determining whether a breach of any representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement (other than the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.5) has occurred and whether any Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification for any liabilities under this ARTICLE X arising from any such breach of such representation or warranty and in calculating the amount of such liabilities, the Parties shall disregard (i) any requirement in any such representation or warranty that an event or fact be material, have, or be reasonably expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, or otherwise be subject to a similar qualification as to materiality, material adverse effect or words of similar import and (ii) any other references to materiality, material adverse effect or words of similar import in any such representation or warranty.
(h)      Under no circumstance shall Proppants be entitled to offset any indemnification obligations to the Partnership Indemnified Parties arising under this ARTICLE X against any amounts due to Proppants under Section 2.3 hereof without the prior written consent of the Partnership (which shall include the prior written consent of the Conflicts Committee).
Section 10.5      Waiver of Other Representations.
(a)      NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, IT IS THE EXPLICIT INTENT OF EACH PARTY HERETO, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE, THAT NONE OF PROPPANTS OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE OR IS MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, USAGE, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE CONTRIBUTED INTERESTS, THE BUSINESS, BLAIR OR ITS ASSETS OR ANY PART THEREOF, EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT.

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(b)      NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, IT IS THE EXPLICIT INTENT OF EACH PARTY HERETO, AND THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE, THAT NONE OF THE PARTNERSHIP OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES HAS MADE OR IS MAKING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO THE CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, USAGE, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTNERSHIP, ITS BUSINESS OR ASSETS OR ANY PART THEREOF, EXCEPT THOSE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 10.6      Consideration Adjustment . The Parties agree to treat all payments made pursuant to this ARTICLE X as adjustments to the purchase price for Tax purposes, except as otherwise required by Law following a final determination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or a Governmental Authority with competent jurisdiction.
Section 10.7      Exclusive Remedy.
(a)      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein except as provided in Section 8.2, Section 8.3, Section 10.2 or Section 11.2, no Party shall have any liability, and no Party shall make any claim, for any Loss or other matter (and the Partnership and Proppants each hereby waive any right of contribution against the other and their respective Affiliates), under, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, any other document, agreement, certificate or other matter delivered pursuant hereto or the transactions contemplated hereby, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, other Laws or otherwise.
(b)      NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY HEREIN, NO PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS, LOST OPPORTUNITIES OR OTHER SPECULATIVE DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OTHER LAW OR OTHERWISE AND WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM ANY OTHER PARTY’S SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER FAULT; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS SECTION 10.7 SHALL NOT LIMIT A PARTY’S RIGHT TO RECOVERY UNDER ARTICLE X FOR ANY SUCH DAMAGES TO THE EXTENT SUCH PARTY IS REQUIRED TO PAY SUCH DAMAGES TO A THIRD PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH A MATTER FOR WHICH SUCH PARTY IS OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE X.

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ARTICLE XI     
TERMINATION
Section 11.1      Termination . At any time prior to the Closing, this Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby abandoned:
(a)      by the mutual consent of the Parties as evidenced in writing signed by each of the Parties;
(b)      by any of the Parties if any Governmental Authority having competent jurisdiction has issued a final, non-appealable order, decree, ruling or injunction (other than a temporary restraining order) or taken any other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or
(c)      by any of the Parties if the Closing has not occurred on or before December 31, 2016 or such later date as the Parties may agree upon.
Section 11.2      Effect of Termination . In the event of termination and abandonment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect without any liability on the part of any Party hereto other than for any prior breaches, as to which the Parties will remain liable and/or to which the other Party shall be entitled to all rights and remedies available under Law or equity. The provisions of Section 11.2 and Section 12.4 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XII     
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.1      Notices . Any notice, request, demand and other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, and may be served by personal delivery, facsimile or by depositing same in the mail, addressed to the Party to be notified, first class, postage prepaid, and registered or certified with a return receipt requested. Notice deposited in the mail in the manner hereinabove described shall be deemed to have been given and received on the date of the delivery as shown on the return receipt. Notice served in any other manner shall be deemed to have been given and received only if and when actually received by the addressee (except that notice given by facsimile shall be deemed given and received upon receipt only if received during normal business hours and, if received other than during normal business hours, shall be deemed received as of the opening of business on the next Business Day). For purposes of notice, the addresses of the Parties shall be as follows:
(a)      If to Proppants, to:
Hi-Crush Proppants LLC
Three Riverway, Suite 1350
Houston, TX 77056
Attention:    General Counsel
Facsimile:    (713) 963-0088

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(b)      If to the Partnership, to:
Hi-Crush Partners LP
Three Riverway, Suite 1350
Houston, TX 77056
Attention:    General Counsel
Facsimile:    (713) 963-0088
or to such other address or addresses as the Parties may from time to time designate in writing.
Section 12.2      Assignment . No Party shall assign this Agreement or any part hereof without the prior written consent of the other Party (which, in the case of the Partnership, shall include the prior written approval of the Conflicts Committee). Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
Section 12.3      Rights of Third Parties . Except for the provisions of Section 10.2 which are intended to be enforceable by the Persons respectively referred to therein, nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any right or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
Section 12.4      Expense . Except as otherwise provided herein, each Party shall bear its own expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions herein contemplated hereby whether or not such transactions shall be consummated, including all fees of its legal counsel, financial advisers and accountants.
Section 12.5      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any facsimile copies hereof or signature hereon shall, for all purposes, be deemed originals.
Section 12.6      Entire Agreement . This Agreement (together with the Disclosure Schedule to this Agreement) constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any other agreements, whether written or oral, that may have been made or entered into by or among any of the Parties or any of their respective Affiliates relating to such subject matter.
Section 12.7      Disclosure Schedule . Unless the context otherwise requires, all capitalized terms used in the Disclosure Schedule shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in this Agreement. No reference to or disclosure of any item or other matter in the Disclosure Schedule shall be construed as an admission or indication that such item or other matter is material or that such item or other matter is required to be referred to or disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule. No disclosure in the Disclosure Schedule relating to any possible breach or violation of any agreement or Law shall be construed as an admission or indication that any such breach or violation exists or has actually occurred. The inclusion of any information in the Disclosure Schedule shall not be

35


 

deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment by Proppants, in and of itself, that such information is material to or outside the ordinary course of the Business of Blair or required to be disclosed on the Disclosure Schedule.
Section 12.8      Amendments . This Agreement may be amended or modified in whole or in part, and terms and conditions may be waived, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing which makes reference to this Agreement executed by each Party (which, in the case of the Partnership, shall require the prior written approval of the Conflicts Committee).
Section 12.9      Publicity . All press releases or other public communications of any nature whatsoever relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and the method of the release for publication thereof, shall be subject to the prior consent of the Partnership and Proppants, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed by any Party; provided, however , that nothing herein shall prevent a Party from publishing such press releases or other public communications as such Party may consider necessary in order to satisfy such Party’s obligations at Law or under the rules of any stock or commodities exchange after consultation with the other Party as is reasonable under the circumstances.
Section 12.10      Severability . If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, then they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties to the greatest extent legally permissible.
Section 12.11      Governing Law; Jurisdiction .
(a)      This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Texas without regard to the Laws that might be applicable under conflicts of laws principles.
(b)      The Parties agree that the appropriate, exclusive and convenient forum for any disputes between any of the Parties hereto arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in any state or federal court in Houston, Texas, and each of the Parties hereto irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts solely in respect of any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement. The Parties further agree that the Parties shall not bring suit with respect to any disputes arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any court or jurisdiction other than the above specified courts; provided, however , that the foregoing shall not limit the rights of the Parties to obtain execution of judgment in any other jurisdiction. The Parties further agree, to the extent permitted by Law, that a final and unappealable judgment against a Party in any action or proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on the judgment, a certified or exemplified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of

36


 

such judgment. Except to the extent that a different determination or finding is mandated due to the Law being that of a different jurisdiction, the Parties agree that all judicial determinations or findings by a state or federal court in Houston, Texas with respect to any matter under this Agreement shall be binding.
(c)      To the extent that any Party hereto has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each such party hereby irrevocably (i) waives such immunity in respect of its obligations with respect to this Agreement and (ii) submits to the personal jurisdiction of any court described in Section 12.11(b).
(d)      THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE THAT THEY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE OR INTERPRET THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
(Signature Page Follows)

37


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Contribution Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each Party as of the date first above written.
PROPPANTS:


HI-CRUSH PROPPANTS LLC

By:     /s/ Robert E. Rasmus    
Name:     Robert E. Rasmus
Title: Chief Executive Officer




PARTNERSHIP:


HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP

By:    Hi-Crush GP LLC, its general partner

By:     /s/ Robert E. Rasmus    
Name: Robert E. Rasmus
Title: Chief Executive Officer




[Signature Page to the Contribution Agreement]




ANNEX A
Form of Registration Rights Agreement Amendment




 

FORM OF
SECOND AMENDMENT TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement (this “ Amendment ”) is made and entered into as of , 2016 by and between Hi-Crush Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), and Hi-Crush Proppants LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Sponsor ”).
Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in that certain Registration Rights Agreement, entered into as of August 20, 2012 (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), by and between the Partnership and the Sponsor (each a “ Party, ” and together, the “ Parties ”).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS , Section 3.11 of the Registration Rights Agreement provides that such agreement may be amended by the written agreement of the Partnership and the Holders of a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities; and
WHEREAS , pursuant to the foregoing authority, and in connection with the issuance of common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “ Common Units ”) pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2016, by and between the Sponsor and the Partnership (the “ Blair Contribution Agreement ”), the Parties desire to amend the Registration Rights Agreement as set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by each party hereto, the parties hereby agree as follows:
Amendments to Registration Rights Agreement
Amendments to Section 1 . 01.
The following definition of “Blair Contribution Agreement” is hereby added:
Blair Contribution Agreement ” means the Contribution Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2016, by and among Sponsor and the Partnership.”
The definition of “Registrable Securities” is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
““ Registrable Securities ” means the aggregate number of (i) Common Units issued (or issuable) to Sponsor pursuant to the Contribution Agreement (including pursuant to the Deferred Issuance and Distribution); (ii) Common Units issued upon conversion of the Subordinated Units; (iii) Common Units issued upon conversion of the Class B Units issued pursuant to the Class B

40


 

Unit Contribution Agreement and (iv) Common Units issued pursuant to the Blair Contribution Agreement, which Registrable Securities are subject to the rights provided herein until such rights terminate pursuant to the provisions hereof.”
General Provisions.
Amendment . No amendment of this Amendment shall be valid unless such amendment is made in accordance with Section 3.11 of the Registration Rights Agreement.
Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Amendment.
Governing Law . The Laws of the State of New York shall govern this Amendment.
Severability of Provisions . Any provision of this Amendment that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting or impairing the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Effect of the Amendment . Except as amended by this Amendment, all other terms of the Registration Rights Agreement shall continue in full force and effect and remain unchanged and are hereby confirmed in all respects by each Party.
[ Signature Page Follows ]


41


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto execute this Amendment, effective as of the date first written above.
HI-CRUSH PARTNERS LP

By:     Hi-Crush GP LLC, its general partner


By:         
Name:    Robert E. Rasmus
Title:    Chief Executive Officer



HI-CRUSH PROPPANTS LLC

By:          
Name:    Robert E. Rasmus
Title:    Chief Executive Officer




Exhibit 10.4

SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED BECAUSE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF THOSE TERMS HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).


September 6, 2016
Via Overnight Delivery and Email
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Attention: Category Manager, Frac Sand
3000 N Sam Houston Pkwy E
Houston, TX 77032-3219

Dear Mr. Hillman:
Reference is hereby made to that certain Purchase Agreement by and between Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Halliburton ”) and Hi-Crush Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Supplier ” and, together with Halliburton, the “ Parties ”), dated as of June 18, 2014, as amended by that certain First Amendment to the Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 8, 2014 (as amended, the “ Purchase Agreement ”). All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

The Parties hereby agree that, during the period commencing on September 1, 2016 and ending August 31, 2017 or as earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of this letter agreement (such period, the “ Interim Term ”), the following terms and conditions shall apply and shall supersede any conflicting terms of the Purchase Agreement during such Interim Term:

a)
During the Interim Term, the “ Interim Price ” shall be as follows: (i) FOB mine pricing for 30/50, 40/70 and 100 Mesh Northern White frac sand purchased by Halliburton under the Purchase Agreement shall be $*** per ton, (ii) FOB mine pricing for 20/40 Northern White frac sand purchased by Halliburton under the Purchase Agreement shall be $*** per ton, and (iii) delivered pricing at Supplier’s terminal facilities for all Northern White frac sand purchased by Halliburton during the Interim Term shall be the pricing in Exhibit B or as mutually agreed upon by the Parties at the time of sale. The failure of the Parties to agree upon pricing for Northern White frac sand delivered at Supplier’s terminal facilities shall not relieve Halliburton of its obligation to purchase the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement as defined in section (b) below. Additional terminal pricing not in Exhibit B will be mutually agreed to between the Parties.
b)
During the Interim Term, Halliburton is obligated to buy from Supplier, and Supplier is obligated to sell, at the Interim Price, *** tons of Northern White frac sand each calendar month (the “ Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement ”). Halliburton shall be entitled to count both FOB mine and terminal purchases toward the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement.
c)
During any calendar month of the Interim Term that Halliburton purchases at least the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement, Halliburton shall be eligible for a rebate, to be paid by Supplier no later than forty-five (45) days following the end of such calendar month, as follows:
i.
If Halliburton meets or exceeds the grade split percentage thresholds set forth on Exhibit A for (A) 30/50 Premium Frac Sand, (B) 40/70 Premium Frac Sand, and (C) 100 mesh sand, then Supplier shall pay Halliburton a rebate equal to $*** multiplied by the number of tons of Northern White frac sand purchased from Supplier during such calendar month.
For the avoidance of doubt, Supplier shall not be obligated to pay a rebate to Halliburton for any calendar month during which Halliburton fails to purchase at least the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement. Further, Halliburton’s failure to meet the grade split percentage thresholds set forth on Exhibit A shall not be a breach or default under this letter agreement and shall not in any way be a factor in determining Halliburton’s compliance with its obligations set forth in this letter agreement.
d)
In addition to Halliburton’s Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement, during each three month quarter of the Interim Term, Halliburton shall use its best efforts to divide its minimum required purchases between Supplier’s mines serviced by the UP and CN railroads as follows: Halliburton shall use its best efforts to purchase at least *** tons of its minimum required purchase of Northern White frac sand under this side letter agreement during each three-month quarter from Supplier’s mines serviced by the UP, and at least *** tons of its minimum required purchase of Northern White frac sand under this side letter agreement during each three-month quarter from Supplier’s mines serviced by the CN. In addition to all other obligations set forth in this letter agreement, Halliburton shall be deemed to have failed to comply with this letter agreement if, for any three month quarter


Exhibit 10.4

SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED BECAUSE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF THOSE TERMS HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).

of the Interim Term, Halliburton does not purchase at least *** tons of Northern White frac sand from Supplier’s mines serviced by the UP and at least *** tons of Northern White frac sand from Supplier’s mines serviced by the CN, unless such variance was agreed to by Supplier in writing, resulted from an event of Force Majeure, or resulted from the failure of Supplier to supply required volumes consistent with ratios contemplated by this section (d) and due to no fault of Halliburton.
e)
If Halliburton purchases Northern White frac sand in excess of the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement during any calendar month of the Interim Term, then such excess tons of Northern White frac sand shall be counted towards Halliburton’s Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement for a subsequent calendar month during the Interim Term. Notwithstanding anything in this letter agreement to the contrary, Supplier shall have no obligation to sell to Halliburton more than *** tons of Northern White frac sand during any calendar month of the Interim Term.
f)
If, after adding any applicable excess tons counted from a prior month in accordance with section (e) above, Halliburton purchases less than the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement, but more than *** tons of Northern White frac sand, from Supplier in any calendar month during the Interim Term (an “ Interim Shortfall Month ”), then the “ Interim Shortfall ” shall be the amount by which the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement exceeds the amount of Northern White frac sand actually purchased by Halliburton during such Interim Shortfall Month including any applicable excess tons counted from a prior month in accordance with section (e) above. Halliburton shall have sixty (60) days after the end of such Interim Shortfall Month (the “ Interim Cure Period ”) to purchase tonnage of Northern White frac sand in excess of the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement to make up for the Interim Shortfall. If the Interim Shortfall Month is the final month of the Interim Term, Halliburton shall be entitled to the Interim Cure Period for the Interim Shortfall for such Interim Shortfall Month, and any rights or obligations that are determined hereunder upon the expiration of the Interim Term shall be delayed until the conclusion of such Interim Cure Period to determine if Halliburton’s obligations herein have been satisfied.
g)
If, after adding any applicable excess tons counted from a prior month in accordance with section (e) above, Halliburton fails to purchase at least *** tons of Northern White frac sand from Supplier in any calendar month during the Interim Term (an “ Interim Breach Month ”), or if Halliburton fails to fully make up an Interim Shortfall during the Interim Cure Period, then Halliburton shall be deemed to have breached this letter agreement (a “ Halliburton Breach ”). Halliburton shall have thirty (30) days after written notice from Supplier to cure a Halliburton Breach by purchasing tonnage of Northern White frac sand from Supplier in excess of the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement in an amount equal to (i) the difference between the Monthly Minimum Interim Requirement and the number of tons of Northern White frac sand purchased by Halliburton from Supplier during the Interim Breach Month including any applicable excess tons counted from a prior month in accordance with section (e) above or (ii) the uncured Interim Shortfall, as applicable. If the time period to cure a Halliburton Breach provided above extends past the end of the Interim Term, Halliburton shall be entitled to the full cure period for such Halliburton Breach, and any rights or obligations that are determined hereunder upon the expiration of the Interim Term shall be delayed until the conclusion of such cure period to determine if Halliburton’s obligations herein have been satisfied. If Halliburton fails to cure a Halliburton Breach or other non-compliance hereunder within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from Supplier, then this letter agreement and all terms and conditions hereunder shall automatically terminate, and all terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Halliburton has more than one (1) Halliburton Breach during the Interim Term, Supplier shall have the right to immediately terminate this letter agreement by giving written notice of termination to Halliburton and, in the event of such termination, all terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect. Supplier hereby reserves all rights and remedies under the Purchase Agreement, including without limitation, any and all rights, remedies and claims which existed for Purchase Shortfalls and Makewhole Payment liability as of the effective date hereof.

The Parties further agree that on August 31, 2017, provided that Halliburton has fully complied with its obligations set forth in this letter agreement during the Interim Term, including but not limited to purchasing Northern White frac sand from Supplier in accordance with the volume requirements and the prices set forth herein, then (i) the Purchase Agreement shall automatically terminate, (ii) any and all claims whatsoever by Supplier, including but not limited to any Supply Shortfall or Purchase Shortfall (or monetary obligation with respect thereto, including Makewhole Payment liability) existing under the Purchase Agreement as of August 31, 2017, as well as any and all claims relating to outstanding invoices asserted by D & I Silica, LLC in

Page 2 of 6

Exhibit 10.4

SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED BECAUSE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF THOSE TERMS HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).

regards to transload fees, switch fees and storage fees in the amount of $*** shall be fully and forever waived by Supplier, (iii) any and all claims whatsoever by Halliburton against Supplier or D & I Silica, LLC under the Purchase Agreement or any other contract or agreement between the Parties or between Halliburton and D & I Silica, LLC including, without limitation, any claim against either D & I Silica, LLC or Supplier for private cars fees or for alleged overcharging of transload fees, switching fees, demurrage, or for inventory loss shall be fully and forever waived by Halliburton and (iv) the Parties shall use their best efforts to negotiate a new or revised agreement for the purchase and sale of frac sand taking into consideration then prevailing market conditions. In the event that Halliburton shall fail to comply with its obligations set forth in this letter agreement during the Interim Term, the provisions of this paragraph shall become null and void and, in addition to the rights and remedies set forth in section (g) above, the Parties shall be entitled to pursue any and all claims or remedies available to them with regard to any claim by either Party which may exist on the effective date of this letter agreement.

Except as otherwise expressly modified herein, all terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

All information contained in this letter agreement, including the existence of such letter agreement, is deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed to any third party; provided that the provisions set forth in Article 6 of the Purchase Agreement shall apply to the information contained herein as if such information was Confidential Information. This letter agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument. A signature page to this letter agreement that contains a copy of a party’s signature and that is sent by such party or its agent with the apparent intention (as reasonably evidenced by the actions of such party or its agent) that it constitute such party’s execution and delivery of this letter agreement, including a document sent by facsimile transmission or by email in portable document format (pdf), shall have the same effect as if such party had executed and delivered an original of this letter agreement. This letter agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Texas without regard to conflict of law principles and shall be binding on the parties hereto and their successors and assigns.

[ Signature Page Follows .]





Page 3 of 6

Exhibit 10.4

SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED BECAUSE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF THOSE TERMS HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).

In Witness Whereof, this letter agreement is executed by the parties hereto as of the date first set forth above.
Best regards,
Signature: /s/ Robert E. Rasmus
Printed Name: Robert E. Rasmus
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Hi-Crush Operating LLC
Signature: /s/ Robert E. Rasmus
Printed Name: Robert E. Rasmus
Title: Chief Executive Officer
D & I Silica, LLC



AGREED TO AND ACKNOWLEDGED:

HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.

Signature: /s/ Authorized Person
Printed Name: Authorized Person
Title: Authorized Officer
Signature: /s/ Authorized Person
Printed Name: Authorized Person
Title: Authorized Officer


Page 4 of 6

Exhibit 10.4

SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED BECAUSE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF THOSE TERMS HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).

EXHIBIT A
 
Grade Split %
 
UP Origin
CN Origin
20/40
***%

***%

30/50
***%

***%

40/70
***%

***%

100
***%

***%

Total
100
%
100
%




Page 5 of 6

Exhibit 10.4

SPECIFIC TERMS IN THIS EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN REDACTED BECAUSE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF THOSE TERMS HAS BEEN REQUESTED. THE REDACTED MATERIAL HAS BEEN SEPARATELY SUBMITTED TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, AND THE TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED AT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE WITH THREE ASTERISKS (***).

EXHIBIT B
Destination
Price ($/Ton)
Smithfield, PA
$***
Mingo Junction, OH
$***
Pittston, PA
$***
Wellsboro, PA
$***
Binghamton, NY
$***
Kittaning, PA
$***
Natchitoches, LA
$***
Evans, CO
$***


Page 6 of 6


Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
(Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Robert E. Rasmus, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hi-Crush Partners LP;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
/s/ Robert E. Rasmus
Robert E. Rasmus
Chief Executive Officer
October 31, 2016




Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
(Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
I, Laura C. Fulton, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Hi-Crush Partners LP;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
/s/ Laura C. Fulton
Laura C. Fulton
Chief Financial Officer
October 31, 2016




Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
(Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 of Hi-Crush Partners LP (the “Partnership”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”) and pursuant to 18. U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Robert E. Rasmus, Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership, certify, that to my knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.
 
 
/s/ Robert E. Rasmus
Robert E. Rasmus
Chief Executive Officer
October 31, 2016




Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
(Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 of Hi-Crush Partners LP (the “Partnership”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”) and pursuant to 18. U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, I, Laura C. Fulton, Chief Financial Officer of the Partnership, certify, that to my knowledge:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership.
 
 
/s/ Laura C. Fulton
Laura C. Fulton
Chief Financial Officer
October 31, 2016




Exhibit 95.1
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The following disclosures are provided pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) and Item 104 of Regulation S-K, which requires certain disclosures by companies required to file periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that operate mines regulated under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”).
Mine Safety Information
Whenever the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) believes a violation of the Mine Act, any health or safety standard or any regulation has occurred, it may issue a citation which describes the alleged violation and fixes a time within which the U.S. mining operator must abate the alleged violation. In some situations, such as when MSHA believes that conditions pose a hazard to miners, MSHA may issue an order removing miners from the area of the mine affected by the condition until the alleged hazards are corrected. When MSHA issues a citation or order, it generally proposes a civil penalty, or fine, as a result of the alleged violation, that the operator is ordered to pay. Citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and as part of that process, may be reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed. The number of citations, orders and proposed assessments vary depending on the size and type (underground or surface) of the mine as well as by the MSHA inspector(s) assigned.
Mine Safety Data
The following provides additional information about references used in the table below to describe the categories of violations, orders or citations issued by MSHA under the Mine Act:
Section 104 S&S Citations: Citations received from MSHA under section 104 of the Mine Act for violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a mine safety or health hazard.
Section 104(b) Orders: Orders issued by MSHA under section 104(b) of the Mine Act, which represents a failure to abate a citation under section 104(a) within the period of time prescribed by MSHA. This results in an order of immediate withdrawal from the area of the mine affected by the condition until MSHA determines that the violation has been abated.
Section 104(d) Citations and Orders: Citations and orders issued by MSHA under section 104(d) of the Mine Act for an unwarrantable failure to comply with mandatory health or safety standards.
Section 110(b)(2) Violations: Flagrant violations issued by MSHA under section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act.
Section 107(a) Orders: Orders issued by MSHA under section 107(a) of the Mine Act for situations in which MSHA determined an “imminent danger” (as defined by MSHA) existed.
Pattern or Potential Pattern of Violations
The following provides additional information about references used in the table below to describe elevated pattern of violation enforcement actions taken by MSHA under the Mine Act:
Pattern of Violations : A pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards that are of such nature as could have significantly and substantially contributed to the cause and effect of mine health or safety hazards under section 104(e) of the Mine Act.
Potential Pattern of Violations : The potential to have a pattern of violations under section 104(e).
Pending Legal Actions
The following provides additional information of the types of proceedings brought before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (FMSHRC):
Contest Proceedings: A contest proceeding may be filed by an operator to challenge the issuance of a citation or order issued by MSHA.
Civil Penalty Proceedings: A civil penalty proceeding may be filed by an operator to challenge a civil penalty MSHA has proposed for a violation contained in a citation or order. The Partnership does not institute civil penalty proceedings based solely on the assessment amount of proposed penalties. Any initiated adjudications address substantive matters of law and policy instituted on conditions that are alleged to be in violation of mandatory standards of the Mine Act.
Discrimination Proceedings: Involves a miner’s allegation that he or she has suffered adverse employment action because he or she engaged in activity protected under the Mine Act, such as making a safety complaint. Also includes temporary reinstatement proceedings involving cases in which a miner has filed a complaint with MSHA stating that he or she has suffered discrimination and the miner has lost his or her position.
Compensation Proceedings: A compensation proceeding may be filed by miners entitled to compensation when a mine is closed by certain closure orders issued by MSHA. The purpose of the proceeding is to determine the amount of compensation, if any, due to miners idled by the orders.





Temporary Relief: Applications for temporary relief are applications filed under section 105(b)(2) of the Mine Act for temporary relief from any modification or termination of any order.
Appeals: An appeal may be filed by an operator to challenge judges’ decisions or orders to the Commission, including petitions for discretionary review and review by the Commission on its own motion.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 :
Mine (1)
 
Blair, WI
 
Wyeville, WI
 
Augusta, WI
Section 104 citations for violations of mandatory health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a mine safety or health hazard (#)
  
1
 
 
Section 104(b) orders (#)
  
 
  
Section 104(d) citations and orders (#)
  
 
  
Section 110(b)(2) violations (#)
  
 
  
Section 107(a) orders (#)
  
 
  
Proposed assessments under MSHA (2)
  
$—
 
$—
 
$—
Mining-related fatalities (#)
 
 
  
Section 104(e) notice
  
No
 
No
 
No
Notice of the potential for a pattern of violations under Section 104(e)
  
No
 
No
 
No
Legal actions before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (“FMSHRC”) initiated (#)
  
 
 
Legal actions before the FMSHRC resolved (#)
  
 
 
Legal actions pending before the FMSHRC, end of period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contests of citations and orders referenced in Subpart B of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
  
Contests of proposed penalties referenced in Subpart C of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
  
Complaints for compensation referenced in Subpart D of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
Complaints of discharge, discrimination or interference referenced in Subpart E of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
Applications for temporary relief referenced in Subpart F of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
Appeals of judges’ decisions or orders referenced in Subpart H of 29 CFR Part 2700 (#)
  
 
 
Total pending legal actions (#)
  
 
 
(1)
The definition of mine under section 3 of the Mine Act includes the mine, as well as other items used in, or to be used in, or resulting from, the work of extracting minerals, such as land, structures, facilities, equipment, machines, tools and minerals preparation facilities. Unless otherwise indicated, any of these other items associated with a single mine have been aggregated in the totals for that mine. MSHA assigns an identification number to each mine and may or may not assign separate identification numbers to related facilities such as preparation facilities. We are providing the information in the table by mine rather than MSHA identification number because that is how we manage and operate our mining business and we believe this presentation will be more useful to investors than providing information based on MSHA identification numbers.
(2)
Represents the total dollar value of the proposed assessment from MSHA under the Mine Act pursuant to the citations and/or orders preceding such dollar value in the corresponding row.