Big Spring Carbon Black Plant, Texas

This carbon black plant in Big Spring is one of three owned by the Sid Richardson Carbon Company. Built in 1961, this plant has the capacity to produce 241 million pounds per year. Carbon black is a powdery black material resulting from the incomplete combustion of a heavy hydrocarbon (e.g. tar, fuel oil, etc.), in a combustion zone fueled by air and natural gas. It is used primarily in synthetic rubber, where it acts as a pigment, as well as a heat dissipator and strengthener. Texas once produced 75% of the nation’s carbon black, with large plants at Big Spring, Borger, Seagraves, Skellytown, Baytown, and Aransas Pass. West Texas plants at Big Spring, Borger, Sunray, and Pampa remain active.