U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. (NYSE: SLCA) upsized its senior secured term loan with BNP Paribas SA (PARIS: BNP.PA), the company said Dec. 8.

With an additional $135 million, the loan now totals about $500 million, the company added.

"Upsizing our term loan further enhances our already strong balance sheet and provides us with additional flexibility to facilitate our disciplined approach to capital allocation, which includes organic growth opportunities, funding acquisitions and returning cash to shareholders," said Bryan Shinn, president and CEO.

Frederick, Md.-based U.S. Silica Holdings Inc. provides commercial silica to the oil and natural gas industry.