Foundry Sand Applications Area Foundry sand is enormously important and has gained wider applications in the various areas: As a result of foundry sands high silica content, it is an ideal candidate to encapsulate, vitrify or neutralize hazardous materials. Preliminary tests show that this is a feasible option (See ASTM C33). Another possible use of foundry sand is as an anti-skid material on roads covered with snow and ice. Potentially foundry sand is used as a raw material in zinc and copper smelting. It is also applicable in place of virgin sand.