Not everyone is aware of it, but illegal sand mining is a problem that the environment is facing on a global level. Defined as the stealing of sand or beach theft, illegal sand mining has caused problems in many parts of the world, from the United States to Indonesia, since the 2000s.

Not only did illegal mining paved the way for the destruction of multiple beach areas, but it also caused severe local supply shortages, soil erosion, sinkhole formation, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil and water. The New York Times even estimated that 75 to 90 percent of the world's natural sand beaches are about to vanish, largely because of massive erosion caused by human development of shores.

"These activities also cause destruction and disturbance of ecosystems and habitats," Dr Eshaam Palmer, environmental compliance and enforcement director of the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said in the fifth annual EnviroMining conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in April. "In areas where there is a high water table, it might also disturb or destroy productive grazing and croplands and contaminate natural water bodies," he added.

But the environment is not the only facet affected by illegal sand mining. Sand, particularly the variety extracted from the bottom of oceans, beaches, rivers and gravel beds, is also a key component in mixing concrete. With the global urbanisation megatrend affecting the Sub-Saharan African, Arab and South Asian populations, the demand for better housing and infrastructures is expected to skyrocket. Even the United Arab Emirates, which has been undertaking enormous land reclamation projects, is currently purchasing sand from Australia to meet demand.

Sand is also a major source of minerals and metals like titanium, thorium, silicon, and uranium — metals that play a crucial role in a person's daily life. These metals are used to manufacture microchips, silicon chips and solar panels; build houses and aircraft; and produce cosmetics, abrasives, glass, plastics and toothpaste. Because of the industrial uses of these metals, many mining companies are operating in these mineral sand deposits, including Chile's White Mountain Titanium Corporation (OTCQB: WMTM), which operates in the country's Atacama Desert region. Its Cerro Blanco flagship project is expected to produce as much as 112 million tonnes of high grade rutile, which can be used in the paints and pigments industry.

Unfortunately, affected countries have not yet implemented any concrete plan to eradicate illegal sand mining. With positive outlooks for global infrastructure and construction, it is important to create better conservation plans for shore and coastal areas. Both glass and concrete can be recycled back to sand, but there will never be enough recycled sand, given the rate at which illegal mining occurs. Environmental considerations should take top priority. Otherwise, sand, along with the minerals and metals that it contains, could very well become one of the world's endangered natural resources.

To contact the writer, email: vittoriohernandez@yahoo.com

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