Sand Mining
View Sand Mining Gallery
The world’s beaches are being mined for sand for a variety of uses (aggregate in concrete, fill, beach renourishment). The practice is often very destructive and poorly managed (or unmanaged). This is a global phenomenon (Morocco, Caribbean Islands, India, South Africa and more). This theft of beach and dune sand is a direct cause of erosion along many shorelines. It is very damaging to the beach fauna and flora, ruinous to beach aesthetics, and frequently causes environmental damage to other coastal ecosystems associated with the beach such as wetlands.
Another major impact of beach sand mining is the loss of protection from storms surges associated with tropical cyclones and tsunamis. Some communities affected by the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean had higher storm surges probably due to beach sand mining resulting in fatalities. Sometimes it is difficult to tell that a beach has been mined. Sand extraction becomes difficult to recognize as the beach readjusts to a new profile after a few storms. But historic accounts of beaches in the Caribbean often reveal that beaches have been narrowed considerably. Mining is particularly senseless in a time of rising sea level when sand is sorely needed as a storm energy buffer.
Surfing in / Sand Mining
Ancestors’ Bones Halt Sand Mining
Greg McDonald says remains of his Ngati Wai ancestors from centuries ago lie on the Pakiri Beach seabed.
Singapore sand imports threaten Cambodian ecosystem
Singapore, which prides itself on being one of the most environmentally friendly nations in Asia, is expanding its coastline with irresponsibly dredged sand from Cambodia, according to a report from an environmental NGO.
Mining ‘eating’ dunes at Northland refuge
Erosion of dunes at a remote Northland beach and wildlife refuge is being blamed on dredges mining the near shore.
Singapore accused of launching Sand Wars
By paying smugglers to steal under the cover of night, entire picturesque sandy beaches of Indonesia and Malaysia, carving out millions of tons of coastline.
Last-Chance Beaches: Morocco
You’d think that a desert country like Morocco would have enough sand for everyone. But at least a few parties feel the need to steal sand from Morocco’s Atlantic beaches, by literally bulldozing dunes, trucking the sand away to make cement, and leaving behind ugly lunar landscapes.
Take Action to End Global Beach Sand Mining!
We urge you to become part of the movement by signing the petition to end beach sand mining.
The black marketeers stealing Indonesia’s islands by the boat-load
For the people of Sebesi Island, who spend their lives next to the world’s biggest natural time bomb, it seemed to be an offer that they could not refuse.
Preserving the health of the Rio de la Plata
Research may lead to policies and regulations on side mining in Uruguay.
