The Demand for Sand is so High There are Illegal Sand Mining Operations
Sand isn’t just for beaches. The tiny grains show up in many products of the industrialized world: in the glass and concrete that build cities, in detergents and cosmetics that people use daily, and in the silicon chips and solar panels of advanced technology. But sand comes from rocks that take thousands of years to erode into fine particles, and humans are using it faster than they should.
Sand Being Hauled Aways from the Cagayan Beaches in the Philippines, Shipped off to China
At least 2.5 million metric tons of the country’s magnetite were shipped to China from almost five years of controversy-ridden blacksand mining operations in the province of Cagayan, government records showed.
Boracay Experiencing Beach Erosion, 70% Coral Loss; Philippines
According to a study conducted by Japanese and Filipino scientists, coral cover in Boracay Island declined by about 70.5 percent from 1988 to 2011, and the highest decrease in the 23-year period, was recorded between 2008 and 2011, as tourist arrivals rose by 38.4 percent…
Fears for Future of Ngapali Beach as Authorities Permit Sand Excavation; Myanmar
Hoteliers at Ngapali in southern Rakhine State have warned that beaches in the area could be irrevocably damaged unless the authorities stop allowing sand to be taken for construction projects. Local authorities have formally allowed construction firms to take sand from three beaches in apparent violation of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism’s Directives for Coastal Beach Areas.
Black Sand Mining Unabated, Watchdog Says
Black sand mining in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, continues to thrive despite an order from higher police and environmental authorities for a more aggressive campaign against the illegal activity…
Beach Erosion Caused By Underground River? Philippines
The team of geologists sent to investigate what was initially believed to be a sinkhole in Candelaria, Zambales, said the presence of an underground river channel in the area could have caused the sudden collapse of at least 100 meters of shoreline.
Aurora, The Philippines: Land Deals And Development At A Price, A Video
Aurora’s governor says the development of a Pacific eco zone will bring benefits to this poor region of the Philippines. But locals wonder how long construction jobs will last, and what impact the development of a port, tourist haven and trading hub will have on livelihoods and the coastal environment.
Probe Urged on Black Sand Mining
Black sand mining still persists in the Philippines, despite the existence of Batas Pambansa Blg. 265 that prohibits the extraction of gravel and sand and other activities since it erodes the natural beauty of beaches, and resulted to flooding and the occurrence of more waves nearer to the shores.
Sand For Sale: Environment Ravages
The “king Of Koh Kong” has defied an order endorsed by the Cambodia’s Prime Minster to halt his controversial and environmentally damaging sand dredging activities on the Tatai river in Koh Kong.