The Deadly Occupation Attracting Kenya’s Youth

Sand is becoming a necessary component in fuelling the construction boom that is driving the rapid pace of urbanisation and rapid economic growth patterns in Kenya. Many of Kenya’s poor youth are turning to sand mining as a quick way of earning money, despite the deadly risks due to poor sand harvesting methods.

Caofeidian, The Chinese Eco-City That Became a Ghost Town – In Pictures

“As precious as gold … That was how then-president Hu Jintao described Caofeidian during his visit in 2006. It was pledged to be ‘the world’s first fully realised eco-city’ – yet 10 years and almost $100bn later, only a few thousand inhabitants have moved to this land reclaimed from the sea …”

Lower Fish Haul Due To Sand Mining, Malaysia

Hundreds of fishermen, in Selangor State, are facing huge financial losses after their monthly catch is slashed by half over the last three months allegedly because of sand mining near their fishing spot.

Lawlessness in UP: Sand Mafias Thrive Without Shroud Of Fear

The practice of illegal mining is common in the entire state of Uttar Pradesh, India, along the riverbeds as there is constant demand for sand. The builders in the region are always on the lookout for cheap sand which comes from a mafia that illegally mines the riverbed.

Feds Decide Against Dredged Sand On NC island

The National Park Service has backed off its proposal to use dredged sand to fight erosion on North Carolina’s Shackleford Banks, pleasing both environmentalists, who want to maintain the barrier island’s pristine condition, and local beach town officials, who want the sand for their shores.

Liberia’s Poor and the Rising Sea

A report on the threat to the environment in Liberia released by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) states that erosion in this West African country is causing the shoreline to recede in some cities, including Buchanan, Greenville, Harper and Robertsport, and that beach sand mining is also said to be the main contributing factor.

Taranaki Seabed Mining Application Declined

An application to mine ironsands off the south Taranaki coast has been declined. In today’s decision, the New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency said the major reason for refusing consent was the uncertainty around the scope and significance of potential environmental effects.