Sand has long been considered one of the most accessible and nearly inexhaustible natural resources. He seems to be everywhere: in the desert, on the beach, in the riverbed. In recent years, however, ecologists, economists and criminologists have increasingly argued that the world faces not only a shortage of sand but also a systemic crisis. Read more in the Rambler article.
What kind of sand are we talking about?
We are not talking about any kind of sand, but about construction sand – a raw material without which the production of concrete, asphalt, glass and most modern buildings is impossible. Sand from the desert is practically useless: its grains are too fine and round, they do not adhere well to the concrete mixture. The construction industry needs sharp-edged sand, which forms in rivers, deltas and coastal areas.
It is these sand sources that are under maximum pressure. The modern world is being built on a huge scale: cities are growing, infrastructure is being updated, and the population is growing. International organizations estimate that about 40 billion tons of sand and gravel are used worldwide each year, and demand continues to increase. Natural systems do not have time to recover at this rate.
How did the shortage create an underground market?
When legal production no longer meets demand, a gray area appears. Illegal sand mining networks have formed in dozens of countries, which journalists and researchers call “sand mafias”. This is not a single structure but a collection of groups – from small groups to large players – linked to business and local government.
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The problem is particularly acute in India, where a construction boom has coincided with restrictions on sand mining. As a result, illegal mining has become extremely profitable: sand is pulled out at night, removed from riverbeds and coastal areas, often ignoring all environmental regulations. Efforts to stop this process often result in threats, attacks, and even murder of activists and journalists. This has been reported in Popular mechanics.
Legalize illegal sand
One of the most dangerous features of this market is its ability to “wash” the mined sand. This plan seems legitimate on the face of it: illegally mined sand will be confiscated by the state and then put up for official auction. Construction companies buy it as a legitimate resource, and the origin of the raw material is lost in the bureaucratic chain.
Thus, prohibitions, official controls and real economic interests coexist in one system, making violations almost inevitable. Bans without alternatives only strengthen the underground market.
Environmental consequences
Illegal sand mining directly affects the environment. Sand in rivers and coastlines performs an important function: stabilizing river beds, protecting banks from erosion, and filtering water.
As the sand disappears, rivers begin to change direction, bank erosion increases and the risk of flooding increases. In coastal areas, this leads to accelerated erosion, beach loss and increased vulnerability to storms. In rural areas, water quality is deteriorating and agriculture is struggling.
Why is the problem global and not local?
While India and Southeast Asian countries get the most news, the shortage of construction sand is a global problem. It is mined illegally in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and even Europe. It's just that in developed countries this process is better disguised and built into formal legal mechanisms.
Is there any way out?
There is no complete and quick solution to this problem, but there are ways to reduce pressure on natural ecosystems. One of them is the development of alternative materials such as m-sand (artificial sand from crushed stone), recycling construction waste and reusing concrete.
Another approach is to monitor production using satellite systems and analyze ship and truck movements. This does not eliminate the underground market but makes it less invisible.
Finally, more and more experts are talking about the need to reconsider the logic of construction. They are driving the transition from relentless expansion to more sustainable and resource-efficient models.
However, it is important to remember that the root of the problem still lies in people's belief in limitless natural resources. As long as sand continues to be taken for granted, the problem will only get worse – while remaining largely existential for those living in built-up cities.
We previously wrote about whether cockroaches would survive a nuclear war.
