UN Warns Global Sand Demand Could Double by 2060

Sand is the world’s second most exploited natural resource after water, the UN Environment Program (UNEP) said. It is a key component in construction materials such as concrete and asphalt, as well as glass production.

Despite its importance to the global economy, UNEP warned that sand extraction remains largely unregulated in many parts of the world. Natural replenishment processes can take hundreds of thousands of years, meaning current consumption levels are unsustainable.

The report stated that excessive mining is degrading ecosystems and destroying habitats for fish, birds, crabs and sea turtles. Growing demand is also pushing extraction activities offshore.

According to UNEP, around half of dredging companies now operate in or near marine protected areas.

The agency stressed that sand plays a critical role in protecting coastlines from erosion, rising sea levels, and groundwater salinization. In some Caribbean island states, mining has already contributed to disappearing beaches, declining fish populations and damage to tourism-dependent economies.

UNEP also highlighted increasing global interest in so-called “black sand”, which contains valuable minerals used in industrial production and green technologies. Demand for these deposits is rising, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

The organization called for stronger regulation, improved monitoring and greater use of recycled construction materials in order to reduce pressure on natural sand reserves.

(reuters, max)