Sand is one of the most essential resources on Earth, forming the foundation of our cities, roads, and industries (1, 5). Moreover, it is a key component in numerous sectors such as construction, infrastructure, electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals (5). For example, heated sand is an ingredient used to make pure silicon, which powers microchips and circuits inside the smartphones, computers, and many other electronic devices we use every day (14). Additionally, sand is frequently used in makeup and skincare to enhance texture (15).

However, its extraction is pushing environmental and social limits, leading to habitat destruction, water shortages, and conflicts over access (2). Despite its importance, the global sand crisis remains largely overlooked, with illegal mining and unsustainable practices accelerating the problem (3). This publication explores the global sand mining crisis and the possible routes forward.

A disguised essential resource under threat & the environmental impacts on sand mining

Though deserts cover nearly one-third of our planet, the desert sand is not the solution to our growing construction needs. This sand, shaped by the wind over time, lacks the critical properties needed for building strong foundations and durable structures (10). These critical properties include angularity and roughness of particles, which are essential for forming strong interlocking bonds with cement (16). The sand most suited for construction is found in rivers, lakes, and coastal regions. As a consequence of the high demand, these are also the areas that are under pressure from human activity (10). Sand mining has tripled in the past two decades (11), a trend driven by its status as one of the most widely used raw materials, accounting for over 80% of concrete and more than 90% of asphalt pavements. Thus, projects such as building dams, retaining walls, high rise buildings, and coastal developments play a large role in this increased demand (7). In turn, it is logical to conclude that urban expansion and industrial production are major drivers of the rising demand, ultimately contributing to the sand crisis.This growing demand has significant consequences; it has triggered a sand crisis, threatens biodiversity, negatively impacts the climate, and affects communities worldwide (5). For instance, the Mekong Delta river in Vietnam, the sand extraction disrupts river ecosystems that are important for several species dependent on the river, leading to habitat loss and endangerment of aquatic life (22). Further, the removal of sand destabilizes riverbanks, increasing erosion and altering water flow, which reduce carbon-storing wetlands and make flooding more common. Additionally, local communities suffer from land loss, water shortages, and economic displacement, while illegal mining operations fuel conflicts and labor exploitation (21).

Each year, over 50 billion tonnes of sand are removed from oceans, rivers, and land, depleting ecosystems much faster than nature can restore them (4).

Illegal sand mining

The growing shortage has fueled illegal mining practices, turning it into a widespread issue that causes significant economic, social, and environmental damage on a global scale (11). This has particularly become a major issue in countries such as Morocco, Mozambique, and the United States, with organized crime syndicates setting up illegal mining operations. The escalating demand for sand, coupled with inadequate regulation and oversight, has fueled the growth of a thriving black market. The illegal sand trade is currently the third-largest global crime, trailing only drugs and counterfeiting (3).

Illegal sand mining leads to significant revenue loss for governments, as miners evade taxes and legal regulations. The practice is often linked to bonded labor, and fuels conflicts between local communities, miners, and authorities. Additionally, illegal mining displaces communities that rely on riverbanks for their livelihood. Hazardous working conditions further exacerbate the problem, exposing workers to accidents and harmful substances. Addressing illegal sand mining requires coordinated efforts to protect both human rights and natural resources (11).

A shift toward sufficiency and sustainable alternatives

While circular economy strategies, such as recycling, play a critical role in mitigating this crisis, they alone are not sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand. Traditional recycling methods often lead to downcycling, where materials lose their quality and can no longer serve their original purpose, limiting their effectiveness in reducing the reliance on virgin sand (4).

To truly address the sand crisis, a shift toward sufficiency and innovative alternatives is essential. This means not only improving recycling efficiency but also exploring innovative substitute materials that can replace or reduce the need for sand in construction and industrial applications. Moreover, to prevent circular solutions from becoming a form of "eco-accumulation"—where resource consumption continues under the guise of sustainability—it is crucial to tackle overconsumption and the inequitable distribution of resources (4).

An innovative material that matches the strength, durability, and availability of sand is needed. This is where crushed rock-derived artificial sand, produced from materials such as granite, gneiss, dolerite, and basalt, presents another promising solution for the sand crisis. This approach leverages abundant geological resources while mitigating the environmental and socio-economic consequences associated with excessive sand extraction from riverbeds, coastal areas, and lakes (17).

The concept of artificial sand, such as crushed rock derived sand, is not new. It dates back to the early 20th century when it was first explored as a substitute in construction. However, technological limitations prevented it from becoming a high-quality alternative at the time. With advancements in material processing, artificial sand has now emerged as a viable option. There are two primary types of artificial sand: manufactured sand and crushed sand. Manufactured sand is created by crushing and screening rock, stone, and other materials, while crushed sand is derived from breaking down larger stones into smaller particles. Both are widely used in construction and offer a sustainable alternative to natural sand. By reducing dependence on natural sand—an increasingly scarce and over-extracted resource, artificial sand helps reduce environmental degradation and can promote more responsible material use in the construction industry (18).

Another solution is to reduce global sand demand is the use of alternative materials (13). For example, bamboo (12), straw, and timber as substitutes for sand and concrete are gaining popularity. In Europe, several companies and organizations are leading the way in integrating these materials into construction. A notable example is the Dutch Bamboo Foundation, based in the Netherlands, which advocates for nature-based materials to address the sand crisis. The foundation considers bamboo a prime candidate for sustainable building materials. They are collaborating with stakeholders across the construction, manufacturing, agriculture sectors, including the Dutch Timber Industry Association, Built by Nature, Building Balance, Samen Biobased Bouwen, Climate Cleanup, and the Green Building Council, to establish a sustainable bamboo supply chain (19).

Similarly, timber is emerging as a viable alternative, especially with the European Union recently approving regulations that recognize wood-based construction as a carbon storage activity. One example is the BAM Group, a leading construction company from the Netherlands, which has implemented timber in its projects to offer more sustainable alternatives to traditional materials (20).

A sustainable future for sand use

With the sand crisis escalating, it is crucial that we adopt sustainable solutions by reducing extraction, promoting alternatives, and ensuring equitable access to resources for the long term. By rethinking sand use through efficiency, circularity, and innovation, we can pave the way for a future where both ecosystems and communities thrive. The time to act is now. It is our responsibility to ensure that the resources we depend on today do not come at the expense of tomorrow’s generations. Shall we?

This article is part of The Outside World, ftrprf’s very own research center.

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