Davos Agenda

Sand mining is close to being an environmental crisis. Here's why – and what can be done about it

Sand mining: estimates suggest that between 32 billion and 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel are extracted from the Earth each year.

Sand mining: estimates suggest that between 32 billion and 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel are extracted from the Earth each year. Image: REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares

Kate Whiting
Senior Writer, Forum Agenda
Madeleine North
Writer, Forum Agenda
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Sand mining impact
The environmental impacts of sand mining. Image: UNEP

Key features and processes considered in a coastal impact study for aggregate dredging.
Coastal features that could be affected by sand and gravel mining. Image: UNEP

10 Recommendations for Averting a Sand Crisis
How the UNEP says we can avoid a sand crisis. Image: UNEP
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Related topics:
Davos AgendaMining and MetalsFuture of the EnvironmentClimate Change
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