A fun fact that some of us will want to learn; gold and oil aren’t the only minerals that can be mined. Sand is one of the second most exploited natural resources in the world after water. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the volume of sand and gravel used each year is enough to build a wall around the equator measuring 27 metres high by 27 metres wide. Sand is one natural resource that cannot be ignored. It is essential for a variety of construction and industrial purposes, including making concrete, glass, and electronics. Therefore, the perfect way to define sand mining is the extraction of sand, mainly through an open pit but sometimes mined from beaches and inland dunes or dredged from ocean and riverbeds.

Sand mining in Uganda is governed by the Mining Act, which considers sand as a mineral resource and subject to mineral rights. The Act provides for environmental protection in the course of mineral activities, which applies to sand mining. While sand is not considered to be our everyday mineral like gold or oil, in Uganda, it is used mostly to boost the construction industry. Sand mining comes with various benefits. Sand is the second most exploited natural resource on the planet. Without it, we possibly wouldn’t be sleeping in the houses we are sleeping in today. However, it is important to note that despite its obvious benefits, it has drastic effects on the environment. Below are a few ways sand mining has affected the environment.

Sand mining can lead to the destruction of habitats for aquatic organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and plants. Sand is mostly extracted from the waterbodies such as rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. The alteration of riverbeds and coastal areas can disrupt ecosystems and negatively impact the biodiversity that relies on these habitats.

Removal of sand from rivers and beaches can alter natural sediment transport processes. This can contribute to increased erosion along riverbanks and coastlines, leading to the loss of land and degradation of the landscape.

Sand mining can result in increased turbidity in water bodies, as suspended sediments are released into the water. This can adversely affect water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems, impacting fish and other aquatic organisms.

Sand is a critical component of beaches, providing natural protection against erosion and storm surges. Excessive sand mining from beaches can lead to the loss of beach areas, increasing the vulnerability of coastal communities to the impacts of storms and sea-level rise.

In many cases, sand mining occurs illegally or without proper regulation, leading to even greater environmental degradation. Unregulated mining can aggravate the negative impacts on ecosystems and communities.

Residents around Lwera wetland in Uganda have shared that they suffer and are highly affected by the consequences of sand mining. Water that used to flow through the river started spilling over to people’s houses. This has forced residents to leave their homes and some houses also collapsed.

Efforts to address these negative effects often involve the development and enforcement of regulations to manage sand extraction sustainably, promote responsible mining practices, and protect vulnerable ecosystems. Sustainable alternatives to natural sand, along with recycling and reuse of construction materials are great methods to solve this problem, however, unlike the energy sector which has more alternative options, natural sand doesn’t bear the same grace. There are also various other methods being explored to reduce the demand for sand mining. We just need to continue the wait.

“The world is finite, and we must learn how to share it sustainably. Sand mining is a stark reminder that even seemingly abundant resources demand careful stewardship.”

– Unknown