APP Users: If unable to download, please re-install our APP.
Only logged in User can create notes
Only logged in User can create notes

General Studies 2 >> International reports

audio may take few seconds to load

SAND MINING

SAND MINING

1. Context

  • Sand is a natural resource that is essential for many construction projects, but its extraction can have a significant impact on the environment.
  • A new global data platform called Marine Sand Watch has been launched to track sand extraction in the ocean.
  • The platform estimates that between four and eight billion tonnes of sand are being dredged from the ocean floor every year. This number is expected to rise to 10 to 16 billion tonnes per year.

2. Tracking Marine Sediment Extraction

  • Marine Sand Watch is a groundbreaking initiative designed to meticulously track and monitor the extraction of not only sand but also clay, silt, gravel, and rock in marine environments across the globe.
  • It specifically focuses on hotspots like the North Sea, Southeast Asia, and the East Coast of the United States.
  • This initiative, unveiled in a statement by UNEP on September 5, 2023, seeks to provide comprehensive information, including data on areas designated for sand extraction (sand concessions), regions subject to capital and maintenance dredging, key sand trading ports, the number of vessels and operators involved, and the extent of sediment extraction and related activities within countries with Exclusive Economic Zones.
  • To achieve its objectives, the platform employs sophisticated technology, utilizing Automatic Identification System signals emitted by vessels and harnessing Artificial Intelligence to precisely identify dredging vessel operations.
Image Source: I stock

3. Staggering Extraction Rates and Dire Consequences

  • Marine Sand Watch has estimated that an astounding four to eight billion tonnes of sand are currently dredged from the ocean floor annually.
  • Even more disconcerting is the projection that this figure is poised to surge to a mind-boggling 10 to 16 billion tonnes per year, surpassing the natural replenishment rate required to sustain coastal and marine ecosystems.
  • The extraction of sand has severe environmental repercussions. It elevates water turbidity, disrupts nutrient availability, and generates noise pollution, significantly affecting marine organisms.
  • Beyond benthic life, coastal communities are also poised to bear the brunt of this extensive sand dredging.

4. Coastal Communities at Risk

  • Sand mining in shallow seas is pivotal for various construction activities.
  • However, it poses a substantial threat to coastal communities, especially in light of rising sea levels and intensifying storms.
  • Marine sand is essential for constructing coastal defences and supporting offshore energy infrastructure like wind and wave turbines.
  • Moreover, coastal or near-shore extraction can lead to aquifer salinization and jeopardize future tourism development.
  • While some countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, have taken measures to ban marine sand exports in the past two decades, others lack adequate legislation and effective monitoring systems.

5. UNEP's Call for Action

  • In its 2022 Sand and Sustainability report, UNEP emphasized the urgent need for enhanced monitoring of sand extraction and usage.
  • The organization recommended ceasing sand extraction from beaches and the active beach-nearshore sand system, which serves as a resource for mining sand.
  • UNEP further advocated for the establishment of international standards governing sand extraction in marine environments.

6. The Way Forward

  • UNEP/GRID-Geneva aims to refine the data and develop an updated version of the platform to enable near real-time monitoring, enhancing detection capabilities and coverage of dredging vessels to approximately 100%.
  • The goal is to differentiate between classes of vessels and related activities more effectively.
  • The global community faces a pressing challenge in addressing the environmental consequences of excessive sand extraction, and the Marine Sand Watch platform is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing this looming crisis.
 
For Prelims: UNEP, Sand Mining, Exclusive Economic Zones
For Mains: 
1. Examine the environmental impact of extensive sand extraction from the ocean floor What are the consequences of elevated water turbidity and disrupted nutrient availability in marine ecosystems? (250 Words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
Prelims
 
1. The United Nations Environment Programme and International Energy Agency jointly released a 'Cooling Emissions and Policy Synthesis Report' (CEPSR). Which of the following statements is/are correct about the report? (Punjab Civil Service 2020)
1. It is based on assessment of development and climate benefits of efficient and climate-friendly cooling.
2. It lays out actions that can be taken to deliver efficient and climate-friendly cooling for all. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A.  Only 1         B. Only 2      C. Both 1 and 2         D.  Neither 1 nor 2
 
Answer: C
 
2. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC): (UPSC 2017) 
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only       B. 2 only           C. Both 1 and 2             D. Neither 1 nor 2
 
Answer: B
 
3. Which of the following is/are the possible consequences/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? (UPSC 2018)
1. Decreased salinity in the river
2. Pollution of groundwater
3. Lowering of the water table
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only             B.  2 and 3 only       C. 1 and 3 only        D. 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer: B
 
4. With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
1. Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country.
2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only        B. 2 and 3 only         C. 3 only          D. 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer: A
5. Consider the following minerals: (UPSC 2020)
  1. Bentonite
  2. Chromite
  3. Kyanite
  4. Sillimanite
In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: D
 
Mains
 
1. Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (UPSC 2019)
 
 Source: Down To Earth

Share to Social