Trade Journals for the Concrete Industry

“The global construction boom has triggered a shortage of sand. According to a recent UN report, the associated consequences for the environment are dramatic. Latest studies show that the demand for sand and gravel has tripled in the past 20 years. The UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) in Geneva considers sand, which is consumed at a rate of 40 to 50 billion tons per year, one of the most important traded raw materials worldwide. According to UNEP, unregulated sand mining harms the environment and rivers, deltas and coasts are being washed out, and sand mafias are flourishing, all while the demand is increasing. The main reason for the high demand is the increase in global construction activity. Sand is used alongside water, cement and gravel as an essential component for concrete production.” [1]