When you hear about natural resource depletion, you may not think sand is at the top of the list. With fill sand a major component in building and construction, mining sand has become a huge industry that is now suffering from being used faster than it can be replenished. There is also an increase in illegal activity to extract the in-demand material.

Where Is the Sand Going?

Sand is an important part of the industry, as it is a main ingredient in making concrete and asphalt. Fill sand is also used for leveling ground in construction and building projects, in addition to increasing land when erosion has affected the landscape. Some countries use sand to extend borders and rebuild shorelines swallowed by rising sea levels. Other industries that rely on sand include glass, electronics, and even oil fracking.

Because of these uses, sand is being extracted more swiftly than it is being replenished. When this happens, much like with other natural resources, prices skyrocket. The other downside to this overmining is that it opens the door to thieves illegally collecting and selling sand. This desperation for the material leads to an even faster depletion, which in turn damages our environment. Shorelines that have been stripped and the communities around them are also left vulnerable to damaging weather.

Is There a Solution to the Sand Issue?

The bottom line is that sand needs time to replenish. Finding a viable alternative can reduce the demand and give our planet a break. The construction industry now recycles building materials and has implemented ways to build that don’t involve fill sand.

Governments are pushing to regulate the use of these substitutes so that we are less reliant on sand and have other options to continue building and expanding safely. With less demand, the hope is that sand pilfering ends and the resource has time to renew.

For fill sand and ready-mix concrete, trust Weeks Sand & Concrete in Cameron, NC, as your supplier. Residential, commercial, and industrial customers have relied on the company for high caliber products and materials since 1984. The sand company also provides concrete delivery to your work site as well as land clearing for your next project. Visit them online for more or call (919) 499-4272.