Soil and Sand Mining: Causes, Consequences and Management

Abstract

Sand is not only a precious mineral but also protecting the environment, buffer against strong tidal waves and storm, habitat for crustacean species and marine organisms, used for making concrete, filling roads, building sites, brick-making, making glass, sandpapers, reclamations, and in our tourism industry in beach attractions. Sand mining is the process of removal of sand and gravel where this practice is becoming an environmental issue as the demand for sand increases in industry and construction. Topsoil is an essential component in abandoned mines for growth of vegetation and has to be preserved for post-mining land reclamation. Physico-chemical parameters and concentration of heavy metals Pb 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , As 3+ , Cu 2+ , Fe 2+ , Mn 2+ and Sn 2+ were analyzed in mined soil areas and found that most parameters and metals concentration exceeds the permissible limit and that ex-mining catchment has a high pollution potential. Reclamation strategies of tree planting, amendments like tank silt, poultry litters and growing bio fuel crops are recognised for its ability to restore the soil fertility, build the eco-system and arrest soil erosion. Scientific mining operations accompanied by ecological restoration and regeneration of mined wastelands and judicious use of geological resources, with search for eco-friendly substitutes and alternatives must provide sensational revelation to the impact of mining on human ecosystem.