The Hustle Daily Show The deadly $350B black market for sand. Yes, sand.
May 3, 2024
Exploring the $350 billion black market for sand, its scarcity, illegal extraction practices, and intense demand. Tech updates include TikTok ban implications. The global scarcity of sand in construction and the environmental impact of sand trading. UN's proposed ash alternative and the impact of sand scarcity on different nations.
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Sand's Critical Global Role
- Sand is the world's second most used natural resource after water, making it essential for modern society.
- Its scarcity is driving a dangerous black market and organized crime around it.
Quality Sand Scarcity Issue
- Construction-grade sand is depleting globally despite abundant desert sand being unsuitable.
- Stronger sand from riverbeds and shores is preferred for buildings, leading to shortages.
Massive Sand Usage and Market
- Humans consume around 50 billion tons of sand annually, equivalent to covering Oregon in sand each year.
- The global sand market is massive, with estimates ranging from $100 billion to $785 billion per year.