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Sand varies in composition, size, and shape, with silica-based sands being among the most sought after. Silica is crucial for producing glass, solar panels, microchips, and facilitating fracking. The rarer the sand, the more valuable it becomes, leading to a concentrated market where specific deposits are under heavy exploitation.
Global Extraction Patterns
Most sand extraction takes place close to construction sites, primarily from rivers and beaches. The largest exporters and suppliers often face sadness from nations that rely on sand to fuel their growth. For instance, Singapore has expanded its landmass significantly through sand reclamation, resulting in bans on sand exports from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Vietnam due to environmental concerns.