THE MANAGEMENT OF OFFSHORE SAND MINING: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Sand mining is a global practice drawing increasing scrutiny because of its perceived negative environmental and social consequences. Understanding the scientific data underlying efficient management is essential in light of growing calls for stricter mining regulations. Sand demand is especially high in Asia and driven by rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development. Currently, an enormous amount of sand is extracted from offshore sources for use in reclamation and construction projects. This systematic literature review provides an overview and analysis of the extant body of knowledge in peer-reviewed literature on offshore sand management. Most of the literature focussed solely on the environmental impacts and effects of sand mining. Although sand mining is associated with various forms of environmental impacts and concerns, the cessation of sand mining may achieve some level of ecosystem recovery. Conversely, limited analyses on management suggest that offshore sand mining is primarily characterised by poor management practices, leading to environmental, social, and economic deprivation. The review concludes by highlighting several gaps in the literature, particularly the need for more emphasis on management and underscoring the necessity of establishing transparent governance processes to manage offshore sand mining effectively.