The building boom in China and worldwide demand for consumer goods containing ilmenite has enriched criminals who specialise in stealing sand - sometimes whole beaches. NICK MEYNEN investigates
While logging and deforestation has gained global attention the growing sand mining sector is being largely ignored. Fuelled by Singapore’s land and construction demands it is wreaking environmental destruction across south-east Asia
In Gambia's coastal towns one of the country's chief assets - pristine beaches - is being steadily eroded. In a move to make King Cnut proud, the government is shipping in sand...