A coalition launched by University of Queensland mineral security experts is pushing for better controls on the world’s use of aggregates, clays, industrial sands, natural stones, and high-purity quartz.

Coalition for Responsible Sand and Silicates co-lead Louise Gallagher said sands and silicates were a cornerstone of modern society.

Tens of billions of tonnes of the materials are used each year to build homes, infrastructure, and a range of electronics and energy systems.  

“The demand for sand and silicates is now so large that it has the potential to shape ecosystems, landscapes and markets globally, but businesses have not yet developed diligence processes to ensure responsible extraction, production and use,” Dr Gallagher said.  

“It is an invisible problem that needs to be fixed.” 

The coalition was incubated by the Global Centre for Mineral Security at UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, with financial and in-kind support from Inter IKEA Group, Roca Group, MCS Portugal, Silica Resources Australia, and the Australian Department of Education, via the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer.

Coalition co-lead Daniel Holm said the group aimed to link standards bodies, companies and policymakers along the sand and silicate supply chain. 

“The coalition will also serve as a voluntary sustainability commitment that industry can use to signal it is serious about addressing the mounting risks around these materials,” Mr Holm said.  

Mr Holm said these risks range from ecosystem and wildlife disruption to various human rights and systemic risks, including forced labour and indigenous rights violations. 

“The problems are real, but global pressure for secure supply of these vital materials means we cannot just phase sand and silicates out of supply chains,” Mr Holm said.  

“And the substitutes and the alternatives just aren’t available at scale.”

Companies and foundations interested in joining the Coalition for Responsible Sand and Silicates are encouraged to visit the group’s website for more information.