Manufactured Sand (M-Sand)

Why in News?

• Recently, Coal India Limited (CIL) is using crushed rock fines (crusher dust), sand from Overburden (OB) of coal mines and soil removed during opencast coal mining, to produce Manufactured Sand (M-Sand).

Highlights

• Using manufactured sand can be more cost-effective than using natural sand, as it can be produced in large quantities at a lower cost.
• Manufactured sand can have a consistent grain size and shape, which can be beneficial for construction projects that require a specific type of sand.
• Using manufactured sand can help to reduce the need for mining natural sand, which can have negative environmental impacts.
• Additionally, using the overburden from coal mines can help to repurpose materials that would otherwise be considered waste.
• Using manufactured sand can help to reduce the amount of water required for construction projects, as it does not require washing before use.
• Apart from commercial use, sand produced shall also be consumed for sand stowing in Underground Mines enhancing safety & conservation.
• Also, lesser Sand extraction from rivers will reduce erosion of channel bed & banks and protect water habitat.
• Sand mining can be carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner by using scientific methods and equipment that minimise damage to the environment.
• This could include the use of dredging and mining techniques that do not disturb the riverbeds, or the use of manufactured sand as an alternative to river sand.
•  The government can regulate sand mining through legislation and enforce strict penalties for illegal mining.
• This can also include the formation of a regulatory body that monitors the mining activities and ensures compliance with the laws and regulations.