New Research Reveals Seabed Sand Mining Unnecessary as Sustainable Alternatives Exceed Demand
- Natalie Jessup
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
An Endangered Species Foundation report released today shows alternative sand sources can supply over 16 million cubic metres annually – far exceeding Auckland's needs
Comprehensive new research from Tāngaro Tuia te Ora, Endangered Species Foundation, has revealed that sustainable sand alternatives can provide more than 16 times Auckland's current annual demand, making proposed seabed mining operations at Mangawhai-Pakiri and Te Akau Bream Bay completely unnecessary.
The groundbreaking report, "Sand Supply Options to Meet and Exceed Demand," demonstrates that on-land sand mining and manufactured sand operations already have the capacity to supply over 1 million cubic metres of sand annually – significantly exceeding Auckland's current ready-mix concrete demand of 310,000 to 610,000 cubic metres per year.
No Sand Crisis Exists
Despite claims from McCallum Bros Ltd (MBL) of a sand supply crisis, the research reveals that multiple competitors have successfully invested in environmentally sustainable alternatives that are both economically viable and readily available.
"The evidence is clear – there is no sand shortage," says General Manager, Natalie Jessup. "What we have is a thriving sector of existing and potential alternatives that can more than meet demand. We do not need to be mining our ocean floor for sand."
Massive Scale of Alternative Supply
The research identifies over 16 million cubic metres of annual sand production capacity from existing and potential sources, including:
Kaipara Harbour operations currently operating at just 50% capacity with 290,000 cubic metres per year underutilised
Brookby Quarry's manufactured sand facility producing 230,000 cubic metres annually with expansion capability to 460,000 cubic metres
Multiple Waikato and Bay of Plenty quarries with combined capacity far exceeding current demand
Te Ārai South Holdings fast-track project proposing 300,000 cubic metres per year
Kayasand's revolutionary technology that could meet Auckland's entire concrete sand demand with just four plants, some of which could be run in Northland, providing local jobs and supporting regional economic development.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The shift to sustainable sand alternatives offers significant advantages over destructive seabed mining:
Zero marine environmental impact – protecting critical fish habitats and breeding grounds
Job creation and regional development – supporting local economies across multiple regions
Innovation opportunities – positioning New Zealand as a leader in sustainable construction materials
Protection of fisheries and tourism – safeguarding industries worth millions to coastal communities
Climate alignment – supporting circular economy principles and reducing carbon emissions
Proven Commercial Success
Allied Concrete's partnership with Brookby Quarry has already demonstrated the commercial viability of manufactured sand. Since October 2024, Allied Concrete's Penrose plant has successfully integrated 100% manufactured sand into their concrete production, with comparative trials showing indistinguishable performance and actually achieving higher strength values than traditional marine sand mixes.
Massive Proposed Seabed Extraction Volumes
MBL's proposals would extract enormous volumes from sensitive marine environments:
Bream Bay: 8.45 million cubic metres over 35 years
Mangawhai-Pakiri: 9 million cubic metres over 35 years
Current temporary consent: 76,000 cubic metres annually until August 2026
Protecting Our Marine Heritage
The report highlights the severe environmental risks of seabed mining, including coastal erosion, destruction of marine habitats, impacts on fisheries including tāmure (snapper) and rejuvenating tipa (scallop) beds, and threats to the tourism industry that depends on healthy coastal environments.
"While MBL stands to generate $270 million in revenue from Te Akau operations alone, local communities would see only lasting environmental harm with no economic benefits," says Jessup.
Fast-Track Projects Must Meet Economic Necessity Test
Natalie Jessup, General Manager of the Endangered Species Foundation, emphasised that fast-track projects should only proceed when they demonstrate genuine economic necessity and contribute to regional and national growth.
"Fast-track projects are designed to accelerate developments that are economically viable and will contribute meaningfully to regional and national growth," said Jessup. "However, this seabed mining project does not meet these criteria given the abundant supply of sand already available through onland alternatives. Approving destructive seabed mining makes no economic sense - especially when it will destroy fisheries and rejuvenating scallop beds."
Clear Path Forward
The research provides three key recommendations:
Reject all seabed sand mining proposals and prioritise sustainable sand manufacturing
Support existing on-land sand mining projects that meet environmental standards
Invest in sustainable alternatives including manufactured sand and recycled materials
Looking to the Future
With New Zealand already replacing 55% of natural sand in concrete and new technology allowing 100% replacement, the construction industry is rapidly moving away from marine extraction. The report shows this transition is not just environmentally necessary – it's economically superior and readily achievable.
By embracing sustainable sand alternatives, we can protect our coastal environments, safeguard our fisheries, boost eco-tourism, and support the regional sectors that drive genuine economic growth.
The full report provides detailed analysis of supply sources, production capacities, and economic projections, offering policymakers and industry leaders a comprehensive roadmap for meeting all construction needs without sacrificing our marine heritage.
