What role do contractors and resellers play in the illegal sand trade?

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Contractors and Resellers Serve as Buyers in Cape Verde's Illegal Sand Trade

Contractors and resellers act as the primary buyers in Cape Verde's illegal sand trade, purchasing loads of sea sand from women collectors. These buyers acquire a load of sand, which can take weeks to gather, for approximately US$140. This price point remains competitive and cheaper compared to sand extracted through legal quarrying operations.
Demand for Cheaper Sand Fuels the Trade

The demand for sand, particularly from contractors and resellers, is driven by its lower cost relative to legally sourced material. This economic incentive allows them to acquire significant quantities of sand for their operations, even though the collection process is illegal and arduous for the women involved. The approximately US$140 price per load highlights the value placed on this contraband resource within certain sectors.
Illegal Practice Persists Despite Legal Penalties

Despite laws enacted between 1997 and 2017 that criminalise sand mining with penalties including fines or imprisonment, the trade continues. While authorities have made efforts in recent years to curb this illegal beach sand trade through crackdowns and awareness campaigns, the persistent demand from buyers like contractors and resellers indicates an ongoing market for the illegally gathered sand.
Collectors Undertake Gruelling Labour for Survival

The women, referred to as "sand thieves," engage in this physically demanding work daily for over 15 years to earn a living in some of the nation's most impoverished regions. Their efforts involve collecting sand from dangerous wave zones and transporting heavy loads, often resulting in injuries and chronic pain, underscoring the desperation driving their participation in this illicit economy.

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What role do contractors and resellers play in the illegal sand trade?

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