M-Sand Project

M-Sand Project

News: Coal India Ltd (CIL) has envisaged processing the fragmented rock (known as Overburden Rocks (OB) for sand production in mines. 
• OB material contains about 60% sandstone by volume which is harnessed through crushing and processing of Overburden.

What is M Sand?
• M sand is a form of artificial sand, manufactured by crushing large hard stones, mainly rocks or granite, into fine particles, which are then washed and finely graded. 
• It is widely used as a substitute for river sand for construction purposes, mostly in the production of concrete and mortar mix.

What is need for M-Sand?
• Due to high demand, regulated supply and a complete ban on sand mining during monsoon to protect the river ecosystem, finding an alternative to river sand became necessary.
• The Supreme Court banned illegal mining on riverbeds in 2017
• Sand Mining Framework (2018) prepared by the Ministry of Mines envisages alternative sources of sand in the form of Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) from crushed rock fines (crusher dust), and sand from Overburden (OB) of coal mines.

Advantages of M-Sand:
• Cost effective
• Consistency in grain size and shape 
• Reduces dependence on mining natural sand thereby also taking care of environment. 
• Lesser Sand extraction from the river will reduce erosion of channel beds & banks and protect the water habitat
• It will ensure balance in water table levels. 
• Using manufactured sand can help to reduce the amount of water required for construction projects, as it does not require washing before use.