The extraction of sand from the river beds stops a significant part of the sediment flow, which results in a sediment shortage in the Mekong Delta. In the Lower Mekong River, the sediment extraction is approximately seven times the natural sediment supply↗. This is a huge problem, as the delta needs enough sediment to avoid sinking below sea level. 

From 2010 to 2020, Vietnam’s cement production has doubled: from approximately 50 Mt to more than 100 Mt, and in the coming years this demand will continue to increase↗. If this demand is going to keep being fulfilled with sand mining from the Mekong River, this will increase the sediment shortage in the Mekong Delta even more. 

A major part of the problem is the under-reporting of the amount of sand extracted. Although there are regulations specifying how much sand companies are allowed to extract from the Mekong River, this is difficult to check. In addition, illegal sand mining is occurring. 

The negative effects of sand mining, combined with the effects of hydropower dams in the upstream region of the Mekong River, absolute sea level rise and land subsidence, are causing extremely high relative sea level rise in the Mekong Delta. This is a very serious threat for the people living in the area.