Aerial view of river sand deposits meeting tidal water.

Why join

We're opening new ground in responsible sourcing and production for the world's most-used materials. Join us in shaping what responsibility means in practice for sand and silicates supply chains.

What the Coalition offers

A credible commitment signal

Members get the only credible commitment mechanism available for sand and silicates. It is a visible signal to clients, suppliers and regulators that you take responsible sourcing and production seriously.

Shared knowledge that reduces the cost of action

Members get access to research, analysis and the conversations around them as they develop. We build the shared evidence base so you don't have to map these supply chains alone. That includes risks, and the positive contributions you already make and could make.

A seat at the table while norms are formed

Sand and silicates will come onto responsible minerals agendas. The question is whether the standards and expectations that emerge reflect how things actually work, or whether they're written by people who don't know. We help make sure it's the former.

A knowledge-to-action approach

The Coalition builds on years of foundational work by its members and staff. Between 2019 and 2022, Coalition members contributed to UNEP's work on sand and sustainability, establishing the case for global sand governance and informing the UNEA 4/19 Resolution on Mineral Resource Governance.

Our approach draws on the concept of Mineral Security, pioneered by Professor Daniel Franks, which shapes how we think about risks, opportunities and what responsible sourcing means in practice. Recent developments in this thinking continue to inform our strategic approach.

The Coalition's work is anchored in two recent studies led by the University of Queensland: an OECD study on due diligence for sand and silicates supply chains (published 2026), confirming these materials belong on international responsible-minerals agendas and documenting major gaps in existing standards. A second study, commissioned by GIZ, examines raw materials in semiconductor supply chains, situating sand within wider debates on supply security and industrial policy. Together, these form the analytical baseline for our guidance, tools and demonstrations.

Built for you

For industry

Whether you're in construction, glass, technology or manufacturing, the Coalition gives you early visibility of where expectations are heading and a direct hand in shaping them. You contribute what you know about how things actually work. You get back guidance that reflects operational reality.

For researchers and civil society

If you work on resource governance, biodiversity, social performance or circular economy, the Coalition is a place to connect that expertise to real supply chains. Test ideas. Influence practice. Help build something that lasts.

For policymakers and foundations

The Coalition offers a way to co-design research and action agendas with practical influence built in from the start. Connect policy to practice. Translate foresight into workable approaches for materials governance.

Ready to get involved?

If you'd like to join the Coalition or learn more about what membership looks like, we'd like to hear from you.

A collection of polished semi-precious stones in green, pink and dark tones.