On March 19, 2025, Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) monitored a sand shipment arriving at the island of Tenerife. This shipment made its way from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Votorantim’s facilities in the industrial area of Cueva Bermeja. The cargo trucks then covered a distance of 2.5 kilometers to reach Prebetong Hormigones, a subsidiary of Votorantim that specializes in ready-mix concrete production.
The sand is extracted from the occupied territory of Western Sahara, where the Moroccan occupying power gains profits from its export, breaching international law. This disputed shipment was delivered via the dry cargo vessel Dura Bulk. This isn’t the only location from which Votorantim acquires conflict sand.
- Lord, we pray for those in the government who exploit and indulge in the trade of sand from Western Sahara. Help them abide by the law of the land and stop such unethical practices (The Holy Bible, Genesis 2:15).
- Lord, we pray for big companies involved in illegal sand trading. Give them the wisdom to know the immense value of our Earth and its resources and to recognize the consequence of their actions (The Holy Bible, Psalms 104:24).
News Source: Western Sahara Resource Watch
Image Source: Canva
