Updated: Subsequent to the original report below, the Vietnamese government clarified that the ban would cover only construction sand, and would not cover industrial sand, as previously reported. __________________________________________ On October 7, Industrial Minerals (subscription required) reported that the Vietnamese government has banned exports of all types of silica sand, including construction and industrial grades. The ban was instituted by Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, and is effective immediately.
As this ban was being considered, Notch heard from silica producers in the region concerned about how the ban would affect regional supplies of sodium silicate, as Vietnam is known as an exporter of high quality sand.