China will resume its ban on the export of sand from its beaches on March 1 to protect the environment, according to the latest circular jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs.

All the natural sand, except metal ore sand, will be forbidden from being exported, the circular said.

Due to rocketing international demand, China's beach sand exports have been increasing rapidly, placing huge pressures on its oceanic resources.

The Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs had proposed a ban on natural sand exports for May 1, 2006, but postponed the date to March 1, 2007 after domestic mining firms appealed for more time to adjust their business.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2007)