Dune Mining by Sylvie Lednicky

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/09/world/africa/sand-dunes-mining-south-africa/index.html

Beautiful dunes in South Africa have separated the land and sea environments for years and years. Lately, mining companies have been eager to dig through the dunes to access many precious minerals. However, with any great project, there is an impact. The movement of dunes has kicked up sandstorms all around the location of the mining. Also, it is forever changing the ecosystem when they dig up local vegetation. Environmentalists working for the mining company are trying to figure out a way to extract the minerals without causing so much harm. I think the mining will do great things for their economy, so if they figure out a way to make the process a bit cleaner, I won't be opposed.