In the context of the phasing out of sand extraction from lagoons in 2001, there was urgent need to plan for alternative replacement material for the construction industry. Studies carried out by the University of Mauritius recommended the replacement of coral sand by crushed basalt sand in the construction industry.

A Technical Advisory Committee was set up in March 2001 to look into the various aspects of rock quarrying. The Committee made recommendations on the following aspects:

Estimation of rock reserves for production of construction material
Establishment of current rates of consumption and project future trends
Identification of environmental impacts (including visual and aesthetic impacts) of quarrying basalt rock
Preparation of guidelines for addressing feasibility evaluation
Use of an EIA application as case study.

Furthermore, the Committee recommended a GIS study on rock reserves in Mauritius and the promulgation of regulations for ground vibration from rock quarrying activities.