Sand and gravel mining is an extensive human activity that is vital to supplying the world's need for infrastructure development as well as construction. This review compiles recent studies on the environmental and socio-economic effects of this harmful practice. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for this study. In this review, the problems and effects of sand and gravel mining are properly highlighted using a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis. Studies from all around the world that present an overview of sand and gravel market, highlighting the main trends, production, export and import are included in this review. Riverbed morphological changes, habitat degradation, and alterations in aquatic biodiversity are among the physical and ecological effects examined. Hydrological effects include changes in river flow patterns, sedimentation, water quality deterioration, determined by a thorough assessment of the existing literature. Socio-economically, this practice can simultaneously offer and impede local economic advantages. Furthermore, the informal practices associated with sand and gravel mining can result in disputes, uncontrolled exploitation, and adverse socio-economic effects. At the end of this research, a series of suggestions for developing global agenda related to sustainable sand and gravel extraction.Through this review, we aspire to contribute to informed decision-making and the pursuit of sustainable practices that can mitigate the challenges posed by river sand and gravel mining while fostering a harmonious coexistence between human development and nature.