The government of Dominica says quarrying at Stonefield is for basalt needed for the international airport, not for mining metals, and all environmental and saf
Dominica: The Government has refuted mining operation claims, explaining that the quarrying at the Deux Branches is to provide building material, specifically basalt, for the Dominica International Airport.
The Government of Dominica has issued an official statement to provide an update on the quarry and crushing plant at Stonefield, Concord, and to address the public’s concerns being raised that mining operations are being conducted in the area.
The official release came from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Reginald Severin, who provided clarity by covering some key points about the ongoing project and the steps the Government has taken to
Moreover, the Permanent Secretary also addressed the Stop Orders that were issued by the Physical Planning Division last year in December, stating that they were part of the regulatory process and an indication that the “administrative and legal processes for grant of development permission are being followed and are working as they should.”
According to the issued statement, the application for the quarry and crushing plant at Stonfield was submitted first on July 31, 2025, under the Physical Planning Act, which included a submission and review of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and additional technical reviews by different agencies. Both these have undergone formal review processes which were led by the Physical Planning Division, and the Environmental Health Services and the Forestry Division.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary Serevin explains that more than 50 stakeholders have been involved in the application process and that the assessments have also been made available for public review, following protocol.
Severin has made clear that the application was submitted to support the ongoing construction of the Dominica International Airport through the supply of aggregate materials needed for the airport’s runway, taxiway and tunnel infrastructure that
He added that what is being done at Stonefield is not a mining operation to extract gold, copper and other materials, but the extraction of basalt, a material used for construction.
This statement from the Permanent Secretary comes to cement what Prime Minister Skerrit stated earlier last month during his press conference, where he also addressed the same concerns.
In his address, PM Skerrit clarified, “We're not mining for copper or any other metals or minerals from beneath the earth's surface. We are only engaged in a quarry activity solely and absolutely for the purpose of the international airport, and once the airport stops needing such material, activities will come to an immediate halt."
Implemented Measures Taken to Address Potential Impacts
Sedimentation ponds, drainage systems and retaining structures are being installed to tackle the potential impacts on the country’s streams and rivers.
Corrective actions, such as the establishment of protective buffer zones, have been initiated to address concerns regarding encroachment into the Northern Forest Reserve.
In order to prevent water and soil contamination, off-site servicing of equipment, installation of spill control systems measure have been implemented. Moreover, monitoring of soil and water quality is continuous.
The Government has implemented strict protocols for material haulage, vehicular traffic management and the maintenance of affected roads to address road safety concerns.
The Government has also appointed liaison officers who have been providing the public with updates, strengthening communication and engagement with different communities.
PS Serevin concluded by urging the citizens, stating, "We are fully aware and understand that there are differing views. This is part of a healthy democracy. But we must be guided by facts, not misinformation, by processes, not speculation.”