Dominica’s government provides clear details on the Stonefield Quarry and Crushing Plant project in Concord. Permanent Secretary Reginald Severin in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development confirms the operation extracts basalt, a key material for constructing the international airport’s runways, taxiways, and tunnels.
Rejection of Precious Metals Claims
Officials firmly deny allegations of gold, silver, or other precious metals mining, labeling such claims false and misleading. The administration emphasizes its dedication to transparency, environmental safeguards, and strict legal compliance.
Severin acknowledges public concerns about the project and states the government actively addresses them. The quarry supplies basalt exclusively for airport infrastructure needs.
Project Timeline and Legal Framework
The project application dates back to July 31, 2025, supporting Dominica’s International Airport development. Operations follow the Mines and Minerals Act and undergo rigorous review under the Physical Planning Act.
Government submissions include a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), technical evaluations by multiple agencies, and over 50 stakeholder engagements. Authorities review 39 public submissions as part of decision-making.
Environmental and Safety Measures
Mitigation strategies protect water resources through ongoing environmental monitoring to prevent contamination. Officials resolved potential encroachment into the Northern Forest Reserve with immediate corrective actions, restoration planning, and buffer zone establishment.
Road safety enhancements include traffic management and maintenance protocols.
Response to Stop Order
Severin explains a December 2025 stop order as a standard regulatory step to verify development permissions. Following recommendations, the project split into quarry and crushing plant components. Revised proposals secured approval for the crushing plant, while quarry approvals remain under review with environmental data and public feedback evaluations ongoing.
The government commits to responsible, legal, and sustainable project advancement.
