Tourism minister addresses Stonefield quarrying concerns [with audio]

Dominica’s Tourism Minister, Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, addresses public concerns about proposed quarry at Stonefield Concord (which, according to an OPM document, involves the extraction of Basalt for use in the ongoing construction of the runway of the new international airport), firmly denying claims that copper mining is happening or planned, calling them false and misleading.

In an official audio release from the Government of Dominica, responding to viral information campaigns by local environmentalist groups, she emphasizes that no unauthorized mining has taken place and that authorities are strictly enforcing regulations.

The minister also reassures the public that any quarry development will follow strong environmental protections and careful oversight to safeguard communities and natural resources.

Within the context of what she terms “baseless allegations”, she also defends the contractor, China Railway CR5, highlighting their role in national projects like the international airport.

The minister also encourages citizens to rely on official information and urges support for responsible development that balances economic growth with environmental preservation.

Full statement below: