The Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTAPA) says there are too many obstacles in the process of obtaining mining licenses, and they want government to streamline the mechanism.
President of the Association, Nigel Tenia, says since the Mineral Act of 2000, government has not granted any licenses to extract sand and gravel.
Speaking to Guardian Media, he said the whole industry is illegal and only the Studley Park Quarries and the National Quarries Limited have letters from government allowing them to operate.
He said it is very difficult to get a mineral license and the process lacks transparency and accountability.
The Energy Ministry responded last week, saying the allegations made by the TTAPA are false.
“Over the past few years, the MEEI has granted numerous Process Mineral licences to various companies,” the Ministry stated in a media release.
“Since 2014 to present, the MEEI has been actively collaborating with Operators and Applicants within the Mining Sector to facilitate the renewal of licences; process new licence applications; and to address any concerns regarding licencing procedures.”
