Find Mining expertise in Antigua and Barbuda
- Mining
- Quarrying
- Governance
There is no commercial mining in Antigua and Barbuda.
See ‘Quarrying’ for information on quarrying in Antigua and Barbuda.
Limestone, clay, barite, volcanic stone and a small amount of salt are quarried on the islands. Limestone and volcanic stone mining occurs on Antigua and is mainly used for local construction. Small-scale clay excavation also takes place on Antigua, allowing for the manufacture of bricks and tiles for local building projects. Small amounts of salt and phosphate are mined from Barbuda and Redonda, respectively.
But the main quarrying activity that takes place in Antigua and Barbuda is sand mining on the island of Barbuda. Sand mining has historically been the largest industry on the island, despite its potentially devastating side effects. Sand extraction from the beaches of Barbuda is a major cause of erosion, leaving parts of the island vulnerable to increasing sea levels and the high waves of tropical storms.
The vast majority of quarried aggregates are used locally, little is exported.
In 2012 the Barbuda Council attempted to bring an end to the sand mining industry by passing a council resolution prohibiting the practice, though some mining activities remained. In 2013 newly elected Council Chairman of Barbuda, Arthur Nibbs, formerly known for his strong opposition to sand mining, announced a proposal to reintroduce sand mining on Barbuda in a bid to boost the economy, claiming that, while sand mining may be unfavourable, it is necessary for the islands’ future. At the time of writing, further steps towards recommencing sand mining practices were on hold.
Inadequate and ambiguous environmental legislation has been cited as the main reason for the ongoing conflict over beach resources in Antigua and Barbuda. In Antigua, a complicated legal definition of a beach has made enforcing sand mining legislation very difficult. Furthermore, low fines and loosely enforced prison sentences do little to discourage companies from carrying out illegal sand mining on the islands.
Mining and Minerals organisations in Antigua and Barbuda | |
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GWP Consultants LLP |
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