The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) wishes to acknowledge receipt of a letter dated October 28, 2025 from an organization titled the “Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Alliance” (TTAPA) seeking to have dialogue with the Honourable Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, to discuss matters relating to Processing Licences for the Mining Industry. It is important to note, that the MEEI is not yet aware of the TTAPA establishment or familiar with the work of this organization.
The MEEI also takes note of a recent newspaper article with quotations attributed to this said organization the TTAPA. The TTAPA has made allegations that no company or individual has been able to successfully secure a Processing Licence for Minerals in Trinidad and Tobago.
The MEEI wishes to inform the public that the allegations made by the TTAPA are false. Over the past few years, the MEEI has granted numerous Process Mineral licences to various companies. 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.
In efforts to maintain transparency, the MEEI has hosted at its Head Office, several full-day Open House sessions. Operators and Applicants were granted the opportunity to engage with staff from the key Ministries and Agencies from which approvals and documents are required prior to the grant and issue of Mining and Processing Licences. These Ministries and Agencies included: The Environmental Management Authority, the Town and Country Planning Division, the Water Resources Agency, the Office of the Commissioner of State Lands and the Technical and Legal teams of the MEEI. Notably, the last two (2) full-day Open House sessions held were on Wednesday 29 October, 2025 and Thursday 30 October, 2025.
Over the past twenty-five (25) years, the MEEI has always met with the executive and members of the Quarry Association of Trinidad and Tobago, which has been the Mining Industry’s recognized trade group in Trinidad and Tobago, to address any concerns of the industry.
The MEEI is currently conducting its due diligence to determine the bona fides of the organization called the Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTAPA).
The Honourable Minister will like to offer the public his assurance that he is always willing to meet with any citizen or bona fide group, on matters under his portfolio.
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Media Release-Minister Moonilal Addresses Licences for the Mining Industry