Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Dr. Roodal Moonilal has reassured that temporary “holdover letters” issued to quarrying operators are a necessary legal measure to keep mining operations running while licensing delays are addressed.
Responding to concerns raised about the fairness and legality of the temporary one-year permits, referred to as “holdover letters”, issued on May 22, 2026, Minister Moonilal explained that the arrangement allows operators with expired licences to continue mining and processing materials legally while the Ministry works to resolve licensing delays.
“I’m happy to report that just this morning we met with the Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association, Mr. Nigel Tenia and his colleagues, and we had a very successful meeting.”
Dr. Moonilal added that the Ministry is actively issuing additional holdover letters to ensure the growing demand for aggregate materials is met.
He said the initiative is aimed at supporting major construction projects while also boosting foreign exchange earnings through regional exports.
“And we want the sector to be up and running quickly so that we are happy that we have entities with holdover letters. We are happy we are processing new applicants for a licence because it is critical that we have a reasonable price supply of aggregate for the mass of construction that we are about to follow.”
As part of efforts to strengthen the sector, Dr. Moonilal also announced plans to host an open house later this month, bringing together key stakeholders.
“For all stakeholders, the Government agencies, it’s many, many agencies, EMA, Town and Country, Commissioner of State Lands and so on, Ministry of Energy, Attorney General’s Office, and we are having an open house at the end of the month to bring all the players together, all stakeholders, to look at how we can fast-track decisions in that sector.”
Minister Moonilal was speaking to reporters at a seedling distribution ceremony at his constituency office on Wednesday.