Press Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister Mitchell Reaffirms Government’s Position on Bahama Rock Expansion.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6th August 2026

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. Fred Mitchell, has reaffirmed the Government’s position opposing any further expansion of the Bahama Rock mining operation, emphasising that the Government remains committed to protecting the interests of the people of Grand Bahama while allowing the statutory environmental review process to proceed.

Addressing the proposed expansion, Minister Mitchell noted that the Government’s position has remained consistent since the Progressive Liberal Party first considered the matter under the tenure of former Environment Minister Marcus Bethel.

“The Government’s position has not changed,” Minister Mitchell said. “We do not support the proposed expansion of the Bahama Rock operation, and that remains our policy.”

The Minister acknowledged the concerns expressed by residents living near the operation, particularly regarding the potential impact of blasting activities on nearby homes, communities, and the surrounding environment.

Minister Mitchell also noted that the environmental review process is continuing in accordance with the law. As part of that process, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) held a public consultation meeting in Grand Bahama on July 29, providing residents, stakeholders, and members of the public with an opportunity to review the proposal and voice their views.

“The public consultation process is an important part of environmental decision-making,” the Minister said. “It ensures that the voices of residents and other stakeholders are heard and taken into consideration before any final determination is made.”

He stressed that while the consultation process is ongoing, the Government’s policy remains unchanged.

“We will allow the statutory process to run its course, but our position continues to be that further expansion does not appear to be in the best interests of the people of Grand Bahama or The Bahamas,” Minister Mitchell stated.

The Minister said the Government will carefully consider the findings of the environmental review, together with the views expressed during the public consultation process, before any final decision is made.

“Ultimately, every decision of the Government will be guided by one overriding principle: what is in t he best interest of the people of Grand Bahama and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” Minister Mitchell said.

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