Environment Ministry Looking Into Taking Illegal Coal Mining

Advertisement

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The Ministry of the Environment said that it is stepping up efforts to combat illegal coal mining in Southern New Providence, introducing stronger enforcement measures while exploring a long-term solution to end the practice.

Exclusive footage captured by the Our News team last week shows illegal coal mining activity continuing in southern New Providence despite repeated warnings from authorities.

It’s a story Our News has been following for months.

The issue has become a growing concern for residents, who say the practice is damaging the environment and affecting their quality of life.

Environmental officials say illegal charcoal production can lead to deforestation, damage to sensitive ecosystems and air pollution that poses health risks to surrounding communities.

Now, Minister of the Environment Zane Lightbourne said the government is continuing to strengthen its response.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister of the Environment

“I am pleased to announce that we have an enforcement unit that is in the planning mode within the Ministry of Environment, the Detection and Enforcement Unit.”

The minister says the unit will help modernize how environmental violations are reported through a digital platform, making it easier to detect and enforce against illegal activities.

But the government is also considering a long-term solution by taking over the industry to eliminate the illegal market.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister of the Environment

“We’re also looking to take over the coal mining industry to do it in a safe way, and I don’t want to give too many details about that as yet, but we’re going to offer the public an alternative to seeking out the illegal coal industry.”

Lightbourne says success will also depend on public cooperation.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister of the Environment

“This is a call for public participation. Too often we have things happening around us, and we depend on the public to use our advancement in digital technology. Everybody has phones now, but somehow it’s still hard to detect and catch people in the act.”

While the government continues its work to establish a new enforcement unit, Our News’ exclusive footage shows the illegal practice is still taking place.

For now, officials are urging the public to report illegal coal mining as authorities work to crack down on the activity and protect the environment.