The government will be taking proactive measures towards the production of sand, stone, and manganese, Finance Minister Ashni Singh said in his budget presentation on Monday last, adding that it was committed to supporting the growth of sand and stone production in order to keep up with the rapid expansion of the construction sector.
In 2023, sand extraction was carried out at 31 legally operated sites, resulting in an impressive production of over 7.8 million tonnes for the year. This is a significant increase from 2020 when there were only 18 operations producing less than 700,000 tonnes.
These operations have not only expanded, Singh noted, but also included the establishment of strategic stockpiles and increased barging capacity to cater to the intensified developmental efforts occurring nationwide. Moreover, beneficial occupation of sand pit property is being reviewed to ensure that supplies can keep up with the growing demand. In addition, traditional daytime operations have also evolved into 24-hour operations, reducing truck cycle times.
With regard to quarry material, there has been noteworthy progress over the past three years, the minister said. Quarry capacity has grown from six functioning quarries in 2020 to 10 in 2023. This expansion has more than doubled the amount of material being shipped from quarry sites. Four of the existing 10 producers further expanded their capacity in 2023, while the remaining six are currently in the process of doing so.
Further, the private sector has invested over US$20 million in acquiring small and large barges, tugs, pontoons, crushers, trucks, and cranes to increase the capacity for production and transportation to local markets. It is worth mentioning that in 2023, two major companies were able to transition from the exploration stage to actual production within a year, a feat that has not been seen before. This, Singh said, demonstrates the determination of the private sector to participate in the ongoing construction boom. Added to this, in this month, an eleventh quarry began operations while three more will become operational later in the year.
In terms of manganese production, the minister said that efforts will continue to ensure readiness for increased exports this year. Despite ongoing challenges, the company is dedicated to addressing them and plans are in place to employ over 280 individuals in 2024.
