Montserrat News Release :The Resource Revolution- Ash to Cash

NEWS RELEASE

Avatari and Zeimco unveil Montserrat Volcanic Materials Program: green cement & rock-fibre industry to boost livelihoods while protecting nature

Brades, Montserrat — 2 September 2025 — Avatari International LLP, together with its industrial affiliate Zeimco, today announced the Montserrat Volcanic Materials Program—a flagship plan to transform the island’s abundant volcanic deposits into green pozzolanic cement, andesitic basalt fibre and mineral-based soil enhancers, creating skilled jobs and resilient infrastructure while safeguarding wildlife and landscapes. The initiative anchors Montserrat’s broader “Resource Revolution Island” vision and is designed to scale exports and community income with world-class environmental stewardship.

“From ASH to CASH—without sacrificing our forests or seas,” said Jeremy Morrelli, Founder of Avatari. “By turning Montserrat’s volcanic materials into low-carbon cement and non-corrosive rock fibre, we can cut import dependence, open export markets and create lasting livelihoods—all while funding restoration of rivers, reefs and turtle beaches.”

“This is materials innovation with a conservation core,” added Steven Kay KC, Senior Legal Counsel to Avatari. “Transparent governance, benefit-sharing and rigorous impact safeguards will be embedded from day one so communities and biodiversity are the first beneficiaries.”

What the program includes

• Zeimco Resource Revolution Hub to produce green pozzolanic cement and andesitic basalt fibre from Soufrière Hills deposits—targeting hurricane-resilient, steel-free construction across the Caribbean. Once fully operational, the industrial hub is projected to support ~1,200 direct jobs and ~US$300 million in annual exports, catalysing local SMEs and technical training. 

• Circular, nature-positive design: lifecycle emissions tracking, seawater-tolerant concrete applications, and product routes that replace steel in salt-spray zones to extend infrastructure life and reduce maintenance. 

• Linked conservation portfolio: the Avatari Land & Marine Preservation Trust advancing the Belham River Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve from the volcano to Isles Bay turtle nesting beaches, with community-led trails, species protection (including the Montserrat oriole) and education.

• Integrated island strategy: alignment with geothermal baseload power, blue-carbon seagrass restoration, eco-tourism and skills academies under the Montserrat Opportunities eXploration Initiative (MOXI) to make the island a net-regenerative economy.

“We will hire and train Montserratians first,” Morrelli added. “From plant operators and lab techs to conservation rangers and eco-guides, this program is built to keep value on-island and elevate local talent.”

Environmental & community safeguards

• ESIA-led siting and operations aligned with Montserrat’s standards; open data on air, water and biodiversity indicators; grievance redress and no-bribery policy. 

• Wildlife protection & access: riparian buffers, quiet hours, dark-sky lighting near nesting beaches, and co-management with community groups within the Belham River preserve footprint. 

• Benefit-sharing & local ownership mechanisms across SPVs to retain dividends and wages on-island and fund marine restoration (seagrass, reefs, turtle programs). 

Call for partners

Avatari and Zeimco invite Government of Montserrat, conservation leaders, educators, local businesses and mission-aligned investors to co-develop the industrial hub, training pipelines and conservation endowment. The companies will publish a milestones portal covering feasibility, permitting, workforce programs and conservation outcomes.

About Avatari International LLP

Avatari develops regenerative infrastructure for small states—integrating green industry, blue carbon, and community wealth so that nature and prosperity rise together.

About Zeimco

Zeimco is Avatari’s materials and manufacturing platform for volcanic rock fibre, green cement and circular composites, engineered for coastal resilience across CARICOM markets.

Media ContactAvatari International LLPEmail: press@avatariinternational.com