In light of public concerns raised regarding mining in the Cockpit Country Protected Area, Prime Minister Andrew Holness invited the heads all relevant agencies to update Cabinet on matters concerning the Cockpit Country. The Cabinet was advised by all relevant regulatory agencies that no bauxite mining is taking place in the area to be protected as the Cockpit Country (Designated)...

The Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) plans to explore the redevelopment of the Ocho Rios Port in St. Ann in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica. The objective is to rebuild the port into a multipurpose facility that will allow for continued loading and shipping of limestone and sugar, attract additional and larger cruise ships, and receive and distribute...

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) is preparing to enter Phase Seven of the Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP). This was disclosed by BCDP Project Coordinator, Clarence Osbourne, at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on Tuesday (March 12). He explained that under phase seven, another tranche of funds is expected to be paid over to the Programme to continue to administrate the...

Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says that mining continues to play an important role in the country’s economic growth and development. He noted that gross domestic product (GDP) for the July to September 2018 quarter grew by 1.8 per cent, bolstered by significant improvement in mining and quarrying. Real value added for the mining and quarrying industry grew...

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague, says the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP)-European Union (EU) Development Minerals Programme has assisted stakeholders in the mining sector to embrace international standards. The ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme is a three-year, €13.1 million capacity building project, which is an initiative of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of...

The Mines and Geology Division is staging a series of workshops on conflict-sensitive mining and grievance-handling mechanisms for stakeholders in the mining sector. The objective is to equip persons with skills to address conflicts, which left unresolved, could affect productivity, operational efficiency, and impact the emotional health and well-being of workers. Some 39 stakeholders benefited from the first two-day session...

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague, says some 2,000 titles are to be transferred to Jamaicans who have been relocated from bauxite mining lands. He made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2018/19 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives recently. “This is a priority. We cannot relocate people from their lands that have a title and...