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Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, says the government is committed to revitalising the local bauxite/alumina industry, which has been ailing for some time. “This sector is very important to us as a nation, not only for the revenue that it can bring, but in light of the fact that so many Jamaican communities depend on...

The Ministry of Energy and Mining is pursuing discussions with several of the country’s tertiary institutions towards establishing a partnership for the delivery of a four-year degree programme for professionals in the mining sector. “There has been dialogue with the University of Technology (UTech) in particular, and we are continuing the dialogue. We have had discussions with the University of...

The Ministry of Energy and Mining is projecting the creation of up to 2,000 jobs within the local mining sector over the next 10 years. The projection is based on the extent of associated activities resulting from the full implementation of the National Policy on Minerals Development 2010 – 2030. Principal Director of the Ministry’s Policy Planning and Minerals Division,...

KINGSTON — Mining and quarrying saw the most growth of all sectors in the economy during the July to September quarter of 2011, with an increase of 7.5 per cent. This growth contributed to the economy growing by 0.5 per cent for the quarter under review. It is also projected that the economy will grow by between 1 per cent...

Residents from Westmoreland were on Thursday (Nov. 10) informed about Government's plans for the development of the minerals industry, as the Ministry of Energy and Mining continued its island-wide consultations on the 'Draft National Minerals Policy.' Scores of residents, including students, teachers and Members of the Westmoreland Parish Council attended the session, which was held during the monthly sitting of...

A month-long series of public consultations is being planned by the Ministry of Mining and Energy (MEM), to introduce the re-engineered Draft National Minerals Policy for public approval. The document is entitled The National Minerals Policy: Fostering Sustainability in Jamaica’s Minerals Industry. The month-long consultations are set to begin on October 26, covering the major parishes where mining operations take...

MONTEGO BAY — Sixty one students from schools in St. Ann were recently awarded for their outstanding performance in the 2011 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT). The awards ceremony, hosted by Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners, was held on August 9 at the Runaway Bay Heart Hotel, where the awardees were presented with certificates and scholarship grants of $25,000 each, to...

KINGSTON — Steps are being taken to clean up the site of last week's reported chemical contamination at the former Ausjam gold mine in Pennants, Clarendon. According to Minister Housing, Environment and Water, Dr. Horace Chang, the effort has included the relocation of over seven tonnes of sodium cyanide, which was being stored in a container at the mine, formerly...

KINGSTON — Operations at the gold mine in Pennants, Clarendon, which ceased nearly two years ago, could resume soon, according to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). Chief Executive Officer of NEPA, Peter Knight, told journalists at a media briefing at the agency's Cross Roads, St. Andrew offices on July 18, that they were “advised” that the operators, AUSJAM...

The Ministry of Energy and Mining is working to complete the National Minerals Policy 2010 to 2030 within the first quarter of the new fiscal year for tabling in Parliament in August. Consultations on the draft policy are now underway, which will inform the final document. Principal Director for the Policy Planning and Development Division of the Ministry, Oral Rainford,...

Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson, says Jamaica is not expected to be negatively impacted by the reported stockpiling of bauxite, alumina and other raw materials by China. Speaking at the PIOJ’s quarterly review briefing at the agency’s New Kingston offices on Wednesday (February 23), Dr. Hutchinson said China’s actions are not a “point...

Resuscitation of the local bauxite industry is on track, with the restart of operations at Windalco’s Kirkvine plant in Manchester, set for July 1 this year. Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon. James Robertson made the announcement in the House of Representatives, on February 15.  The revitalisation of the Kirkvine operations brings with it more than 1,000 jobs, and follows...