Mining Ministry Working to Promote Synergies in Minerals Industry

Minister of State in the Ministry of Energy and Mining, Hon. Laurence Broderick, has said that the Ministry is working to promote synergies among the various segments of the minerals industry.
Making his contribution to the 2009/10 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (July 21), Mr. Broderick said this is necessary to build a strong, integrated and profitable industry that contributes to national sustainable development.
“Clear areas of synergy between different segments of the minerals industry exist. These include promoting value chain progression throughout the industry. This means greater focus on the production of value-added products, which brings increased financial value to the companies and to the country,” he stated.
Citing the areas for collaboration, he pointed to the development of cost efficient energy solutions and energy efficient plants and machinery; facilitating arrangements between the industrial minerals sector and the bauxite and alumina operators for access to port loading and rail facilities; and ensuring that an increased content of local commodities (goods and services) is utilised by the bauxite and alumina sector.
“This includes ensuring that all industrial minerals sector products such as lime and cement, which are used in the bauxite and alumina sector, are produced by local companies,” the State Minister said.
He said that synergy could also be achieved in promoting international best practices in critical areas such as occupational health and safety; land rehabilitation; technical capability upgrading; improved productivity; industrial relations and human capital development.
On another matter, the State Minister commended Jamalco for the recent conclusion of the expansion of its Residue Disposal System (RDA 5).
“This US$60 million ($5.34 billion) project deserves high commendation on two levels. Firstly, it was completed below estimated cost and secondly, it was done entirely by local contractors…the market downturn notwithstanding, the company continues to achieve new production records and improve its position on the global cost curve,” he stated.