Discovery Bauxite continues its reforestation efforts, plants large number of trees

Discovery Bauxite, an Atlantic Alumina subsidiary that aims to plant 200,000 trees over three years in support of the National Tree Planting Initiative, has announced that it is ahead of schedule.

Operation Discovery Tree was launched in December of last year. Ackee, jackfruit, apple, kola nuts, pimento, cedar, mahogany, blue mahoe, moringa, citrus, mango, breadfruit, and avocado trees have been planted so far.

According to Discovery Bauxite, the initiative also contributes to its community-wide land restoration and replanting programme, which includes rehabilitating mined-out sites around Lime Tree Gardens, Water Valley, Tobolski, and other regions. This was stated in the company's newsletter for December.

Delroy Dell, the Vice-President and Country Manager of Discovery bauxite, said, “It is an ongoing programme that includes the protection of forest reserves and heritage sites, protection of water tables, and restoration of mined-out lands for agriculture, community use, and housing."

As a vital component of its mining operations, he vowed that the corporation would fulfil its obligations toward reforestation and land rehabilitation. The programme has the support of community members and the forestry department in the areas where tree planting is taking place.

One of the many Water Valley residents who have planted trees in support of this initiative is Lisa Clarke.

She said, "We are proud to be the first-recorded private sector organisation to plant 100,000 in support of the prime Minister's objectives of 3,000,000 trees in three years."

Ainsley Henry, the CEO of the Forestry Department, hailed the programme by exemplifying it as "Mining finding common ground with forestry based on the mutual partnership formed with Discovery Bauxite to support the national agenda."