MP Peter Bunting’s case: Inspection of Jamaican bauxite industry for rehabilitation purposes

The bauxite industry of Jamaica has come under sharp political and public scrutiny. Manchester Southern MP and Opposition Senator, Peter Bunting, mentioned mining companies being aloof and secretive with the residents of the mining areas. Compensatory measures and rehabilitation procedures are underway, as noted by the Mining Minister, Floyd Green. 

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Peter Bunting informed the Parliament that bauxite operators, particularly Jamalco, visit mining sites with “a small army of private security and JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) personnel” that may be intimidating to the residents of the community. 

Bunting suggested a more transparent approach, so that communities are not left without basic information such as water-trucking schedules or advance notice of mining operations. He mentioned sites unrestored for more than a decade should be rehabilitated. 

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Compensation levels have also been addressed. Mining Minister Floyd Green reported the total payments between 2020 and 2025 to be around USD 350 million, averaging just over USD 50 million annually. 

Green acknowledged that compensation assessments are handled on a case-by-case basis and problems arising due to the lack of a centralised tracking system, but stated that the government is working to improve the oversight procedure. On rehabilitation, he confirmed that a full audit of mined bauxite lands is underway. “I have mandated that we do a full audit of the bauxite lands,” Green said, adding that areas no longer required for mining would be returned to the state.

The government has also advised operators to speed up land rehabilitation, to ease tensions so that the mining companies are able to work on a mutual and cooperative platform with host communities. 

Image source: http://bunting.org.jm/

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