By Damion Mitchell, Staff ReporterTHE JAMAICA Bauxite Institute (JBI) has introduced stiffer penalties for bauxite companies which fail to take steps to rehabilitate mined-out lands within the stipulated period. This has been a source of continuous complaint by citizens and their political representatives.
In addition, the JBI is implementing a new regime which stipulates the specific use of reclaimed mined lands based on recommendations from particular communities.
Speaking yesterday at a Gleaner Editors' Forum at the company's North Street offices, in Kingston, Parris Lyew Ayee, JBI's general manager said, "imminently" the fine for failing to restore lands to approved standards would be increased from US$4,500 per acre to US$10,000 per acre."
RECLAMATION EXERCISES
Additionally, he said land reclamation exercises would have to be effected within three years after mining activities are completed.
Current regulations do not stipulate a time frame for bauxite companies to restore mined-out lands, and this restoration may be only to create a pasture.
Earlier, Ernie Smith, the Jamaica Labour Party Spokes-man on Mining, charged that Kaiser Alumina Company had failed to restore mined-out lands on schedule in his South Western St. Ann constituency, taking as long as 20 years. But worse yet, he said, "Even where reclamations have taken place, the quality of the reclamation has left much to be desired."
Lyew Ayee said that under the revised regulations "the land should be rehabilitated based on the needs of the community," noting that the demands by communities ranged from agricultural to community facilities.
FINANCIAL STRAINS
According to the JBI head, the fact that Kaiser was experiencing "serious financial strains" could have contributed to its failure to conduct its reclamation programme. However, he said that these shortfalls did not apply to the entire bauxite industry and that with the new ownership of Kaiser, it was expected that this would be improved.
Mr. Smith had also charged that the bauxite levy had been "squandered" by the Government, as it had not been used efficiently in improving communities where mining activities were carried out.
Norman DaCosta, first vice-president of the National Workers Union (NWU) with responsibility for bauxite issues, said too often bauxite companies do not treat with sensitivity matters relating to residents of communities where mining activities are conducted.
Jerome Maxwell, Jamalco's managing director, and Blossom Laidlaw, public relations manager, also participated in the forum.
