Jamaica
News - Real Estate - General (June 18, 2004)
Tougher bauxite land policy - Increased
penalties for failure to restore mined-out properties
THE 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, 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.
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