Mines and Geology Division advances measures to strengthen mining and quarrying regulation and oversight

September 28, 2026

Jamaica’s mining and quarrying regulator is tightening its oversight systems.

This follows a performance audit that identified weaknesses in licensing, inspections, enforcement, financial accountability and the monitoring of rehabilitation obligations.

The Mining Ministry says its Mines and Geology Division (MGD) is implementing corrective measures in response to seven recommendations from the Auditor General’s Department.

The audit has prompted changes aimed at strengthening how mining leases and quarry licences are approved, how operators are inspected and how regulatory breaches, unpaid obligations and rehabilitation requirements are tracked.

Among the measures being advanced is tighter scrutiny of applications before mining leases and quarry licences are approved.

The MGD says it is working to ensure that required documents are verified consistently and placed on file before applications move forward.

The MGD is also moving towards a documented, risk-based inspection system under which operators would be monitored according to factors such as their compliance history and environmental and social risks.

The Ministry says the Division is strengthening the systems used to record regulatory activities and enforcement actions.

This includes improved registers and compliance records, clearer procedures for escalating breaches and closer monitoring of the expiry and tenure of mining licences and leases.

The Division is also moving to strengthen the reconciliation and monitoring of royalties and quarry tax while steps have been initiated to engage relevant entities in relation to outstanding obligations.

It says work is also being advanced on a financial recovery plan to provide a structured approach to follow-up and recovery of outstanding amounts.

Rehabilitation obligations are also being addressed.