No plans for bauxite mining in or near Cockpit Country, assures Minister Green

Sugar Ray Thomas

Mining Minister Floyd Green has reiterated that there is no plan to allow bauxite mining in, or close to, the Cockpit Country.

The minister was responding to queries from Member of Parliament (MP) for East Kingston and Port Royal, Phillip Paulwell on whether or not additional lands were allocated to Alpart alumina refinery as part of mining activities.

Mr. Green outlined in Parliament yesterday plans by JISCO to reopen and modernise the refinery with construction works to begin by the end of the year.

He said JISCO indicated that approximately 149 million tonnes of bauxite reserves are associated with lands being pursued, which would support the long-term viability of refinery operations.

Mr. Paulwell asked about the Cockpit Country in this regard.

In response, Mr. Green said the company has identified areas already under mining leases that it has an interest in.