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The Jamaica Bauxite Institute

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) is a recognized repository of information on bauxite and alumina, and enjoys a solid reputation for research and analysis of data and trends in the industry. The existence of the JBI puts Jamaica in the position of being one of the few developing countries with an institution devoted solely to the research and development of one of its prime mineral resources.

After the completion of the Bauxite Levy negotiations in 1975, it was noted that the absence of an organization to monitor, evaluate and conduct research on the bauxite/alumina industry, and to protect the interest of the Jamaican Government in the industry, was a major weakness on the Government’s side.

In order to address this imbalance, three institutions were created: the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), Jamaica Bauxite Mining Ltd. (JBM) and the Bauxite and Alumina Trading Company (BATCO). Established in 1976 as an arm of the Jamaican National Investment Company, the JBI’s role was to deal mainly with the sovereign aspects of the Government’s participation in the industry. It was also to give technical support to the other two institutions.

The JBI has been working, too, at maintaining a harmonious industrial relations climate in the bauxite/alumina industry, as continued investor confidence relies heavily on amicable relations between the industry’s management and employees. Workshops comprising JBI representatives, union delegates, and management have been held from time to time. These are intended to maintain open lines of communication among all parties, and to diffuse any potential conflicts before they become serious.

The primary focus of the JBI for the future is to enhance the competitive position of the local industry through greater productivity and a stable industrial climate, to facilitate additional investment and the modernization of the plants, consistent with sound environmental practices.

Encouraging protection of the environment includes strengthening the Institute’s capacity to monitor and undertake environmental research and ensuring that environmental practices of the industry are in keeping with the highest standards worldwide. Research on specific problems in the processing of alumina, red mud disposal and utilization and the exploration of reserves for future mining operations in Jamaica are also vital areas which will continue to receive the priority attention of the JBI.

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) is a recognized repository of information on bauxite and alumina, and enjoys a solid reputation for research and analysis of data and trends in the industry. The existence of the JBI puts Jamaica in the position of being one of the few developing countries with an institution devoted solely to the research and development of one of its prime mineral resources.

After the completion of the Bauxite Levy negotiations in 1975, it was noted that the absence of an organization to monitor, evaluate and conduct research on the bauxite/alumina industry, and to protect the interest of the Jamaican Government in the industry, was a major weakness on the Government’s side.

In order to address this imbalance, three institutions were created: the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), Jamaica Bauxite Mining Ltd. (JBM) and the Bauxite and Alumina Trading Company (BATCO). Established in 1976 as an arm of the Jamaican National Investment Company, the JBI’s role was to deal mainly with the sovereign aspects of the Government’s participation in the industry. It was also to give technical support to the other two institutions.

The JBI has been working, too, at maintaining a harmonious industrial relations climate in the bauxite/alumina industry, as continued investor confidence relies heavily on amicable relations between the industry’s management and employees. Workshops comprising JBI representatives, union delegates, and management have been held from time to time. These are intended to maintain open lines of communication among all parties, and to diffuse any potential conflicts before they become serious.

The primary focus of the JBI for the future is to enhance the competitive position of the local industry through greater productivity and a stable industrial climate, to facilitate additional investment and the modernization of the plants, consistent with sound environmental practices.

Encouraging protection of the environment includes strengthening the Institute’s capacity to monitor and undertake environmental research and ensuring that environmental practices of the industry are in keeping with the highest standards worldwide. Research on specific problems in the processing of alumina, red mud disposal and utilization and the exploration of reserves for future mining operations in Jamaica are also vital areas which will continue to receive the priority attention of the JBI.

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability

The JBI has spearheaded a new alliance with the companies and host communities to strengthen the ability of communities to be sustainable after mining is completed. So far, six Community Councils have been established, and it is expected that these will provide the forum for the discussing and settling of problems which may arise. The Institute has been inviting proposals in light industries, cooperative agricultural ventures, animal rearing, cottage industries and aquaculture. All these ideas have come from the people and their representatives.

The JBI has accelerated its public education efforts, to help Jamaicans better understand the critical importance of the bauxite/alumina industry to the national economy. It has hosted community forums in rural areas to achieve this, and intends to expand its message via the mass media.

Roles & Functions

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (J.B.I.) was established by the Government of Jamaica in 1975 and is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Jamaica in October 1975.

1

Monitor and study the aluminum industry and advise the Government of Jamaica on matters pertaining to the bauxite/alumina industry locally and internationally

2

Continually assess and ensure rationalization in the use of Jamaica’s bauxite reserves and (bauxite) lands

3

Monitor and make recommendations to ensure adequate pollution controls and other environmental programmes in the industry

4

Provide laboratory services to analyze not only bauxite, its products and by-products but also a range of industrial and agricultural materials

5

Implements Bauxite Community Development Programmes (BCDP) in collaboration with the bauxite/alumina companies and community councils
The immediate objectives of the Institute are dictated by a series of agreements with the bauxite companies operating in Jamaica, under which the Government has acquired varying levels of interest in the local operations of these companies, together with the re-acquisition of all the bauxite lands not immediately affected by mining and process operations. On the other hand the Government, through the Institute, is obligated to make available to the companies suitable deposits of ore to meet the productive capacity of their plants, as required over the tenure of agreements. A basic requirement is that of enabling the companies to fulfill their obligations under the Bauxite Production Levy Act, the Income Tax Act and the Mining Act so providing the country with the revenues to be paid in respectively as levy, income tax and royalty.

Roles & Functions

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (J.B.I.) was established by the Government of Jamaica in 1975 and is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Jamaica in October 1975.

1

Monitor and study the aluminum industry and advise the Government of Jamaica on matters pertaining to the bauxite/alumina industry locally and internationally

2

Continually assess and ensure rationalization in the use of Jamaica’s bauxite reserves and (bauxite) lands

3

Monitor and make recommendations to ensure adequate pollution controls and other environmental programmes in the industry

4

Provide laboratory services to analyze not only bauxite, its products and by-products but also a range of industrial and agricultural materials

5

Implements Bauxite Community Development Programmes (BCDP) in collaboration with the bauxite/alumina companies and community councils
The immediate objectives of the Institute are dictated by a series of agreements with the bauxite companies operating in Jamaica, under which the Government has acquired varying levels of interest in the local operations of these companies, together with the re-acquisition of all the bauxite lands not immediately affected by mining and process operations. On the other hand the Government, through the Institute, is obligated to make available to the companies suitable deposits of ore to meet the productive capacity of their plants, as required over the tenure of agreements. A basic requirement is that of enabling the companies to fulfill their obligations under the Bauxite Production Levy Act, the Income Tax Act and the Mining Act so providing the country with the revenues to be paid in respectively as levy, income tax and royalty.

Mission

The mission of the Jamaica Bauxite Institute is to maintain an unwavering commitment good scholarly and market-based research as well as the facilitation of investment in plant expansion and renewal, without degrading the environment.

Mission

The mission of the Jamaica Bauxite Institute is to maintain an unwavering commitment good scholarly and market-based research as well as the facilitation of investment in plant expansion and renewal, without degrading the environment.

Vision

Within the context of a new fiscal regime, to progressively refocus the JBI from being largely government funded to taking on the character of a self-financing public body.

Vision

Within the context of a new fiscal regime, to progressively refocus the JBI from being largely government funded to taking on the character of a self-financing public body.

Policy Statement

The JBI is committed to the sustainable development of the Bauxite/Alumina Industry. The Institute will work in collaboration with other agencies and will be pro-active in attaining compatibility between the Industry’s operations (processes, activities and products) and the environment by:

  • Ensuring that operations are conducted with minimal impact on the environment.
  • Ensuring compliance with all local standards and regulations through a regular and effective monitoring programme.
  • Conducting regular reviews on the environmental performance of the industry and instituting the necessary corrective actions.
  • Promoting research and development aimed at identifying new technologies for a cleaner, more efficient production process and waste minimization.
  • Fostering and maintaining a harmonious relationship with communities in the vicinity of bauxite/alumina operations.

Policy Statement

The JBI is committed to the sustainable development of the Bauxite/Alumina Industry. The Institute will work in collaboration with other agencies and will be pro-active in attaining compatibility between the Industry’s operations (processes, activities and products) and the environment by:

  • Ensuring that operations are conducted with minimal impact on the environment.
  • Ensuring compliance with all local standards and regulations through a regular and effective monitoring programme.
  • Conducting regular reviews on the environmental performance of the industry and instituting the necessary corrective actions.
  • Promoting research and development aimed at identifying new technologies for a cleaner, more efficient production process and waste minimization.
  • Fostering and maintaining a harmonious relationship with communities in the vicinity of bauxite/alumina operations.

FAQ's

Red mud is the primary waste associated with the bauxite industry. The industry has instituted new mud disposal techniques that are environmentally friendly. This is being done by dry and thick mud stacking. These are processes in which thin layers of mud are spread on sloping beds to drain and evaporate to a high solid content. Clay sealed under-drain disposal lakes are also used. They are designed to maintain zero discharge from the plant to the environment.
The JBI monitors the industry on behalf of the NEPA and submits quarterly reports. The NEPA reserves the right to independently monitor and investigate complaints following consultations with the JBI and to take action, which it deems appropriate.

FAQ's

Red mud is the primary waste associated with the bauxite industry. The industry has instituted new mud disposal techniques that are environmentally friendly. This is being done by dry and thick mud stacking. These are processes in which thin layers of mud are spread on sloping beds to drain and evaporate to a high solid content. Clay sealed under-drain disposal lakes are also used. They are designed to maintain zero discharge from the plant to the environment.
The JBI monitors the industry on behalf of the NEPA and submits quarterly reports. The NEPA reserves the right to independently monitor and investigate complaints following consultations with the JBI and to take action, which it deems appropriate.

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