Jamaica more than doubled its export earnings from mining and quarrying for the first 10 months of 2023, compared with the similar period in 2022.

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica says the industry sent US$473.3 million worth of goods overseas.

That’s compared with the US$216.5 million made for January to October 2022.

The increased income was linked to a US$250.2 million rise in earnings from alumina.

Alumina earnings amounted to US$395.7 million, compared with US$145.5 million for the corresponding period in 2022.

The resumption of operations at Jamalco in Clarendon after a fire also positioned the country to ramp up mining related activities.

The value of bauxite exports, however, came in 8.2 per cent lower at US$57.8 million.