Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Frank Witter, says the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) plays a pivotal role in research and governance related to bauxite residue management.

“Through regular reviews of the industry’s environmental performance, JBI ensures necessary corrective actions are implemented. Furthermore, the Institute promotes research and development aimed at identifying the new technologies for cleaner, more efficient production process and waste minimisation,” he noted.

Mr. Witter was addressing the opening ceremony for the JBI International Workshop on Bauxite Residue and Mud Disposal Legacy Issues, at the ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston, on July 15.

He said the bauxite residue closure plan, which is currently in effect at Mount Rosser in St. Catherine, is a part of Alcan’s exit agreement in 2002.

The State Minister added that it is now subsumed into Rio Tinto to address its environmental impact on land ownership.

“At the time, there were no fully developed closure plan guidelines by the regulators, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA). [There is] an industry-specific framework for red mud ponds, and the JBI oversees the closure of these sites, ensuring adherence to this framework,” he said.

“The success of the closure plan at the Kirkvine Ponds completed in 2013 is a testament to the effectiveness of these initiatives. The red mud has been entirely covered with vegetation and the return of soil and fauna, including snails, lizards and birds signifies the restoration of the ecosystem,” the State Minister said.

Red mud is waste related to bauxite processing.

Mr. Witter pointed out that in 2001 the Government appointed the JBI to negotiate closure agreements with Alcan, making the first such agreement in Jamaica.

“Alcan, now a part of Rio Tinto, retains responsibility for out-of-use bauxite residue sites at two locations with the goal of safe remediation and returning ownership to the Government of Jamaica. The success of Kirkvine Ponds suggests that these agreements provide excellent templates for future closure of bauxite residue storage sites by other operators of bauxite and alumina companies in Jamaica,” he said.

Mr. Witter urged all the participants in the three-day workshop to continue working towards innovative solutions and strong collaboration for the sector and its impact on communities.

“Together we can ensure a sustainable future for Jamaica and the global bauxite industry,” he added.

He said the forum brings together industry stakeholders and leaders from around the world, noting that it provides an essential platform for dialogue while building on international best practices for the closure of bauxite residue sites.

“The JBI has consistently demonstrated positive engagement with local stakeholders, multinational companies and international research partners. This collaborative approach is crucial as we strive to manage bauxite residue more effectively,” the State Minister said.

He noted that the three-day workshop marks the first of its kind since 1998 when JBI held the international workshop on the rehabilitation of mined bauxite lands and red mud disposal ponds.

Some of the other attendees at the workshop included Former Executive Director, JBI, Parris Lyew-Ayee; Senior Environmental Officer, JBI, Shanti Persaud; Consultant, Safety and Environment, JISCO/Alpart, Andrene Jones; General Manager, Jamalco, Marvin Jackson; and District Manager-Closure, Rio Tinto, Fraser Thomson.