Jamaica Govt. reforms Cockpit Country mining agreement, an advantage for Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners

The Jamaican Minister of Transport and Mining, Robert Montague stated that the government has revised the Cockpit Country mining agreement.

As confirmed by the minister, the amendment incorporates the eradication of 6,000 hectares of land, which are adjoining to the Cockpit Country, from the original Special Mining Lease 173 (SML 173).

The amendment in the agreement resulted in Special Mining Lease 71 (SML 71), which anticipates additional lands to Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners adjacent on the east of where the company is presently mining bauxite, under Special Mining Lease 165 (SML 165).

On 26th May 2021, during the 2021/22 Sectoral Debate presentation, the minister said: “By replacing what was removed, we have satisfied not only the provisions of the law but the Establishment Agreement and the conditions of the licences.”

The minister also illustrated that as the law instructs, he acted on advice and direction from the Commissioner of Mines, Roy Nicholson, to amend SML 173.

“I also visited the Cockpit Country and gave time to listening and learning the concerns from the citizens in the parish of Trelawny and consulted with political representatives”, concluded Robert Montague.