Mining is destructive. The image above shows the poison ponds created by one of the 4 miners, WINDALCO. The Jamaican people are told that mining brings in billions of USD to aid economic growth and development, so it is a necessary evil. This isn't true, we get next to nothing for bauxite. This petition is calling for transparency to determine if mining is justified, and an investigation by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, MOCA.

Cost on Health
No government has investigated the significant costs associated with mining. Particulate matter i.e. dust, can result in serious health issues, but the government permitted WINDALCO to build ponds near Charlemont High School (bottom right). A local told me that her daughter can only attend classes twice a week because of her breathing ailments. That is unsurprising. The World Health Organization states that there is no 'safe level' for this dust. Exposure can cause:

• Emphysema;
• Pneumonia;
• Tuberculosis;
• Cancer;
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome;
• Respiratory distress syndrome;
• Pulmonary oedema;
• Asthma.

 

 

 

 

The Jamaica Environmental Trust reported that the minimum cost on health alone is a staggering US$2.9b per annum. So, for mining to be justified, the tax imposed on the miners i.e. the bauxite levy, must exceed US$2.9b. However, Jamaica receives next to nothing in levy payments:

• Since 2017, only WINDALCO is required to pay.
• Between 2017-22, bauxite earned US$3,684.2m, but the levy collected was just US$18.4m. That is a tax rate of 0.5%.
• Between 2017-27, Jamaica is projected to receive levy payments totalling a paltry US$27m.

This is exploitation.

The government fight for mining
Some locals have taken legal action, and in Nov 2022, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights advised the government to protect their rights to life, personal integrity, and health. However, the government is doing the exact opposite, claiming the country would suffer insurmountable economic loss without mining, but the levies suggest that this is hogwash. The companies are not 'required' to pay tax. Legislation prevents public scrutiny of mining contracts, and the government uses this lack of transparency to allow mining, but MOCA can gain access to the contracts. This petition is calling for transparency. The PM needs to suspend mining whilst MOCA investigates the industry. More details are in blogs on my website www.LetsBuildaBetterJamaica.com and interview with Never Knew TV.

Reports

Expansion of mining part 1.

Expansion of mining part 2.

Fish kill.

Destruction of farming. 

WINDALCO building toxic pond.

Elderly couple.

#jamaica #bauxite #alumina #mining