KINGSTON, Jamaica - Jamaica's government says the mining sector remains a cornerstone of the local economy, driving 85 per cent of traditional exports and contributing significantly to national development, while accounting for approximately two per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister, Floyd Green, speaking in Parliament.“In 2025, export earnings from our bauxite and alumina subsector were US$612 million, and we are seeing increased investor confidence where the investment in our mining sector for bauxite moved from US$251 million to US$326 million last year,” Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister, Floyd Green, said.
Green, making his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, noted that during this period of post-hurricane recovery and reconstruction, it is critical for the mining sector to continue advancing.
He told legislators that although Hurricane Melissa significantly affected the productive capacity of the bauxite and alumina subsector when it hit the country last October, causing operational disruptions and infrastructure challenges, companies in the industry continue to invest.
“Windalco has completed their haulage road in St. Ann, which opened up access to increased quantities of high-quality ore; they invested about US$29 million. Atlantic Alumina has entered into a strategic partnership worth $450 million in relation to Gramercy in Louisiana.
“This signals a significant shift in the industry for us here at Discovery Bauxite. They are investing US$45 million this year to construct a new haulage road, [undertake] maintenance upgrades and purchase heavy-duty equipment,” he added.
Green told legislators that a review committee was appointed in 2025, chaired by noted economist and technocrat, Dr. Wesley Hughes, to examine the management arrangements with Discovery Bauxite.
“We will be forwarding those recommendations to Cabinet and then we will advise the House of our next steps. Century Aluminum has invested approximately US$80 million in capital upgrades at Jamalco Refinery, including the installation of a new turbine generator to improve energy self-sufficiency, which should be opened the end of May.”
He said that a government delegation will travel to the People’s Republic of China in June for direct discussions with the Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company (JISCO) as the Andrew Holness government seeks definitive clarity on the reopening of the Alpart plant in St. Elizabeth and the future direction of its operations.
Green said that this is a matter of significant importance to the mining sector, and even more so to the people and communities of St. Elizabeth, as well as to the country as a whole.
“We have to take a definitive decision about the future of JISCO this year. They had indicated to us that they would start the phased reopening (of Alpart) towards the end of last year. We have already set a date to meet with them in person so that they can tell us their plans. If they don’t have any immediate plans, the Government will have to act.”
Meanwhile, Green said that the process to reform and strengthen bauxite community councils has commenced and that the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) has intensified its efforts to strengthen bauxite communities, with a strong focus on agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, health, and infrastructure.
He said that community councils have traditionally served as the main channel through which communities are engaged and select their projects.
“Where the community councils are strong, there is significant engagement and where the community councils are weak, there is poor engagement. We did seven audits of bauxite community councils last year, and were going to be restructuring the community councils.
“One of the things that’s non-negotiable (is) the Member of Parliament must have a representative on the community council. (That’s) very important, and we are going to partner with the Social Development Commission (SDC) to bring in some new blood on these community councils,” he added.
Green announced that Phase VIII of the Bauxite Community Development Programme has been approved, ensuring the continuation and expansion of targeted investments in infrastructure, livelihoods, and social development across bauxite-bearing communities.
“We will be spending significant sums on a number of areas. A total of J$70 million (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) will be (spent) to support education activities and J$30 million has been earmarked for healthcare. Operation Pipe Water will be accelerated to bring water infrastructure into communities that now do not have water,” he said.
Allocations to Members of Parliament for constituency development within bauxite communities will also be increased, enabling greater responsiveness to local priorities and community-driven projects.
Additionally, 50 acres of land have been identified in St. Ann for the development of an agro-park, supporting the Government’s food security agenda, agribusiness expansion, and increased employment opportunities in bauxite-bearing areas.
Green also noted that in 2024, the Hoilett/Lambert Scholarship was launched, awarding 14 students scholarships valued J$500,000 each.
“I’m pleased to announce that we’re expanding/doubling the support. This year, we will be offering 30 scholarships to students in bauxite parishes who are studying science, engineering and logistics,” he told Parliament.
