Protecting Jamaica from Destructive Mining

Cockpit Country, Jamaica. PHOTO: Jeremy Francis

ELAW partners at the Jamaica Environment Trust are making exciting progress protecting Jamaica`s largest contiguous forest from a potentially devastating mining project. The Alcoa and Clarendon Alumina companies propose to prospect for bauxite (the raw material for aluminum) in Cockpit Country.

This rugged forested area of western Jamaica is an internationally recognized treasure. Its vast groundwater reserves provide 40% of Jamaica`s water supply and the area is home to the Maroons – descendents of the earliest slaves who were freed by Spanish settlers around the time of the British conquest in 1655. Maroons today are united in their opposition to prospecting and mining in Cockpit Country.

"The residents of this area value their rural way of life, their culture and history, and the exceptional natural resources," says ELAW partner Diana McCaulay, Director of the Jamaica Environment Trust. "Bauxite mining would destroy these things forever."

Diana called on ELAW for information about Alcoa`s spotty track record cleaning up a bauxite mine in Western Australia, as well as information about the real impacts of bauxite mining, and reclamation requirements from other countries. ELAW Staff Attorney Jennifer Gleason worked with JET to prepare a review of Jamaica`s mining regulations, which JET is using to seek protection for Cockpit Country.

When Jamaica`s Minister of Agriculture and Lands issued permits to begin prospecting, JET raised concerns. In response, the Minister agreed to suspend both licenses, pending meetings with civil society stakeholders.

"We want Cockpit Country closed to prospecting and mining, declared a national protected area, and established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," says Diana.

Working on a shoestring budget, Diana collaborated with filmmaker Esther Figueroa of Vagabond Media and produced "Cockpit Country: Voices from Jamaica`s Heart." This 30-minute film captures the anger of community members who would be displaced by the mining operation. The film was launched at the Trelawny Yam Festival in April 2007 and has aired on Jamaica TV.

JET is collaborating with community groups, scientists, and other environmental groups to educate many audiences about the biological and cultural value of Cockpit Country, including presentations to the Cabinet Sub Committee on Minerals Policy. Copies of these presentations are being provided to Jamaican schools to stimulate debate and discussion.

The Government of Jamaica has now commissioned a study to establish the boundaries of Cockpit Country. Once the boundaries are defined, JET will work with ELAW to put legal protections in place and save this national treasure.