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Bauxite mining and alumina refining company Jamalco will invest US$70.5 million ($11 billion) to extend the life of its mining operations by accessing additional bauxite resources in Manchester, though its plan remains a “sensitive” issue.
The capital expenditure will cover mine development and installation of equipment over three years, ranging from 2025 to 2027.
“Currently, the ownership of land parcels requires Jamalco to obtain sufficient rights before exploration is completed,” stated the Jamalco Technical Report Summary, produced by its parent company, Century Aluminum, which is headquartered in the United States. Century is worth US$662 million, based on its capital as of December 2024.
When operations began decades ago, much of the area was either government-owned or controlled by Jamalco, and local communities were less resistant to bauxite development, according to the company. Today, Jamalco’s primary mining site, SML 130 in southern Manchester, is “approaching depletion”. The refinery intends to shift focus to SML 169 in north Manchester, which includes properties owned by the Government of Jamaica and private citizens.
Mining on sensitive lands is one of several challenges that have arisen between bauxite companies and local communities.