Dear Editor,

I was struck with mixed feelings upon reading in the Jamaica Observer that the mining of bauxite was set to be resumed in the St Elizabeth/Manchester area.

While I am excited by the promise of hundreds of jobs being created, I am, at the same time, sceptical about the impacts of mining on the environment. I am afraid that we might be compromising human and environmental health for economic gains.

One of the most important environmental issues associated with bauxite mining in Jamaica is the proper disposal of red mud, the waste product of the process. Red mud is characterised by high pH and high salt levels; it will eventually make its way into both surface and groundwater systems causing an increase in eutrophication, turbidity, and can lead to poorer drinking water quality. It can also lead to a loss in biodiversity, which, if you remember, was also one of the main issues associated with the Goat Islands saga.

For the sake of the people of west central Jamaica, I hope that the environmental regulations that are already in place will be followed and that stronger ones will be implemented.

I challenge the relevant authorities to provide full disclosure to the surrounding communities of both the associated health and environmental problems.

Jason Williams

Columbia, MO, USA

williamsjason@missouri.edu