KINGSTON, Jamaica — Residents in mining communities now have access to an app through which they can directly report concerns about mining operations to the authorities in real time.

The Mining Matters mobile app, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, through the Mines and Geology Division (MGD), was launched on Tuesday at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon.

READ: App coming to allow quick reporting of mining breaches

Portfolio Minister Floyd Green, said the app gives communities a “stronger voice” and a “stronger role” in ensuring that mining and quarrying activities are conducted responsibly.

“So, when you are in the community and you have the app on your phone and you see an infraction, you can go into the app and you can enter what you are observing. You  can take a picture and you can send that. Not only does it give you the ability to make a report but it also gives us at the ministry and gives me as minister and the state minister the ability to track those reports,” he explained.

He noted that mining is fundamental to the economy; however, it requires balance.

“We have never been shy about highlighting the fact that the growth and contribution of the mining sector must be balanced with the well-being of our people and with the well-being of our environment. We have to always look at long-term sustainability as we oversee our natural resources. As such, today’s launch of the Mining Matters app strengthens our ability to achieve that balance,” he said.

Individuals can upload and install the app directly to their smartphones by visiting the Google Play Store.

Once a report is lodged, it will be recorded within 24 hours, and feedback provided within three days.

“There are other operating procedures in relation to the investigation and what happens next, so your complaints are time-bound, and we will be able to track it. That will also give us a better leg to stand on when we are interacting with the [mining] companies. The platform will allow citizens a direct, accessible, and efficient channel to report their concerns, to highlight violation, and to use it for the common good,” the minister said.

JIS