Jamaica’s mining and quarrying sector is getting renewed attention as the country pushes ahead with housing, infrastructure and other developments in the post-Melissa recovery.

The sector is set for a significant boost with Amrize — a publicly listed United States-based building materials and construction solutions company with operations across North America and corporate links to global construction group Holcim — taking ownership of the long established local firm Jamaica Aggregates.

This is seen as a significant signal of confidence in Jamaica with the local firm now being anchored in a US-anchored industrial platform.

Jamaica Aggregates operates multiple quarry sites across the island, supplying materials used in residential construction, roadworks and major infrastructure projects.

Chris Meyers, CEO of Jamaica Aggregates Limited

“For more than six decades, Jamaica Aggregates has supported construction activity across the island through regulated operations, consistent supply, and adherence to required standards. That responsibility continues to guide how we operate and contribute to Jamaica’s long-term development,” said Chris Meyers, the company’s CEO.

He pointed out that the company operates within Jamaica’s environmental, safety and regulatory frameworks, with a focus on consistency, compliance and long-term planning.

According to Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green, the quarrying sector’s importance goes well beyond material supply.

“Mining and quarrying support national development in very practical ways,” Green said.

“The sector contributes to Government revenues, provides direct and indirect employment, and supports skilled and technical jobs in communities across Jamaica. It is a foundational industry that enables growth in housing, infrastructure and investment,” added Green.

He noted that the mining and quarrying industry supports a broad economic ecosystem, including transport operators, contractors, engineers, equipment suppliers and service providers with its impact felt not only at quarry sites, but throughout the wider economy.

Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, says Amrize coming into Jamaica aligns with the Government’s emphasis on productive sectors that generate tangible economic value.

“Mining and aggregates translate directly into jobs, business activity and economic opportunity across Jamaica,” Seiveright said.

“When reputable international investors take long-term positions in this space, it reinforces Jamaica’s credibility as a place to invest, while strengthening the local industrial base that supports wider development,” added Seiveright.

He argued that as Jamaica continues to advance its development priorities, the mining and quarrying sector is expected to remain a key enabler of growth.

“With US-based ownership now embedded through Amrize, and with continued emphasis on responsible, well-regulated operations, the sector is positioned to support Jamaica’s development in a steady and credible manner,” declared Seiveright.