"Bauxite is named after the French village of Les Baux in Provence, where in 1821 French Geologist Pierre Berthier discovered “bauxite” nearby. Bauxite is a sedimentary rock with a high aluminium content. The mines in Water Valley has a rich history. Although discovered in 1942, the first recorded date of production was dated back in 1967 Jamaica is almost unique in world mining history in that, from the inception, emphasis has been placed on the reclamation and rehabilitation of the mined-out bauxite lands.
We recycle used oil from our mobile equipment as well as from others in Jamaica to fuel our bauxite drying process. We routinely build water catchment reservoirs designed to catch and retain natural rainwater. These reservoirs allow for more effective use of natural water to help control dust in and around our mining areas. They also provide a sustainable source of water for agricultural and greenhouse developments that are a major part of our reclamation and community enrichment programmes for the areas in which we operate. In 2009, Noranda, through a partnership with the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, and the Jamaica Greenhouse Association, started a greenhouse project with three greenhouses in Burnt Ground and two water-storage areas.
Since then we have partnered with the Jamaica Bauxite Institute and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund to launch a programme that has seen the introduction of about 300 greenhouses across the island. We not only mine bauxite but implement environmentally friendly long-term projects that allow residents to derive greater economic and social benefits from their surrounding environment. We work hard to ensure the lands we mine are effectively reclaimed for greenhouse initiatives, and other beneficial use by local farmers and residents alike. At Noranda, we make every effort to be environmentally conscious. As such, we support the implementation of proper waste management systems for our company.
A major part of our mission is to put in place a comprehensive environmental sustainability programme proper waste management systems in place in order to help reduce the impact of plastic waste. Currently, Noranda collects between 40 and 60 large bags of plastic bottles generated from its facilities ”" both plant and mines ”" as well as employees. The bottles are then collected by the RPJ, on a quarterly basis, and recycled."
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