Rare Earth Mining in Jamaica?

Jamaica's widespread red mud has long been a source for easy to extract bauxite and alumina. Now, it may find a new use. 

A team of Japanese researchers believe they have found high concentrations of rare-earth elements in the country's red bauxite residue that has been processed for aluminum production in the USA, Canada and other Atlantic nations.

In a statement to Jamaica's Parliament, Science, Technology, Energy & Mining Minister Philip Paulwell said researchers from Japan's Nippon Light Metal Co. Ltd. believe rare-earth elements can be efficiently extracted from the leftover earth.

Paulwell told lawmakers, "We are at the starting line of an opportunity that has the potential to redefine Jamaica's economic prospects in a positive way... The government of Jamaica perceives the extraction of the rare-earth elements that are present in Jamaica to be an exciting new opportunity to earn much needed foreign exchange and create jobs." 

The project will start on a small scale as Nippon Light Metal takes on operating costs and invests $3 million in buildings and equipment. If the project is successful, the company homes to extract 1,500 tonnes of rare earth oxides per year once production is at full speed. 

The small island nation was particularly hard hit by the recession. Tourism and services, which account for over half of the economy, dried up along with the global economy and bauxite mining operations suffered with aluminum prices and production.

Although the mining industry and government officials are optimistic, there is opposition to the rare earth extraction. The Jamaica Observer has run several articles detailing concerns of environmentalists and advocates that pollution controls are not in place to protect the citizens of the tiny island.

While the founder and CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust tentatively supported the idea to use “what is essentially waste make it into something useful that can be sold,” the Trust is already calling for public meetings to discuss the implications of rare earth mining operations.