Noranda Bauxite Company has received the go ahead to mine some 1,300 hectares of land adjacent to the Cockpit Country boundaries in St. Ann.

The decision from the Natural Resources Conservation Authority, NRCA was announced by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Environment and Planning Agency, NEPA Peter Knight at a press briefing today (January 3).

Mr. Knight explained that the allowed mining area under SML 173 was reduced following outcry from stakeholders.

He said after deliberations over two full meetings, having considered all the issues and concerns, the NRCA arrived at a final decision at an unscheduled meeting on December 31, 2021.

Mr. Knight noted that the agency is mandated by the NRCA to describe the boundaries of the limited geographical area released using GPS coordinates.

He said the approved area overlaps with the study area where the most detailed assessments were carried out.

Meantime, Mr. Knight stated that the area primarily consists of secondary forests and fields, indicating the disruption to the environment will be kept at a minimum.

Mr. Knight noted that the levying of a substantial environmental bond will be included as an integral part of the permit.

Collaborative and structural monitoring oversight by multi-agency partners is also a key element of the permit.