The Inspectorate Unit is charged with exercising general supervision over all mining and quarrying operations in the country. This is done through regular inspections.
This is done by:
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Inspection and monitoring of areas with mining leases to ensure compliance with the Mining, Safety and Health regulations
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Certification of rehabilitated mined out lands
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Monitoring of all blasting activities island-wide
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Investigation of complaints against holders of mining leases
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Resolving mining related conflicts
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Maintaining a database on all lands with mining leases
The Inspectorate receives monthly bauxite production figures showing the amount of ore mined from each ore-body according to company. Each ore-body is mined until depleted, at which point the Inspectorate grants permission to reclaim the mined out lands as stipulated in the Mining Regulations.
The Quarry Inspectors are responsible for the enforcement of the Quarries Control Act (1983) and the general supervision of all quarrying activities across the island. This is done by:
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Processing all applications for quarry licenses
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Monitoring and regulating all legal quarries in the island to ensure accepted safety and engineering practices
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Investigating reports on illegal quarrying
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Establishment of quarry zones
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Maintaining a database for volume of all quarry materials and quarry minerals produced
Safety inspections and audits of quarries are carried out on a regular basis to ensure safe operations. This is especially so for larger operations involved in aggregate production. In sensitizing quarry operators on good quarry practices and procedures, an annual Quarries Operators S eminar is held by the MGD as a further thrust to ensure compliance in the sector.
The Inspectorate’s responsibility extends to monitoring all blasting operations in Jamaica. Pre and post blasting inspections are done to provide information for damage settlements where necessary. In addition, advice is given to neighbors affected by blasting activity during site clearance.
