Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners II A Public Statement on Noranda Jamaica’s mining operations

Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners II (Noranda) is aware of incorrect statements in the public domain that assert that we are conducting bauxite mining operations in the Cockpit Country Protected Area (CCPA). This misinformation has been corrected by the public statements from the agencies with regulatory and management responsibility for the Cockpit lands affirming that investigative reports have confirmed that Noranda is not mining in the CCPA.

In the light of public debate on this matter and the various misconceptions and misunderstandings that have unfortunately arisen regarding bauxite mining, we make the following clarification:

• Noranda is not conducting bauxite mining or quarrying activities inside the CCPA. This has been publicly confirmed after receipt of reports from the relevant regulatory bodies.

• The CCPA comprises 74,726 hectares of land declared as such by the Government after consultation with all stakeholders, including community residents, environmental groups, Forestry Department, Water Resources Authority, NEPA and other regulatory and environmental protection/preservation authorities.

• It was also declared that all land in the CCPA is closed to mining.

• A Special Mining Lease No. 173 (SML 173) covers 8,335 hectares of land falling outside of the CCPA.

• The proposed mining activities under the SML 173 will be limited to 15% of the total area covered by the lease. The 15% covers areas of ore-bodies and haul roads, which will be rehabilitated upon completion of mining.

• None of that 15% is expected to directly abut the CCPA.

• Noranda has an excellent record in the rehabilitation of mined lands (over 90% of mined lands by the company have already been reclaimed and rehabilitated).

Environmental Impact Assessment (SML 173 )

A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report has been completed and submitted to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

Community concerns and consultations

Noranda respects and appreciates the fact that much of the misconceptions regarding our mining requirements stems from a seemingly limited awareness of the planned scope of mining operations within SML 173, or the strict legal, environmental and cultural community interaction which are integral to the mining and shipping of bauxite. With that in mind and as per the requirements for community discussions, a number of community consultation meetings have been held and there will be additional community meetings prior to the commencement of any mining operations in SML 173.

It bears repeating that mining operations will be confined to 15% of the lands under SML 173.

The picture presented elsewhere of the potential for widespread land and community displacement is, therefore, misleading.

Reclamation

Noranda is proud to be current with its statutory obligations regarding reclamation. In its land reclamation and rehabilitation activities, the company has implemented a number of projects that not only improve the value and usage of the reclaimed lands but also offer substantial benefit to surrounding communities. These include the dramatic growth of greenhouse technology on re-claimed lands, the conversion of mined out pits into water reservoirs with capacities of up to 3,000,000 gallons, cold storage facilities and extensive farming of cash crops.

No historic evidence of negative impact on underground wa-ter quality

After more than 50 years of bauxite mining in St. Ann, there is no co-relation between mining and negative impact on water quality in these areas as affirmed by repeated tests.

Support for the country’s cultural heritage

Noranda boasts a rich history of corporate social responsibility. With our present working complement of over 800 Jamaicans (permanent employees and contractors) we have always been and remain sensitive to the need for full support for the preservation and protection of our historical and valued national heritage.

Major contributor to Jamaica’s economic and social development

As a major contributor to Jamaica’s development over many years, Noranda will continue to act as a responsible corporate citizen with full regard for the country’s sustainable development and continuing growth.