Jamaica

Jamaica has a long history of mining that dates back several centuries. The first mining activity in the country was the extraction of copper in the 1650s from the Rio Cobre and Rio Bueno rivers in St. Catherine and St. Ann parishes, respectively. Other minerals including iron, silver, lead, and zinc were also mined in smaller quantities.

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The mining industry grew significantly in the 20th century with the discovery of bauxite, a clay-like mineral that is the primary source of aluminum. Jamaica has large deposits of bauxite and is the third-largest producer of aluminum in the world. Mining companies such as Alcoa and Reynolds Metals established operations on the island, leading to a boom in the economy. However, there have been concerns about the environmental and social impacts of bauxite mining, including issues with deforestation, pollution of water sources, and displacement of local communities.