ST ANN, Jamaica —Transport and Mining Minister Lester ‘Mike’ Henry believes that the bauxite and minerals sectors are poised for growth. 

This, according to Henry, is due to the policy shift towards downstream operations profit sharing and maximising the use of the “world’s finest quality limestone”.

He was speaking at a weekend retreat with technocrats in his ministry at Lydford in St Ann on Sunday.

The minister also expressed concerns about the under-utilisation of the minerals industry and said that every step will be taken to supply Jamaican limestone to the pharmaceutical industry. He further bemoaned the under-production of calcium hydroxide or “white lime”, most of which Jamaica imports to use in the production of bauxite.

Henry contended that Jamaica could earn more valuable foreign exchange if production of the resource is increased to over 340,000 tonnes annually.

The minister said he has given instructions for the development of policies that will drive the sector, create new jobs and provide the basis for renewed growth and development.