Jamaicans warned against removing, selling or buying sand, gravel or other quarry materials displaced by Hurricane Melissa

The Mines and Geology Division is warning Jamaicans against removing quarry material such as sand, gravel, marl, silt, and stone that have been deposited in areas arising from Hurricane Melissa, saying such action amounts to illegal extraction and persons may be fined and or imprisoned if prosecuted.

The division, in a media release on Friday, stated that although storm events may cause the build-up of loose material, unauthorised removal remains a criminal offence, and both individuals and businesses found participating in illicit mining will be prosecuted.

Under Section 5 of the Quarries Control Act, it is an offence to extract, purchase, stockpile, transport, or dispose of any quarry material or quarry mineral obtained through illicit quarrying.

Persons who remove or attempt to remove quarry or river material without a licence are liable to fines of up to $1,000,000, and/or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.

The public is also reminded that buyers can be prosecuted.

Anyone purchasing material from an unlicensed supplier may face penalties for participating in or benefiting from illegal quarrying.

The division noted that Hurricane Melissa has left excess material in some areas, which may tempt unauthorised extraction.

It is therefore strongly advising the public not to remove or sell these deposits.

The agency underscored that illegal mining can result in riverbank erosion, increased flooding, damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, environmental degradation, loss of government revenue needed for national recovery

To safeguard Jamaica’s natural resources and support safe recovery, the division, in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, will intensify enforcement activities islandwide.

It said these operations will include monitoring high-risk areas, inspecting stockpiles, checking transport vehicles, ensuring strict compliance with the Act and attendant regulations.

Jamaicans are urged to remain vigilant and support legal, safe, and sustainable quarrying practices.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.