Commissioner of Mines, Clinton Thompson, says there is still a large deposit of gold at the abandoned AusJam mining facility in Pennants, Clarendon, which was recently the scene of a toxic leak.
During a recent visit to the facility, Mr Thompson disclosed that further exploration should be conducted in the vicinity of the plant.
The Mines Commissioner further noted that with the current price of gold on the world market, Jamaica stands to benefit significantly:
“ Because when they mined the gold here it was less that than 300 US dollars per ounce, now its 1.600 dollars per ounce….so the viability is further enhanced by the price of gold. It is the highest the world has ever seen and from all indications it could rise further” he said.
The Ausjam mining facility was thrust back into national focus after the authorities issued a health alert that toxic waste was leaking from a large metal container, and was heading towards a nearby river which residents used for domestic purposes.