Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Kamina Johnson Smith, has reiterated that Jamaica would only support deep-sea mining if a robust regulatory framework is in place to ensure the protection of the marine environment.

Deep-sea mining refers to the extraction of mineral resources from the seabed at depths greater than 200 meters, covering approximately two-thirds of the Earth’s sea floor.

A growing number of scientists and environmental organizations have raised concerns about the potential harm that deep-sea mining would cause to ocean health.

The Opposition has also expressed concern about the impact that deep-sea mining would have on Jamaica and the region.

In response to a question from Opposition Spokesperson on the Environment, Sophia Frazer Binns, regarding Jamaica’s policy on deep-sea mining, Senator Johnson Smith emphasized that properly regulated deep-sea mining could be beneficial to Jamaica.

Addressing further concerns raised by Senator Binns regarding Jamaica’s sponsorship of deep-sea mining exploration, the Minister explained that such arrangements are essential for developing nations like Jamaica to benefit from these activities.