SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:

The theft of diesel fuel is causing serious problems for the bauxite industry.

Between 2005 and this year, theft totalling US$8.6 million (J$660.9 milllion) is said to be stifling the viability of the sector.

The Gleaner learnt that although the industry has spent about US$7 million (J$538.02 million) on security during this period, the theft of the fuel from machinery and heavy duty equipment, although reduced, through the collaborative efforts of the police and respective companies, has continued.

At the Bauxite Alumina Industry Security Committee meeting, held in Discovery Bay St Ann recently, persons within the industry expressed hope that a new approach, which has been worked out with the police, would yield some good returns.

Although theft is rampant, it has been revealed that there has been few arrests and, when responsible parties were caught, cases dragged on for so long that witnesses did not even turn up.

In addition, it is said that 80 per cent of those involved in stealing from the various bauxite companies are from surrounding communties.

Alpart, Kaiser Bauxite, Windalco and Jamalco are the companies affected.

- Rasbert Turner