THE GOVERNMENT plans to intervene in the trade of scrap metal in order to protect lives and properties, Industry Minister Karl Samuda told Parliament yesterday.

"There is a cloud that hangs over this sector," said Mr. Samuda in describing a sector which the Jamaica Exporters' Association said exported US$99.58 million in scrap metals last year, up from US$13.3 million in 2005.

"We are receiving reports of unprecedented levels of theft of scrap metals in the country," Mr. Samuda said.

Controlled mechanisms

The Government, Mr. Samuda said, will be implementing controlled mechanisms, to bring accountability to the export of scrap metals.

Manhole covers, bridge structures and railway lines are among the many items targeted by criminals involved in the scrap metal trade.

Also targeted by criminals are copper cables which make up the lines of telecommunication company, Cable and Wireless Jamaica, and electronic transformers owned by the Jamaica Public Service company.

The theft of metal, particularly copper, has become a widespread problem as metal prices have soared, partly driven by demand from China and India.