Alumina production at JISCO-Alpart refinery to be temporarily suspended for expansion programme

On September 3, the Ministry of Transport and Mining reportedly confirmed that the alumina production at JISCO-Alpart refinery in St. Elizabeth would be temporarily suspended, as the second phase of modernisation and expansion programme would be starting with the next 30 to 60 days. The temporary shutdown of the refinery operation would be resulting in job cuts of the present employees, said the Ministry.

On August 25, the leadership of the People's National Party's (PNP) Region Five had told Comrades at a Regional Executive Council (REC) meeting that they should expect a closure of the bauxite/alumina JISCO Alpart plant in Nain soon.

As per the report, the Transport and Mining Ministry has yet not given out the detail of the exact number of workers who would be made jobless. But a spokesperson said the company sought to assure the ministry that it would keep a percentage of the current workforce for maintenance and to assist with the execution of the expansion programme.

The report says the technical team of the ministry offered several options to JISCO during the discussions, but the company decided to keep the plant temporarily closed.

 “After due consideration the company decided that in light of worker safety and welfare, high cost of production, the prevailing low and falling price of alumina on the world market, and difficulties being faced sourcing parts for old equipment, the best option at this time is to temporarily suspend alumina production to ensure an efficient upgrade process,” said a spokesperson in the release.

The Ministry believes this upgrade will turn the plant more efficient with production capacity increased from 1.65 million tonnes per year to 2 million tonnes per year.

“The modernisation programme means new investment and greater future job security for the people of Jamaica,” the spokesperson added.