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<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://buzz-caribbean.com/app/uploads/2019/09/robert-montague-20190911-1024x669.jpg" alt="Transport and Mining Minster Robert Montague" class="wp-image-8615" /><figcaption> Transport and Mining Minster Robert Montague (Photo: JIS)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Operations at the Jiuquan Iron and
Steel Company (JISCO)/Alpart alumina refinery in Nain, St Elizabeth, are set to
be suspended for up to two years to facilitate the plant’s modernisation and
expansion.</p>
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<p>Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 10, Transport and Mining Minister Robert Montague said the ministry’s technical team recommended several options to JISCO relating to operations, during the modernisation discussions.</p>
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<p>He noted, however, that after careful
consideration, the company decided that the best option at this time is to
suspend alumina production and focus attention on a full-scale modernisation
and expansion programme.</p>
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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>“To continue producing alumina at over US$480 per tonne is unviable." </p><cite>—  Montague </cite></blockquote>
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<p>Montague explained that the decision
was arrived at after the consideration of various factors.</p>
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<p>These, he said, include worker safety and welfare, the high cost of production and high levels of waste, noting that “to continue producing alumina at over US$480 per tonne is unviable.”</p>
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<p>Other factors include the prevailing
low and falling price of alumina on the world market, difficulties sourcing
parts for old equipment, and discontinuation of the manufacturing of many of
the parts and systems used by Alpart.</p>
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<p>Montague said JISCO has indicated
that this phase of Alpart’s development is slated to commence within the next
50 days.</p>
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<p>“I wish to remind this House and the
people of Jamaica that the modernisation and expansion programme will be one of
the largest investments in the history of the country. Total investment is
projected at US$1.1 billion when completed,” he stated.</p>
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<p>The minister added that the planned
upgrade will result in a significantly more efficient refinery and that its
production capacity will be increased from 1.65 million tonnes to two million
tonnes per year.</p>
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