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Bauxite Industry’s Future Bright – Dr. Wheatley

By: , March 1, 2018

The Key Point:

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, says the future of Jamaica’s bauxite and alumina sector remains bright and prosperous, with great prospects for further investments.
Bauxite Industry’s Future Bright – Dr. Wheatley
Photo: Claudia Gardner
Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley.

The Facts

  • Dr. Wheatley said the industry’s prospects are increasingly becoming more favourable as aluminium and alumina benchmark prices have risen and are set to continue climbing as global demand strengthens.
  • The Minister pointed out that Jamaica’s ongoing economic reform programme has also brought about a stable macro-environment, and, consequently, the critical variables, namely debt ratio, inflation and foreign exchange reserves, “are now heading in the right direction”.

The Full Story

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, says the future of Jamaica’s bauxite and alumina sector remains bright and prosperous, with great prospects for further investments.

He was speaking at the 24th Bauxite Alumina Conference, which was staged by Metal Bulletin Events at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in St. James on Wednesday, February 28.

Dr. Wheatley said the industry’s prospects are increasingly becoming more favourable as aluminium and alumina benchmark prices have risen and are set to continue climbing as global demand strengthens.

“Energy cost has also been trending low, well below the 2008 (pre-crisis) levels, and is looking to remain moderate into the future,” he added.

The Minister pointed out that Jamaica’s ongoing economic reform programme has also brought about a stable macro-environment, and, consequently, the critical variables, namely debt ratio, inflation and foreign exchange reserves, “are now heading in the right direction”.

He also underscored Jamaica’s extended history in the sector, which has given rise to skilled workers who are familiar with industry activities, as well as communities and supporting government agencies.

Dr. Wheatley said industry developments have, thus far, been so fruitful that the new owners of the Alpart refinery in Nain. St. Elizabeth, Jiuquan Iron & Steel (Group) Company Limited (JISCO), have undertaken a projected US$6-billion investment programme.

This initiative, he said, will involve the expansion of the existing plant, the building of a new refinery to boost Alpart’s capacity to four million tonnes, expansion of facilities at Port Kaiser, construction of an Industrial Park and Special Economic Zone, and the possible use of natural gas as an energy source.

Chief Executive of Noranda Bauxite and Alumina, David D’Addario, concurred with the Minister.

He said his company continues to expand its markets and has opened up trade with new bauxite customers worldwide, including China and India.

Mr. D’Addario pointed out that aluminium has even been sold for use in non-metallurgical applications where Jamaican bauxite has never been used before.

He said Noranda has utmost trust and confidence in the Government of Jamaica and that this, along with its strategic customers and financial commodities partners, was among the factors contributing to the company’s productivity.

Additionally, he said the entity and Government have developed a non-adversarial relationship that heralded a new paradigm in Jamaica’s bauxite industry where both parties “rise together in good times”, and the country “shares handsomely in the profits when business is good but is still guaranteed a levy when business is not too good”.

“We find good people, good partners, people with good morals and a solid work ethic, both as employees and partners. We look for people we can trust – it is a big thing for me – and then we partner with them. We found comfort and trust in those in the leadership of the Government of Jamaica, and we have developed a long-term relationship with the Administration. I am very proud of that,” Mr. D’Addario added.

Last Updated: March 22, 2020

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