Industrial Zone to be Established in St. Elizabeth

Jamaica is poised to benefit from the development of an industrial zone in St. Elizabeth by Chinese firm, Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company (JISCo), at a cost of more than US$2 billion.

The integrated development, to be rolled out over the next three to five years, will focus on mining, manufacturing and power generation, and will incorporate operations at the Alpart alumina refinery in Nain, St. Elizabeth, which JISCo has acquired from UC RUSAL.

It is anticipated that over 3,000 new jobs will be generated from the industrial zone’s development.

Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Mike Henry, gave details of the project during a media briefing at the Ministry’s offices in Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, on July 28.

Mr. Henry said his office is in dialogue with the Labour and Social Security Ministry regarding the project’s employment ratio, to ensure that the expertise and specifications are met “on a needs basis and that our local expertise will be engaged as well”.

The Minister also advised that the industrial zone’s development will facilitate training opportunities for young Jamaicans at JISCo’s university through an exchange programme.

Noting that JISCo plans to open up gateways into new markets, Mr. Henry said the Government is moving to ensure Jamaica “extracts maximum benefits”.