Reading Time: 3 minutes

Delegation being sent to China to clarify reopening schedule

Durrant Pate/ Contributor

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is growing impatient over the delays in reopening the Alpart bauxite company in St. Elizabeth, which was closed in 2019 to make way for a modernisation and expansion exercise.

Owners of the plant, Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company (JISCO), out of China have given at least two reopening dates, the latest one being the last quarter of 2025. Mining Minister Floyd Green has disclosed that his ministry is sending a delegation to China next month for direct discussions with JISCO to seek definitive clarity on the reopening of the plant and the future direction of its operations.

“This is a matter of significant importance to the mining sector and, more importantly, to the people and communities of St. Elizabeth and surrounding areas, whose livelihoods have long depended on the industry. From workers and contractors to transport operators and small businesses, many Jamaicans continue to wait for renewed activity and stability within this area,” Green told the parliament on Wednesday.

Making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, Green reported that the GOJ remains fully engaged and committed to securing clear answers and a realistic path forward as the administration continues efforts to strengthen and revitalise Jamaica’s mining industry.

The reopening of the plant is being looked upon to boost the local economy, providing renewed opportunities for employment and community development.

Update on other mining companies 

Hurricane Melissa had a significant impact on the productive capacity of the bauxite and alumina sub-sector with operational disruptions and infrastructure challenges faced by all bauxite companies operating in Jamaica.

For Windalco, the company has completed their haulage road to Penny in St. Ann, which opened access to increased quantities of high-quality ore and has commenced mining of these reserves to strengthen operational efficiency. This is set to cost approximately US$29 million.

The January 12, 2026, announcement of Atlantic Alumina’s $450 million strategic partnership in Gramercy, Louisiana, alongside Discovery Bauxite Partners, signals a significant shift in the alumina industry. This development, Green declared not only strengthens U.S. supply chains but also underscores the growing importance of alumina and related critical minerals in global industrial strategy. 

Discovery Bauxite has announced investments in maintenance upgrades, heavy-duty equipment, the construction of haulage roads and operational improvements at a cost of approximately US$45 million. Last year, the GOJ appointed a review committee chaired by Wesley Hughes to look at our management arrangements and options for strengthening the relationship. 

The Minister promised to forward those recommendations for Cabinet to approve Jamaica’s next steps. Century Aluminium has invested approximately US$80 million into capital upgrades at the JAMALCO refinery, including the installation of a new turbine generator to improve energy self-sufficiency and support the refinery’s return to targeted production levels.