Jamaica is one of the world’s leading producers of bauxite, the primary ore used to produce aluminum. The country has several bauxite mining and alumina refining plants, primarily operated by international companies. Here are the key bauxite-related facilities in Jamaica:
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Major Bauxite & Alumina Plants in Jamaica
1. Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners (NJBP)
– Location: St. Ann
– Operations: Bauxite mining and export
– Ownership: New Day Aluminum (formerly Noranda Aluminum) & Government of Jamaica
– Notes: One of the largest bauxite mining operations, supplying raw bauxite to alumina refineries and export markets.
2. Jamalco (Jamaica Alumina Company)
– Location: Halse Hall, Clarendon
– Operations: Alumina refining
– Ownership: Joint venture between Century Aluminum (50%) and the Government of Jamaica (50%)
– Notes: Major alumina refinery; previously a partnership with Alcoa. Production was affected by a 2021 fire but is being rebuilt.
3. Windalco (West Indies Alumina Company)
– Location: Ewarton (St. Catherine) & Kirkvine (Manchester)
– Operations: Bauxite mining and alumina refining (currently only Ewarton operates)
– Ownership: UC Rusal (Russian company)
– Notes: The Kirkvine plant has been idle for years, while Ewarton continues limited operations.
4. JISCO/Alpart (Jiuquan Iron & Steel Company)
– Location: Nain, St. Elizabeth
– Operations: Alumina refining (previously also produced bauxite)
– Ownership: JISCO (Chinese company) acquired it from Rusal in 2016; currently u.jpg)
r care and maintenance since 2019 due to market conditions.
Recent Developments
– The Jamaican government has been seeking new investments to revitalize the sector, including partnerships with Chinese and other international firms.
– Environmental concerns and land rehabilitation remain key issues in bauxite mining areas like St. Ann and Manchester.
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