WINDALCO to temporarily close down operation in March

UC RUSAL Alumina Jamaica Limited has indicated its intention to temporarily close its operations at West Indies Alumina Company (WINDALCO) by the end of March. WINDALCO comprises of two alumina refineries (Ewarton Works and Kirkvine Works). The company is a joint venture between the Government of Jamaica and UC RUSAL. The Government of Jamaica is currently negotiating with UC RUSAL to obtain an extension of time and to ensure that the appropriate procedures for notification of closure are adhered to as stipulated under the Joint Venture agreement. Derrick Smith, Minister of Mining and Telecommunications said the UC RUSAL’s intention is not surprising in the context of the state of the bauxite alumina industry globally. He said he is assuring the bauxite/alumina workers and their trade unions that the government of Jamaica is doing everything possible to delay plans for temporary closure of UC RUSAL’s operations and is exploring all options, which will keep the plant open. WINDALCO said it would retain all of its approximately 850 permanent employees during the temporary shutdown of operations slated to take effect by the end of March. It said over the next two months, there would be a reduction of approximately 250 nonpermanent personnel including temporary and casual workers as well as independent contractors. Similarly, the company’s dependence on contractors and suppliers will be reduced. WINDALCO said it would hold discussions with regard to the impact on their services. ---go-jamaica.com