Jamalco refinery remains closed

Alcoa announced yesterday that production at the 1.4 million metric tonne Jamalco....

  Alcoa announced yesterday that production at the 1.4 million metric tonne Jamalco alumina refinery in Clarendon, Jamaica, remains halted while the company assesses damage caused by Hurricane Dean.Alcoa temporarily curtailed production at the refinery last Saturday as a safety measure in advance of the hurricane. Alcoa said that preliminary reports indicated that the port from which Jamalco ships alumina sustained substantial damage in the storm. Alcoa said its bauxite mine and refinery suffered less damage, but are not operational due to loss of power. The company is conducting a more complete assessment of the damages and the duration of the stoppage. In light of the temporary shutdown of the facility, damage to the port, and likely resulting delays in shipments, the company has declared force majeure to its customers. Alcoa said its re-start schedule, production lost and financial impact will be reported after a comprehensive assessment had been safely concluded. Jamalco is 55 percent owned by Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals and 45 percent owned by the Government of Jamaica. Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals is a global alliance between Alcoa and Alumina Ltd., with Alcoa holding 60 percent.