The opening of the new ALPART/JISCO Alumina Refinery in Nain, St Elizabeth this morning brings a ray of hope to an industry which has been losing its impact on the economy, after decades of being a top performer for Jamaica.

Minister of Transport and Mining Mike Henry says that he is excited about the development and is looking forward to the revival of the entire industry, with increased job creation, and linkages with other sectors of the local economy, including accommodation for the workers, promising to create a base for the revival of St Elizabeth and neighbouring parishes.

“I am looking at a full revival of the industry. I took on an unfinished programme and I have finished it, and now the whole thing is pulling together and I am excited about what it can contribute to the economy,” Henry said yesterday.

Preparatory activities have been in high gear for several months, and approximately 800 more Jamaicans in the area are now employed.

Henry notes that the new owner, Jiuquan Iron & Steel (Group) Co Ltd (JISCO) of China, is already sensitising the communities around the plant and mining areas, and there will be a huge demand for electrical, mechanical, civil and chemical engineers for operation and maintenance activities.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness will be the main speaker at today’s event, titled the “Production Restart Ceremony-JISCO’s Partnership in Jamaica’s Progress”, and JISCO’s chairman, Chen Chunming, is among scheduled speakers.

All eyes have been on the Alpart reopening since Russian aluminum marketer UC Rusal announced that it had agreed to sell Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart) to JISCO.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-observer/nain-looks-to-welcome-the_102549