Windalco-Kirkvine Plant to reopen this summer

Yet another alumina plant is set to resume operations in Jamaica.

The board of UC Rusal has approved the reopening of the Windalco-Kirkvine Plant with effect from July 1 this year.

However, the restart of mining activities is subject to the approval by UC Rusal's international lenders and further discussions with its partners on the project.

Production at the Windalco-Kirkvine Plant was temporarily suspended in April 2009 due to cost-cutting measures.

According to an internet report, the cost of the restart of operations is expected to be approximately US$9.5 million while the plant commissioning budget is approximately US$17.5 million.

Total output this year is projected to be in the region of 252,000 tonnes of alumina.

It is reported that during the period of shutdown, the company undertook a number of measures to ensure that operations would be restored in a more effective and competitive manner.

It is expected that the restart of the plant will increase the utilization of the infrastructure in Windalco including port and railway, which are only partially utilized at present for the Ewarton Works Plant.