Ministry seeks to open Alpart Plant

THE BAUXITE industry is poised for a dramatic revitalisation, according to Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell.

Paulwell, who was addressing members of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, took particular aim at Alpart in Nain, St Elizabeth, which shut down operations in May 2009.

Terming the Nain community as a virtual ghost town since the closure of Alpart, Paulwell said the plant could not be kept closed any longer. He however, was cautious in his statement, contending that he did not want to disclose too much at this time, as he intends to address both Alpart and Windalco plants during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament next week.

When pressed for more information, Paulwell said his ministry will be coming up with plans to "reactivate" the plants as the "best years are ahead" for the bauxite sector.

Paulwell said this time around will not be like previous announcements of the plants reopening that did not materialise.

Alpart employed 1,300 workers before its closure.

Copyright and Exemption Declaration :¢ÙAll articles, pictures and videos that are marked with "China Aluminum Network" on this website are copyright and belong to China Aluminium Network (www.alu.com.cn). When transshipment, any media, website or individual must list the source from "China Aluminium Network (www.alu.com.cn)". We seek legal actions against anyone that disobey this. ¢ÚArticles that marked as copy from others are for transferring more information to readers, do not represent or endorse their opinions or accuracy and reliability. When other media, website or individuals copy from our website, must keep the source. Anyone that changes the articles' sources will hold the responsibilities for copyright and law problems. We also seek legal actions against anyone that disobey this. ¢ÛIf any articles copied by our website concern the copyright and other problems, please contact us within one week.