Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
THE LOOMING break-up of the approximately three-year-old Alpart Mining Venture (AMV) bauxite joint venture will not cause the industry to decline, says Parris Lyew Ayee, the Jamaica Bauxite Institute general manager.
News broke yesterday that Jamalco Bauxite Company had written its AMV partner, Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart), informing them that they want to end the partnership. Among the casualties expected from the break-up is the loss of approximately 50 jobs.
"They are going to work it out that both companies benefit," Mr. Lyew-Ayee said. "They have to sit down as partners to see the best option available for the viability of their companies."
NEARING END
Mr. Ayee also revealed that the contract that the AMV had with Henry Walker Eltin, an Australian company that was contracted to mine the bauxite for both Alpart and Jamalco, is nearing its end.
"The contract with the Australian company will come to an end in about April," he said.
"In light of the continuous growth announced by Alcoa, our production is earmarked to increase and this will be positive for Jamalco and the entire bauxite industry," a senior executive at Jamalco told The Gleaner.
"No final decisions have been taken yet," the executive said. "Other vital discussions will be required before we arrive at a final outcome. Everything we do is about how we can 'grow' the business for Alcoa/CAP Limited, the community and Jamaica."
The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) has pledged to keep a close watch on the AMV transformation.
"We can't interfere in what the commercial businesses are doing (but) what we are going to ensure is that they follow regulations in regards to the environment, community responsibilities and that the companies remain viable," said Mr. Lyew Ayee.
