Mining Minister Robert Montague - file photo
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Robert Montague
Russian aluminium company, UC Rusal, has informed the Jamaican Government that it intends to continue operations in Jamaica despite a threat by the US government to impose sanctions on it.
This was disclosed Tuesday afternoon by Mining Minister Robert Montague in a statement to the House of Representatives.
Rusal has owned the Windalco bauxite plant in St. Catherine since 2007.
There were fears that hundreds of jobs at Windalco's plant in Ewarton, St. Catherine were at risk.
But Mr. Montague said he has been holding crisis talks with Russian representatives and US officials on the likely impact of the sanctions.
"Windalco's Ewarton refinery, therefore, faces the possibility of significant disruption in production, given the pending difficulties and increased cost to source and import raw materials, especially flocculants, caustic soda, fuel and spare parts. However, it has indicated that it will, if necessary, import these products from Russia and other places," he revealed.
Mr. Montague admitted that if the Windalco plant were to close, it would have a far-reaching impact on the economy Ewarton, Moneague and adjoining districts.
However, he assured that his ministry is involved in various measures to ensure the situation does not result in a closure of the plant.
"We are working along with the Windalco plant to make sure that its operations will continue for as long as possible," he asserted.
He further told the House that the Jamaican government could be forced to assume control of Windalco, however, this a last resort and "is not currently being contemplated."
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