Jamalco Fire Update Explores Major Losses

Jamalco Fire Update – Jamalco is losing 500 thousand US dollars every day as a result of the fire that damaged its powerhouse, in August this year. Minister of Transport and Mining, Robert Montaque provided an update in Parliament on Wednesday, September 29.

The Clarendon plant has not produced alumina since the blaze over a month ago, resulting in greater economic loss. The company however has a plan to recoup from this devastation that’s expected to be beneficial to all stakeholders.

A fire broke out at the Jamalco plant in Clarendon on Sunday, August 22 this year, halting alumina production. After just over a month, Energy Minister Robert Montaque presented a report to the Parliament on Wednesday. The report revealed Jamalco’s costly losses

The company is covered by property and plant insurance that amounts to 250 million US dollars. Destroyed in the fire were the powerhouse, two turbine generators and its operating equipment, two control rooms, and an oil pump station. The company will not be earning money from alumina production for up to two years according to the Minister.

Jamalco is making every effort to retain its employees, some of who are working in other areas of the plant part-time.

The plant created a 3-stage resumption model that the minister assures will make it more resilient and competitive in the global landscape. Stage one will see the resumption of alumina production at 50 percent capacity by June 2022. Stage two will reduce the plant’s reliance on the Jamaica Public Service for power. And stage three will be the complete repair and revamp of Jamalco’s powerhouse.

Reporter: Jhanielle Powell.