Gov’t, UC Rusal to hold talks today

The Government and representatives of aluminum giant UC Rusal are to hold talks today, as the parties seek to sign off on an arrangement for alternative energy solutions for the reopening of the Alpart and Kirkvine bauxite plants.

UC Rusal closed Alpart and Kirkvine in 2009, amid the global downturn in demand for alumina.

However, the cost of electricity in Jamaica has been a prime feature in the consideration to reopen the plants.

Last October, the Government granted UC Rusal a one-year concession to keep the Ewarton plant open.

In the meantime, Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell said during today's discussions, the government will be insisting on a clear timeline for the reopening of Alpart and Kirkvine.

After spending some US$4 million over the past 10 years, the Government has finally ended its attempt at introducing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as the solution to the country's high electricity prices.

Last week, Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell told a Gleaner Editors Forum that this is because the Government cannot find a supply of LNG at reasonable prices.