Jamalco celebrates diamond anniversary in March

The mining of bauxite commenced in Teak Pen, Clarendon in 1963, while production for a 500,000 tonne alumina refinery began in 1972.

Jamalco’s Managing Director Austin Mooney, says 60 successful years in operation is a major milestone.

“This operation that started with humble beginnings in 1959, when Alcoa started exploring for bauxite has grown into a world class operation that mines bauxite and ships alumina all over the world,” he said

This, Mooney says, proves that Alcoa and the government had a strategic vision when they entered into a joint venture agreement in the 1970’s and also demonstrates that the government’s support in the 1980’s was fully justified.

He added that although the company has operated through many cycles of the alumina commodity business, including the global crisis in 2009, the company is holding its own.

“Jamalco has a solid base with a flexible and highly skilled workforce that continues to demonstrate resilience and a fixity of purpose,” said Mooney.

Commenting on the company’s working relationship, the executive chief says, over the years the company has created an environment in which employees are able to take advantage of various support schemes and harness their capabilities.

“‘Jamalcoans’ have reared families and their children have gone on to work in the industry.  There are currently 33 families who have parents and children working at Jamalco,” he said. 

Several exciting celebratory activities have been planned to mark this milestone and will be observed under the theme ‘Unearthing value and supporting sustainability; a partner for national development’.

The company will kick off the anniversary activities with a church service at the Grace Baptist Church in May Pen, Clarendon on Sunday, March 3, 2019.