Alcoa Declares Force Majeure in Jamaica

Alcoa has halted production at its 1.4m ton Jamalco alumina refinery in Clarendon, Jamaica to assesses damage caused by Hurricane Dean. “In light of the temporary shutdown of the facility, damage to the port, and likely resulting delays in shipments, the company has declared force majeure to its customers,” says the firm. It adds that the port from which Jamalco ships alumina sustained substantial damage in the storm, while the bauxite mine and refinery lost power. Alcoa temporarily curtailed production at the refinery last Saturday as a safety measure in advance of the hurricane. Jamalco is 45% owned by the Government of Jamaica.