Jamaica
Hydro presents the entire value chain when producing aluminium. From refining bauxite and generating its own electrical power, to producing primary aluminium and manufacturing products such as casthouse products, building systems, extrusions, rolled products, and automotive and transport.
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| Raw materials at the alumina refinery |
In Jamaica, Hydro is part-owner of Alpart (Alumina Partners of Jamaica) which was commissioned in 1969. Hydro owns 35% of Alpart together with UC Rusal. Alpart is a bauxite mine and alumina refinery located near Spur Tree. The refinery has a production capacity of about 1, 6 million tons of alumina per year.
Bauxite is an ore rich in aluminium oxide, formed over millions of years by chemical weathering of rocks containing aluminium silicates. To turn bauxite into alumina, we grind the ore and mix it with lime and caustic soda, pump this mix into high-pressure containers, and heat it.
Alumina chemicals are used to purify water and to make refractory bricks, ceramics, adhesives, catalysts, and fire retardant fillers for fabrics and plastics. Alumina becomes aluminium in an electrolytic reduction process known as smelting.
Alumina refining
Contact us
Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart)
Spur Tree Post Office
Manchester WI
Jamaica
Phone: +1 876 962 32 51
Fax: +1 876 962 33 32
Visitor's information
See map (Google map).
All visitors should contact our office when visiting so we can help with arranging transport.
