(Jamaica Gleaner) The government has confirmed reports that bauxite mining firm, UC Rusal, has been taking some of its equipment out of the island and sending it to Guyana.

However, Phillip Paulwell, the minister of science, technology, energy and mining, told the House of Representatives yesterday that the Government was unaware of any plans for the firm to close its operations here.

“UC Rusal has not stated any intentions to close Ewarton,” Paulwell said.

UC Rusal owns 100 per cent of Alpart and 93 per cent of Windalco. The Alpart and Windalco Kirkvine plants have been closed since 2009, while the Ewarton plant was reopened in 2010.

Idle equipment

Responding to questions posed by the opposition spokesman on mining, J.C. Hutchinson, Paulwell said the equipment being exported had been idle for three years.

According to Paulwell, equipment being removed by UC Rusal is owned by a third party. He said the contract for the supply of the equipment, which included large trucks, was terminated last November as it was determined it was less economical to operate.

UC Rusal bought the equipment from the third party and is exporting it to its Guyana operations.

“The equipment includes tractors, haul trains, cranes, pickups, compressors, service trucks and other service equipment.

“No equipment are being removed that will affect adjoining communities,” Paulwell said.

The minister said he was not aware of the removal of bridges by the bauxite company and added that he would be touring the plant on Friday.

“I will make my own observations but so far there are no such removal of bridges or water systems,” Paulwell said.