Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green today announced that the reopening and modernisation of the Alpart alumina refinery has moved a major step forward, following high-level discussions with JISCO and officials of Gansu Province during his recent official visit to the People's Republic of China.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Green said JISCO has confirmed its intention to proceed with a two-phased modernisation programme aimed at returning the refinery to full operation and positioning Alpart as a modern, globally competitive alumina producer.

He said phase one of the programme represents an investment of approximately US$490 million and will include the modernisation of major operational systems, upgrading of plant infrastructure, redevelopment of power generation facilities, implementation of dry-stacking technology for residue management and rehabilitation of critical rail and port infrastructure.