Alcoa's relationship with Jamaica goes back to 1959, beginning with bauxite mining. Now, Alcoa's Alcoa World Alumina & Chemicals (AWAC) affiliate and the government of Jamaica have signed an agreement in principle to expand the Jamalco alumina refinery in Clarendon, Jamaica, by more than 1.5 million metric tons per year (mtpy).
      AWAC's ownership in the refinery will move from 50 to 70 percent with the government of Jamaica owning the remaining 30 percent. AWAC will pay approximately 85 percent of the total proposed $800 million for the expansion and increase in ownership.