Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) is closely monitoring the recovery efforts following the derailment of a Windalco alumina train along the Bog Walk Gorge on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:25 p.m. when seven railcars derailed during transport from the Ewarton refinery to Port Esquivel. Three of the railcars came to rest on the banks of the Rio Cobre River.

No injuries were reported, and initial assessments indicate that the environmental impact is very low. The alumina remained largely contained within the railcars, with only minimal traces detected on the riverbank. As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Health advised a brief shutdown of the water treatment plant until tests confirmed that water quality was unaffected.

The derailment also resulted in damage to a Jamaica Public Service (JPS) utility pole, causing temporary road closure and power disruption in nearby areas. Repairs were promptly carried out by JPS.

A coordinated response involving teams from Windalco, JBI, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the Mines and Geology Division (MGD), the Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC), the Jamaica Roads Authority (JRA), and Parish Health Officials was immediately activated to assess the situation and begin recovery. Preliminary investigations suggest that rail track defects and faulty sleepers may have contributed to the accident; however, a full investigation is underway.

Recovery efforts are ongoing and include:

• Re-railing of undamaged cars

• Removal of damaged railcars using specialized cranes

• Repair of the affected rail line

JBI continues to oversee environmental safeguards to ensure that the Rio Cobre and surrounding communities remain protected.

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute remains committed to the sustainable development of the Bauxite/Alumina industry while ensuring that the environment is managed for the greatest benefit of the Jamaican people. JBI continues to work collaboratively with NEPA to ensure compatibility between the industry’s operations and the environment, by limiting impacts, ensuring compliance with local standards and regulations, and fostering harmonious relationships with communities near bauxite/alumina operations.

In 1994, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the JBI and NEPA, delegating responsibility for the environmental management of the bauxite/alumina industry. Under this agreement, JBI’s mandate includes independent monitoring, community relations, public education, and regular reporting on the environmental performance of the industry to NEPA.