Bauxite Transport in Jamaica: Dedicated Railway System

Jamaica moves bauxite primarily by rail via a dedicated network operated by the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI).

• Network: 100+ km connecting central/southern mining zones to Port Esquivel and Port Kaiser.
• Equipment: Heavy-duty "bauxite trains" – specialized locomotives + high-capacity freight cars.
• Process: Ore loaded at mines → rail to alumina plants or export ports.

Rail is cost-effective, high-volume, and reduces road wear/truck emissions. Trucks serve only remote mines inaccessible by rail.

This system is critical to Jamaica's position as a top global bauxite/alumina producer.