The government says the bauxite/alumina sector is seeing a re-emergence.

The announcement came as a shipment of the mineral left the St. Elizabeth based Alpart following the takeover by the Chinese firm Jiquan Iron and Steel Company (JISCO).

This is the first shipment from the St. Elizabeth based operation in approximately nine years.

Mining Minister Mike Henry says this is the beginning of great things for the sector.

The ship containing some 35,000 tonnes of alumina is on its way to China, with the minister predicting an increase in shipment in the next few years.

He lauded the teamwork in achieving the milestone.