Metro Mining begins 2024 production season at Bauxite Hills

Metro Mining (ASX: MMI) has begun the 2024 production season at its Bauxite Hills mine in Queensland.

Mining resumed on March 25 and ship loading is expected to begin on March 26. With the weakening of wet season conditions, operations will gradually restart over the coming days to ensure the safe operations of mining systems. Full operations are expected to resume by the beginning of April.

Wet season programs have been executed and maintenance work on mobile equipment, fixed plant and marine vessels completed, with all assets now back at site.

Two 90m barges have arrived at site, taking the total to six. Initial operations will use the single floating crane, TSA Skardon, for ship loading.

The new wobbler screen circuit construction and offshore floating terminal are proceeding with an expectation of both coming into operating service by mid-April. In Q2, all additional trucks, trailers, loader and tugs are expected to arrive for a step up in production for Q3 2024.

Production for 2024 is between 6.3mt to 6.8mwmt, fully underpinned by off-take contracts.

Metro Mining managing director and chief executive Simon Wensley commented on the beginning of work.

“This is a very positive energy from the Metro team in a year where we intend to fulfil the potential of an expanded Bauxite Hills mine,” he said.

“We have had an excellent retention of staff and it’s exciting to be embarking on the final stages of our 7mtpa expansion through Q2 this year.”