Bauxite mining in Weipa sees growth driven by Chinese demand for lighter vehicles

The mounting demand for aluminium in China is expected to create new mining job opportunities in the Weipa region which is extremely rich in bauxite deposits.

Metallica Minerals chief executive Simon Slesarewich said that the fundamentals of bauxite would remain strong due to the growing demand for fuel-efficient cars, planes and trains. “The majority of the iconic Ford F100 is now made of aluminium. In terms of where the demand is coming from, all roads lead to China,” he added.

Metallica Minerals Urquhart bauxite project, near Weipa, is expected to start production in the next three months after a $4 million capital raising.

Simon Finnis, Metro Mining’s chief executive said that the renewed demand was being driven by Chinese vehicle manufacturers as they preferred lighter and fuel-efficient cars.

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He further added that China currently produced 40 million tonnes of aluminium every year. The production is estimated to reach 50 million tonnes over the next five years. In Shandong province, the company already has a supply agreement with China’s Xinfa Group, which owns and operates power stations, alumina refineries and an aluminium smelter.

Last week, Metro confirmed Lubei Chemicals, China’s fifth-largest bauxite importer, signed the Letter-of-Intent for an initial 0.5 to 1.0 million tonnes per annum for 3 years commencing next year.