Bauxite Hills output grows as Metro Mining maintains shipment outlook

Metro Mining Limited said its Bauxite Hills Mine produced 563,000 wet tonnes of bauxite in April, up 33 per cent from the same month last year. The increase occurred despite disruptions caused by Tropical Cyclone Narelle and some maintenance work that limited shipping capacity.

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The higher production allowed the company to build stockpiles. This comes ahead of an expected rise in shipments after its offshore floating terminal, Ikamba, returned to service.

Shipments in April were 416,000 wet metric tonnes, slightly lower by 2 per cent year-on-year. The decline was mainly due to operations running with only one transhipper for part of the month and a temporary crane barge breakdown. Full transhipping capacity was restored on May 3 after Ikamba resumed operations.

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Metro Mining has kept its shipment guidance for 2026 unchanged at 6.6 to 7.1 million tonnes. The company said this reflects confidence that it can meet its export targets for the year despite recent disruptions.

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The company operates the Bauxite Hills Mine in Cape York, North Queensland, on the Weipa bauxite plateau. It supplies bauxite to overseas customers using large ore carriers.
Metro Mining also works with Traditional Owner groups in the region and supports local employment in Far North Queensland.