Metro Mining Limited, the Brisbane-based miner in Australia, shipped 753,101 wet metric tonnes (WMT) of bauxite from its Bauxite Hills operation in Queensland during August. The figure marked a 6 per cent year-on-year increase and a solid improvement from July’s 714,000 WMT. Despite losing a few operational days to unfavourable weather, the company reported record throughput rates at its Barge Loading Facility, averaging over 1,700 tonnes per hour.
Image source: Metro Mining
In 2025, Metro has shipped a total of 3.4 million WMT to date, placing it in a solid position to achieve its target of 6.5 to 7 million WMT this year. After a seasonal shutdown during the first two months of 2025 owing to an annual wet season maintenance program, Metro Mining kickstarted its operations from March, reaching a staggering shipment volume of 609,000 WMT by April-end. Since then, there was no looking back.
From 424,730 WMT of shipments in April alone, Metro’s shipment volume in May increased to 671,934 WMT, but saw an intermittent drop in June to 589,000 WMT. Backed by infrastructure upgrades, ample reserves, and lower operating costs, Metro’s operations continued to scale. In Q2 FY2025, the miner posted record-high shipments, up 19 per cent year-on-year, maintaining an annualised production rate of 7 million tonnes.
What is driving Metro’s growth?
Metro’s offshore floating terminal, Ikamba, has proven to be a critical operational asset. This floating infrastructure enabled rapid remobilization after the cyclone was downgraded to a tropical low, minimising production downtime.
Other initiatives by Metro Mining to optimise operations without additional expenditure, like advanced conveyor systems, has boosted the Australian miner’s production capacity to 8 million tonnes.
Market capitalisation nears USD 325 million
The company’s financial turnaround has been impressive. For the first half of 2025, Metro reported a net profit of AUD 119.8 million (USD 77.9 million) compared to a loss the previous year. With a market capitalisation of about AUD 500 million (USD 325 million), the miner is establishing itself as a dependable supplier to the Asia-Pacific aluminium value chain.
With the bauxite market improving, Metro Mining's operational quality and strategic purchases position it as a key supplier contributing to Australia’s role in meeting global aluminium demand.
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