After several strong months of production, Metro Mining Limited saw a modest slowdown in October, shipping 735,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) of bauxite from its Bauxite Hills Operation in northern Queensland.
Image source: Metro Mining
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The number was about 5.5 per cent lower than September’s 779,000 WMT, yet overall volumes for the year have climbed to 4.84 million WMT, leaving the miner on track to meet its 2025 goal.
A short spell of maintenance work briefly affected output. Metro said operations were interrupted for around five days, including a mechanical issue at the barge loading facility. A bolted joint failure on the extendable boom halted loading for roughly four days, but the problem was fixed and cleared by an independent engineer and it returned to full capacity.
The company also took advantage of the final week of October to carry out bed levelling, part of its regular mid-season upkeep. The task was completed within five days, keeping disruption minimal. In total, the site operated for 26 weather-working days, only a touch below September’s pace.
Year on Year comparison
The company shipped 672,400 WMT in October 2023, which rose by 18 per cent to 793,420 WMT in October 2024, setting a new monthly record at the time. In October 2025, shipments stood at 735,000 WMT, down 7.4 per cent year-on-year from 2024 but still about 9 per cent higher than 2023 levels.
Finishing the year strong
Metro expects shipping activity to remain firm through November and December, supported by stable demand and smooth operations at Bauxite Hills. The company continues to guide for full-year shipments between 6.5 and 7 million WMT, a target that remains within reach after resolving October’s brief technical issues.
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