Metro Mining Ltd announced that the first ship for 2020 has arrived at Skardon River. The ship, Vialli, commenced loading on the morning of 14 April. This shipment is the first this year to foundation customer Xinfa who will purchase approximately 2.0 Million DMT (dry metric tonnes) under existing offtake arrangements in 2020.
Metro Mining Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Simon Finnis, said: “This has been an excellent start to the year in trying times amidst all the operational changes we have had to implement to deal with the risk of Covid-19.”
“To put the results into context, last year we only had 47,000 WMT mined and hauled prior to the commencement of shiploading activities. Our workforce has had to make adjustments to their working lives, including some who have relocated to Cairns; I applaud and thank everyone for their efforts.”
Land based activities started on the 2nd of April with 142,000 Wet Metric Tonnes (WMT) of bauxite mined and hauled to the port. Of this, 106,000 WMT have been screened to date. As of the 14th, all barges were fully loaded with 28,000 WMT of bauxite ahead of the arrival of the Vialli.
The company has achieved screening rates of 850tph despite the inherent moisture in the bauxite post wet season. Metro Mining achieved 550tph last year.
“The procedures that have been put in place for Covid-19 have been embraced by all on site and, to date, have been successful with no impact on operations from the virus,” the company said.
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