Metro Mining’s (ASX:MMI) Bauxite Hills Mine during Q4 2024 demonstrated its capacity to consistently operate at, and at times above, the expansion project target rate of 7 million wet metric tonnes per annum.
Shipments during this commissioning and ramp-up year total 5.7 million WMT, an annual record and 24% above 2023.
Metro also reports that after a first trial capesize cargo in 2024, a new multi-cargo offtake contract has been agreed for 2025 with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) shipping to its high temperature alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi.
The target shipment range for the calendar year 2025 is 6.5 to 7 million WMT.
While on track in November, worse than expected weather conditions in December forced the cancellation of the last cape vessel in the shipping schedule, affecting the company’s ability to meet shipment guidance for 2024.
Metro notes that December shipments were 480,000 WMT, taking Q4 total shipments to 2.1 million WMT, with a further 100,000 WMT loaded in the first five days of January 2025.
The company says loading operations for the 2024 production season have now concluded, and the annual wet season maintenance program is underway.
Record December shipments were achieved despite 10 days of adverse weather conditions, including wave heights of up to 3.5m, impacting production and transhipping operations, and the offshore floating terminal, Ikamba, ceasing operations for two days for a maintenance shutdown.
During the period of adverse weather, Metro says Ikamba demonstrated “good operational resilience”, remaining offshore and able to safely take advantage of loading windows where in the past no transhipping would have occurred.
This operational capability can now be factored into future planning for an extended operating season, the company adds.
Metro Mining is an independent bauxite producer and explorer, with its 100% owned Bauxite Hills Mine operating on the Weipa bauxite plateau some 95km north of Weipa, near the coast on the Skardon River.
Metro Mining produces a high alumina bauxite, shipping direct to customers in very large ore carriers. Bauxite is used to make aluminium, a critical and strong growth metal in the energy transition.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Metro
