Metro Mining Limited (ASX: MMI), an independent bauxite producer and explorer, has announced a positive operational update for its Bauxite Hills Mine located in Cape York, Far North Queensland. The company, which operates its 100% owned Bauxite Hills Mine on the Weipa bauxite plateau, produces a high alumina bauxite, the primary ore used in making aluminium – a critical metal for the energy transition. The key highlight of the update was a robust shipment figure of 756 thousand Wet Metric Tonnes (WMT) during August 2026.
This August shipment volume marks an impressive 8% increase over the previous month’s performance, showcasing the enhanced operational capabilities at the Bauxite Hills Mine. The improvement is largely attributed to the offshore floating terminal (OFT), Ikamba, which returned to full strength in late July, demonstrating its standalone capacity effectively. Metro Mining ships its high alumina bauxite directly to customers using very large ore carriers.
Looking ahead, the company anticipates further operational optimisation with the return of the TSA Skardon. Following a successful dry-docking, the vessel is expected back at the site in mid-September, strategically timed to leverage favourable shipping conditions. Metro Mining has maintained its calendar year shipment guidance for 2026, projecting total shipments to range between 6.6 and 7.1 million WMT. This operational and marketing update was approved by Metro Mining’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr Simon Wensley.
