Cape York bauxite producer Metro Mining achieved a new monthly record of 720,000 wet metric tonnes shipped to customers in August.

This reflected the anticipated boost in output as its expansion project to take Bauxite Hills capacity to 7 million wet metric tonnes per annum took effect, the company said.

The August figure was 13 per cent up on July 2024 and 29 per cent up on July 2023, despite a two-day shutdown during the month to replace conveyor belts at the barge loading facility and planned maintenance of the peration’s transhippers.

Metro said it took year-to-date production to 2.9 million WMT, in line with annual guidance of 6.0 to 6.4 million WMT. A new daily record of 32,022 WMT was also set during the month.

Related: Boosted Bauxite Hills ready to tap growing market

By the end of August, the two main expansion components, the wobbler screening circuit/barge loading facility and offshore floating terminal Ikamba, were operating at nameplate and 92 per cent capacity respectively.

Two Caterpillar 992 front-end wheel loaders were commissioned during August. Their bucket capacities of 23 to 27 tonnes, depending on product density, are about double the existing 988 loaders.

Metro said the machines complemented the increased throughput of 1,500 tonnes per hour being achieved with the new wobbler screening circuit, while also being safer and more fuel efficient.

An additional assist tug is due to be mobilised in September and additional Scania R770 prime movers, capable of hauling up to 230 tonnes with a quad trailer configuration, will replace lower-powered fleet.

Metro said it expected continued gains in monthly production and shipping rates in the coming months as the new flow sheet was optimised, along with more favourable ore moisture and tides.

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