Metro Mining Ltd (ASX:MMI) has been recognised for getting the Bauxite Hills project in Far North Queensland operational by being named Australia’s leading emerging mining company.
The award was presented at the Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum in Kalgoorlie last night.
Metro began bauxite mining operations at its flagship project, Bauxite Hills, 95 kilometres north of Weipa on western Cape York, in April this year.
READ: Metro Mining’s Bauxite Hills Mine on track to reach targeted operating rates
The Brisbane-based company is ramping up strongly on its way to producing 2 million tonnes of bauxite this year.
Managing director & CEO Simon Finnis said the ‘Leading Emerging Mining Company Award’ was a significant achievement for the company.
“Most importantly, the award acknowledges the effort of our mine-site and support team.
“Considerable dedication”
“The mine was constructed in near record-breaking time and commencement of mining operations and quick ramp-up has involved considerable dedication and, of course, hard work.
“Since April we have shipped 11 vessels and 689,566 tonnes of bauxite.”
Bauxite Hills has an estimated reserve of 92.2 million tonnes and total resources of 144.8 million tonnes and will deliver bauxite into China over a 17-year mine life.
Monthly mining rates are approaching budgeted operating rates and in June the operation averaged 8,167 wet metric tonnes (wmt) of bauxite per day.
Production guidance for 2018 is 1.965 million to 2.075 million wmt.
READ: Metro Mining raises $17.5 million as production ramp-up at Bauxite Hills Mine continues
The Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum features Australia’s leading listed mining and exploration companies.
It is held annually in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, the country’s unofficial gold mining capital. Attendees include mining and exploration companies, brokers, bankers, investors, financiers and mining service industries.