Big wheels, bigger results: Cat 992 Loaders drive Bauxite Hill output to the maximum

Metro Mining Limited has significantly increased throughput rates at its Bauxite Hills operation in Western Australia. One of the biggest reasons was commissioning two new Cat 992 Wheel Loaders and installing a new screening system.

The company introduced a new apron/wobbler feeder screening circuit in May, marking a key step in its expansion strategy. The integration and optimisation of the expansion are already yielding results, with Metro achieving a record monthly shipment of 720,000 tonnes (wet) in August 2024, a 13 per cent increase from July and a 29 per cent rise compared to July 2023, which AL Circle has already reported on September 6, 2024. This milestone came despite a two-day shutdown for conveyor belt replacements at the barge loading facility and planned transhippers maintenance.

By the end of August, quarter-to-date shipments reached 1.4 million tonnes (wet), bringing year-to-date production to 2.9 million tonnes (wet), in line with the company's annual production target of 6-6.4 million tonnes (wet).