CSI Mining Services begins transporting bauxite for Rio Tinto's Weipa operations

CSI Mining Services, a Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) subsidiary, has initiated the transport of bauxite ore for Rio Tinto's Weipa operations in northern Queensland.

Recognised as a leader in pit-to-ship solutions, CSI Mining Services specialises in innovative crushing, screening, and processing operations for both MinRes and Tier 1 mining clients.

In April, CSI secured a contract to provide haulage services for a Tier 1 mining company, with operations commencing the following month. Now, the company has begun transporting bauxite from Rio Tinto's Weipa operations, which include three bauxite mines, processing facilities, shiploaders, an export wharf, two ports, power stations, a rail network, and ferry terminals.

CSI operates eight Kenworth C509 quad road trains to transport materials from the Andoom mine site in Weipa along two haul routes. These Kenworth C509s are the largest single-engine road trains in the world, boasting a 330-tonne payload and a gross combination mass of 425 tonnes.

Mike Grey, Chief Executive of Mining Services at MinRes, says, "CSI has worked closely with Rio Tinto to transport the Kenworth C509 quad road trains from Western Australia to Queensland. They were transported via a roll-on, roll-off vessel to Weipa and then driven 30km to the Andoom mine site."

"This includes transporting the road trains across the single-lane, narrow Weipa mission bridge, requiring a high level of planning, coordination and teamwork with Rio Tinto. This marks an exciting time of growth for CSI, and we are proud to build on our longstanding relationship with Rio Tinto."

For comprehensive insights into Australia's bauxite production, including detailed data on production per mine and a global perspective on bauxite production, the top-performing mines, and bauxite trade dynamics (import and export), refer to AL Circle's industry-focused report, "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" (mini-edition). This report explicitly covers the bauxite and alumina segment.