Front-end engineering and design of a new bauxite terminal for Metro Mining is ready

Rocktree Consulting, a leading provider of marine dry-bulk cargo handling and delivery solutions, has reportedly finished the front-end engineering and design (FEED) of a new floating transhipment terminal for bauxite export from Australia’s Bauxite Hills Mine to China. The terminal is expected to boost Metro Mining’s bauxite export further to 6 million tonnes by 2021.

On completion, the terminal will have a maximum loading capacity of 3,000 tonnes of bauxite per hour. It will be 100 metre long, 30 metre wide, and 5.5 metre in draught, and will be used to load vessels with the help of a telescopic ship loader and an array of transhipment systems to transport bauxite.

Metro Mining managing director and CEO Simon Finnis said, “The completion of the feasibility study and selection of Rocktree’s design is a key step in allowing us to build on the outstanding production performance and operating experience gained since the Bauxite Hills started operations in April 2018.”

He also said, “Rocktree, which has been instrumental in the design, engineering, and construction of more than 20 floating terminals over the past two decades, is now tendering key work packages that will allow costs to be firmed up and final engineering and design work to be completed.”

Daniele Pratolongo, CEO of Rocktree Group, said, “The relationship Rocktree has developed with Metro Mining has enhanced Rocktree’s presence in Australia, a key market for the export of commodities and abundant in opportunities for waterborne logistics requiring Rocktree’s expertise.”

He added, “This initial scope of work, which has focused on engineering and consultancy services, is the first step towards a longer-term role with Metro Mining, where Rocktree will operate and manage the floating terminal upon project implementation in 2021.”