Metro Mining to resume mining at Bauxite Hills in mid-April due to COVID-19 challenges apart from the wet season

Metro Mining has made public that it will resume mining at the Bauxite Hills Mine in early April’20, as formulated, with the first vessel to commence loading two weeks later.

In general mining operations activities are kept in halt at the Bauxite Hills during the December-March wet season period. Though perfect dates are always subject to weather situations, long-term forecasts have indicated that the restart is expected to be smooth.

Metro has confirmed the shipping schedule for the 2020 first quarter of operations is now finalized, and all production planned until the end of June’20 is spoken for and anticipates producing and shipping about 1million tonnes of bauxite during this period.

Metro’s MD and CEO Simon Finnis said that while it may seem like a business, as usual, the company is not discounting the possibility that operations may be affected by COVID-19.

He said: “Like all other organization in Australia we are facing circumstances that are changing on a daily basis.”

“It is certainly a challenging time and we are doing everything possible to address issues as they arise.”

“Metro is closely monitoring events that may affect staff, contractors, local communities, shipping and our customers’ operations in China.”

“Importantly the Metro Board, who are also restricting face-to-face meetings, are constantly monitoring the effect COVID-19 may have on the company’s operations as a whole.”

“Metro will continue to keep the market informed under its on-going disclosure obligations.”

Metro has accomplished an elaborated risk assessment primarily focused on the health and well-being of the company personnel and the community.

The assessment was also aimed at reforming business interruptions and any impact COVID-19 may have on production.

A plan of action around personal protective equipment and access to and travel around the Bauxite Hills Mine site has been enhanced in response to the review and will be strictly policed.

Metro is also engrossed in the health of native employees and the threat COVID-19 poses to their communities.

The travel and work procedures take these issues into account, and the company is constantly monitoring any changes to travel and other restrictions to these communities so it can adapt accordingly.

Furthermore, work-from-home plans are in place, face-to-face meetings are dejected, and all staff is being made aware of personal hygiene practices.

COVID-19 is a rapidly making head away situation and procedures are being constantly monitored and updated following Government initiatives and directives.