Metro Mining Limited has boosted throughput rates of its screening system at its Bauxite Hills operation in Western Australia thanks to the commissioning of two new Caterpillar 992 wheel loaders.

This followed the commissioning of a new apron/wobbler feeder screening circuit in May.

The company is undergoing an expansion at the bauxite mine, with the company saying integration and optimisation activities being undertaken with the expansion are delivering the anticipated increased production capacity, with a new monthly shipment record of 720,000 t (wet) achieved in August 2024. This is an increase of 13% over July 2024 and 29% over July 2023, despite a two-day shutdown during the month to replace conveyor belts at the barge loading facility and planned maintenance of the transhippers. This takes the quarter-to-date shipments to 1.4 Mt (wet) and year-to-date production to 2.9 Mt (wet), in-line with annual guidance of 6-6.4 Mt (wet).

A new daily record of 32,022 t (wet) was also set during the month.

By month-end, the two main expansion components, the wobbler screening circuit/barge loading facility and OFT Ikamba, were operating at nameplate and 92% capacity, respectively, the company noted.

Two Cat 992 wheel loaders were commissioned during August. Their bucket capacities of 23-27 t, depending on product density, are approximately double that of the existing 988 loaders. They complement the increased throughput of 1,500 t/h being achieved with the new wobbler screening circuit, while also being safer and more fuel efficient, Metro Mining says. An additional assist tug will be mobilised in September.

Additional Scania R770 prime movers, capable of hauling up to 230 t with a quad trailer configuration, will replace lower powered fleet, the company added.

As the new flowsheet is optimised, along with more favourable ore moisture and tides, Metro expects to see similar gains in monthly production and shipping rates in the coming months, it says.