Weather Disruptions Test Metro Mining’s Shipping Capacity in June
Metro Mining Limited achieved a record June shipment of 589,000 wet metric tonnes of bauxite, marking a 16% year-on-year increase despite weather-related logistical constraints. The company also confirmed resilient Q3 pricing aligned with market conditions.
- Record June shipments of 589,000 WMT, up 16% year-on-year
- Year-to-date shipments reach 1.9 million WMT including strong Q2 performance
- Shipping constrained by tropical low-pressure event impacting Skardon River drafts
- Maintenance advanced mid-June to reduce future downtime
- Q3 2025 contract prices settled in line with a resilient bauxite market
Record Shipment Performance
Metro Mining Limited has reported a milestone in its operational performance with a record shipment of 589,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) of bauxite in June 2025. This volume represents a 16% increase compared to June 2024 and underscores the company’s growing production capacity at its Bauxite Hills Operation near Weipa, Queensland.
Year-to-date shipments have reached 1.9 million WMT, including a robust 1.7 million WMT shipped during the second quarter. These figures highlight Metro’s steady momentum in supplying high-grade bauxite to its customers, a critical input for aluminium production amid global energy transition demands.
Operational Challenges and Strategic Responses
Despite the strong shipment numbers, June’s output was slightly down from May by 84,000 WMT, primarily due to logistical constraints caused by a significant tropical low-pressure event in April. This weather event restricted declared drafts in the Skardon River, a key shipping channel, delaying full recovery and limiting vessel loading capacity.
In response, Metro Mining proactively advanced maintenance activities at both the mine site and its offshore floating terminal, Ikamba, implementing a three-day shutdown mid-month. This strategic move is expected to reduce maintenance needs for the remainder of the year, mitigating the risk of future disruptions.
The Ikamba terminal demonstrated resilience by operating effectively despite challenging weather and swell conditions, reinforcing Metro’s operational robustness in a demanding environment.
Pricing and Market Outlook
Metro Mining has settled open contract prices for the third quarter of 2025 in line with the prevailing bauxite market, which remains resilient despite some softening from the previous quarter. When adjusted for grade and moisture, the negotiated CIF price is approximately on par with the fourth quarter of 2024.
While total FOB revenue for Q3 will depend on the mix of negotiated and legacy fixed-price contracts, as well as any penalties or demurrage charges, the company anticipates stronger revenue compared to Q2 2025. A detailed financial analysis will be provided in the upcoming quarterly report scheduled for release later in July.
Looking Ahead
Metro Mining’s operational update reflects a company navigating environmental challenges with strategic agility while maintaining growth in shipments and pricing stability. The expected full recovery of the Skardon River shipping channel in the coming days should further support shipment volumes and operational efficiency.
As the global demand for aluminium intensifies, Metro’s position as a high-quality bauxite supplier with strong indigenous community ties and operational resilience positions it well for continued growth.
Bottom Line?
Metro Mining’s ability to overcome weather disruptions while setting shipment records signals a promising trajectory, but upcoming quarterly results will reveal the full financial impact.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the final Q3 revenue compare once the sales mix and penalties are fully accounted for?
- What is the timeline and risk associated with the full recovery of the Skardon River shipping channel?
- How might ongoing weather volatility affect Metro’s operational and maintenance planning for the rest of 2025?