Metro Mining targets higher bauxite volumes in 2026

2026-02-03

Feb. 3, 2026 - Australian bauxite producer Metro Mining is planning to increase bauxite shipments in 2026, focusing on optimising its 7 million tonne expansion and ongoing debottlenecking at the Bauxite Hills Mine in Far North Queensland, according to CEO Simon Wensley.

Speaking in February 2026, Wensley said the company aims to extract maximum value from the expanded operation while maintaining flexibility in its customer portfolio. “If we can implement all these expansions and improvement programs, next year we’re targeting to be the lowest-cost supplier into the Asia-Pacific market,” he said.

Production was temporarily paused for seasonal maintenance, with operations expected to resume in early March. The second half of the year typically benefits from more favourable weather and shipping conditions.

Wensley highlighted that the mine’s reserve base and surrounding resources provide longer-term optionality, supporting the company’s 2026 production and cost targets. As of end-2024, Bauxite Hills held an estimated reserve of 77.7 million tonnes and a resource of 114.4 million tonnes.

With aluminium demand supported by transportation, construction, and renewable energy sectors, Metro Mining is positioning itself to expand supply and improve cost competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific market while continuing its expansion optimisation.