Metro Mining (ASX:MMI) reported shipping 184,000 wet metric tonnes of bauxite from its Bauxite Hills Mine in Queensland during Q1 2025. The company is targeting 6.5 to 7 million wet metric tonnes in shipments for the full year. This follows the completion of operational mobilization and recommissioning, supported by investments in equipment and practices suited for wet ore conditions.
Reduced environmental risks and the introduction of a new wobbler screening circuit and offshore transhipment terminal (Ikamba) have contributed to the early start of production. While alumina prices have seen a significant correction, traded bauxite prices have remained strong. Metro Mining has secured Q2 2025 cargo pricing at a 20% premium compared to Q4 2024. Fastmarkets reports bauxite prices have decreased from a high of $115-$130 per dry metric tonne in January to $90-$85 per dry metric tonne in March.
Looking ahead, the IMARC Group forecasts the bauxite market to reach US$21.4 billion by 2033, with a growth rate of 2.94% between 2025 and 2033. This growth is expected to be fueled by rising demand for aluminum across various industries and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles.
