Metro Mining Limited, an Australia-based exploration and mining company, announced to increase its annual production capacity of bauxite at the Bauxite Hills Mine from 4 million wet tons to 7 million wet tons in 2023. The mine is located 95 km north of Weipa.

In the second phase of the expansion project, Metro Mining intended to spend US$28.3 million to purchase a second floating crane barge, upgrade existing screening and conveying equipment, as well as expand transportation and transshipment operations.

According to the updated definitive feasibility study (DFS), the company aimed to achieve a production/sales rate of 6.0 million wet tons per year over the 15-year mine life, making the internal rate of return reach 78%, getting an annual revenue of US$290 million, and having payback in less than two years.