Metro Mining says the construction program at Bauxite Hills mine, 100km north of Weipa,  is advancing according to schedule and is on budget.

About 75 people are working on the Bauxite Hills mine, with indigenous employees holding 41 per cent of the positions in all facets of the construction program.

Construction commenced in July and mining operations are expected to begin in April next year.

Pile driving is complete for marine infrastructure including the barge loading facility. The marine offloading facility is complete and being utilised for unloading of freight and personnel, according to an update from Metro today.

SAB Mining (SAB) is undertaking civil works during the mine construction phase, and has been awarded the bauxite mining and haulage contract for the operational phase.

Earthmoving works for the barge loading facility and sediment dams are complete and SAB has moved onto construction of the
haul roads.

The team that will erect and commission the conveyor systems for the barge loading facility has been mobilised to site,
with work to commence next week.

Metro chairman Stephen Everett said the board was very satisfied with progress.