As Wilmar Sugar and Renewables marks the first quarter of the 2024 crush season, a notable 4.14 million tonnes of cane has been processed across its eight mills. The Plane Creek Mill in the Mackay region, a key player in Wilmar’s operations, is leading the charge with impressive performance metrics despite recent weather challenges.
In the Plane Creek region, this week’s CCS (Commercial Cane Sugar) stands at 12.72, with 291,000 tonnes processed, representing 22 per cent of the total Plane Creek crop. Standover cane made up 25 per cent of the week’s cane supply, highlighting its significant role. The highest CCS honour for the week went to KQ228 1R from the Yukan productivity area, boasting an impressive CCS of 16.2 units.
The Plane Creek crop is currently cutting above estimate, with an average yield of 85 tonnes per hectare. Crews are taking advantage of the current wet weather to reinstate the master shredder turbine, which is expected to restore budgeted crush rates. With improved drying conditions, the factory was anticipated to resume crushing by August 14.
Ian Davies, General Manager of Cane Supply and Grower Relations at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, expressed optimism about the progress. “Despite the weather disruptions, Plane Creek is demonstrating strong performance. The current efforts to enhance our equipment will help us get back on track swiftly,” Davies stated.
Proserpine’s crop is cutting about 3 per cent above estimate, with a CCS of 13.78 and 414,000 tonnes processed, making up 24 per cent of the total Proserpine crop. The factory has been performing well, with harvesting expected to restart towards the weekend.
The Burdekin region is also showing notable progress with a CCS of 14.57 this week and 2.55 million tonnes processed, making up 30 per cent of the total Burdekin crop. Mill performance across all Burdekin factories is improving. However, recent heavy rain has delayed harvesting, with expectations that harvesters may not return to the paddocks for 10 to 14 days.
In the Herbert, the CCS this week is 12.65, with 885,000 tonnes processed, representing 22 per cent of the total Herbert crop. Although the crop is cutting slightly below estimate, CCS is above budget. The wet weather has provided an opportunity for maintenance work, with harvesting likely to resume later this week.
As the season progresses, Wilmar remains focused on navigating weather-related challenges and optimising operations to ensure a successful crush.
Plane Creek Mill Traffic Officer Jem Blackmoore
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