Australia: Pilbara Port Authority Resumes Operation at Port Hedland

Western Australia's Pilbara port Authority resumed operations at Port Hedland and Port Ashburton following infrastructure assessment, post the cyclone Veronica. The authority ensures no infrastructure damages at the two ports. However, the assessment at Port Dampier is being undertaken and resumption remains pending.

Australia is world's largest exporter of iron ore with about 95% of iron ore accounting from Port Hedland, Dampier and Cape Lambert. All the three ports were suspended last week (22nd Mar) amidst the cyclone veronica. Besides, major miners BHP Billiton and FMG operations were hampered amidst operation Halt at Port Hedland, the world's largest bulk export port.

According to data maintained with SteelMint, Australia iron ore exports stood at around 853 MnT in CY18. Out of this, exports from Port Hedland was recorded at 508 MnT.

As per reports, towards second week of Mar (4th -10th Mar), Australian exports dropped around 13% W-o-W to around 15 MnT due to maintenance work at Port Dampier and Port Hedland. Further the cyclone affect is expected to drop down Australian exports for the month.