Record iron ore production

Western Australia produces 22 per cent of the world’s share of iron ore according to latest figures.

Mining giant BHP has reported its annual iron ore output for WA hit a record high for the 10th consecutive year despite issuing a cautious outlook for future economic growth.

Rio Tinto, which also continues to achieve record iron ore production, has also announced the approval of a total of US$1bn for the expansion of its iron ore operations in the state. The funds will allow dredging contracts to be issued as part of early works on the expansion of the Cape Lambert port, supporting the Pilbara operations' overall capacity increase to 330 million tonnes a year (Mt/a) and beyond.

In addition the state owned Port Hedland Port Authority is preparing for further growth in iron ore exports reporting that they exported a record 174 million tonnes of ore last financial year.

The state-owned ports are used by Australia's biggest resources companies, including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Woodside Petroleum and Fortescue Metals Group, to ship iron ore, liquefied natural gas and other commodities.