Hamersley Iron won the coveted Premier’s Award for Excellence at the 2004 Western Australian Industry and Export Awards, held on 22 October at a special gala night at the Perth Convention Centre. Their development of new initiatives to further strengthen relationships with Chinese steel mills has helped them scoop the prestigious award.

Hamersley Iron has built upon its market leadership in China, the largest and fastest growing market for iron ore, to deliver growth. Hamersley is engaged in a number of initiatives to strengthen relationships with Chinese steel mills. These include the establishment of the Bao-HI Ranges joint venture with the country’s largest steel group, Shanghai Baosteel, and the construction and opening of the Eastern Range mine.

Hamersley export more than 68 million tonnes of iron ore a year to the global steel industry and their plans for expansion will create significant growth opportunities for Western Australian and Australian economies.

State Development Minister Clive Brown, on behalf of Premier Geoff Gallop, presented Hamersley Iron with the major prize for this awards program held at the Perth Convention Centre.

"Hamersley Iron is to be congratulated for achieving the Premier’s award which recognises the efforts the company has made to continue its expansion in the world’s largest and fastest growing market," Mr Brown said.

"Sales contracts with Chinese steel mills cover about 70 million tonnes per annum, underpinning Hamersley’s expansion plans of more than 60 per cent, with the export capacity expected to reach almost 120 million tonnes by the end of 2005".

Bruce Larson, General Manager for External Affairs, who accepted the award on behalf of Hamersley Iron, thanked the Western Australian Government for their support. "This award recognises the efforts Hamersley has made to develop and expand sales to China over the past 30 years. Our significant expansion program underway will allow us to continue our contribution to the Pilbara and to Western Australia for at least the next 40 years."

The Western Australian Industry and Export Awards are the leading business awards in the State, with the Premier’s Award for Excellence being awarded by members of the judging panel for outstanding performance and overall excellence. They acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of businesses, large and small, in reaching new markets. These awards also acknowledge the important contribution that Western Australian businesses make to the local economy through job creation and increased prosperity in the community.

Hamersley Iron also received the Minerals and Energy Export Award, and is now a finalist, along with other export category winners, in the National Export Awards to be held on the Gold Coast on 9 December.

Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd, who were the recipients of the Premier’s Award last year, won two awards this year: the Small to Medium Manufacturers Export Award and Regional Exporter of the Year Award.