Australian miner BHP Billiton plans to increase its iron ore export capacity from Port Hedland, which is the largest global iron ore shipping hub for steelmakers, by around 40 million mt per year to 330 million mt per year.
BHP has begun discussions with relevant stakeholders to increase its licensed export capacity above 290 million mt per year in the medium term.
The miner previously announced that it exported 238 million mt of iron ore in the last financial year, with this amount equivalent to almost 85 percent of its capacity. However, the company expects its shipments this year will be in the range of 273-286 million mt.
BHP is also considering spending another almost A$300 million ($194 million) over five years in order to improve air quality and reduce dust emissions across its Pilbara operations. The company had previously invested A$400 million in its Pilbara operations to minimize dust emissions.