Major Pilbara
iron ore ports including Dampier, Cape Lambert and Port Hedland had to shut down due to cyclone Christine making landfall in the north of Western
Australia on Monday, December 30, according to Reuters. The ports evacuated ships and staff over the past weekend.
Australian mining companies
Fortescue,
Rio Tinto and
BHP Billiton were forced to suspend loading until the authorities gives clearance for shipping activities, with clearance expected to be given over the next few days, Reuters reported.