The Pilbara Ports Authority in Western Australia has announced the closure of key export terminals due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which is posing risks to iron ore shipments from the region.
The ports of Ashburton and Dampier were shut down on Thursday, March 26, as severe weather conditions intensified, including gale-force and storm-force winds.
Impact on major mining exporters
Tropical Cyclone Narelle has been classified as a category 3 storm, with forecasts indicating it could strengthen to category 4. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 275 km/h, prompting precautionary measures and the suspension of port operations to ensure safety.
The closures are expected to disrupt export activities for major mining companies, including Rio Tinto and Mineral Resources, which rely on these ports for iron ore shipments.
However, Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export hub, remains operational for the time being.
Uncertainty over reopening timeline
The authorities have not yet provided a timeline for when the affected ports are expected to resume operations.
In February, iron ore shipments from Port Dampier totaled 10.76 million mt, decreasing by 10.2 percent compared to January but rising by 30.7 percent year on year.
