According to Australia-based iron ore producer Fenix Resources Ltd, its iron ore shipments are facing potential disruptions due to Tropical Cyclone Narelle and diesel fuel supply constraints, though the company has confirmed that its production and sales guidance for the financial year 2025-26 remains intact.
Fenix stated that is it closely monitoring the development of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which is rapidly intensifying off the northwest coast of Western Australia. In response, the Mid-West Port Authority has activated cyclone response procedures at the Port of Geraldton, resulting in a temporary suspension of all shipping operations. The ports of Dampier and Ashburton in Pilbara were also taken out of operation, as previously reported by SteelOrbis. This development is expected to directly affect Fenix’s export logistics.
The producer stated that safety measures are being implemented across all operational sites, emphasizing that the wellbeing of employees, contractors and their families remains the company’s top priority.
Fuel supply constraints add pressure
In addition to weather-related risks, Fenix highlighted that the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have tightened regional diesel fuel availability. According to the company, these constraints are beginning to affect mining operations across the sector, including its own activities.
As a result, Fenix expects disruptions to fuel supply from its contracted suppliers and has started scaling back non-essential mining and haulage operations.
Operations to continue with stockpiles
Despite these challenges, the company noted that existing stockpiles at its mines should allow it to continue processing and transporting iron ore to Geraldton, provided the cyclone’s impact remains manageable. However, the temporary closure of Geraldton Port is expected to lead to the rescheduling of shipments, affecting iron ore sales volumes for the March 2026 quarter.
FY 2025-26 guidance unchanged
According to Fenix, its full-year guidance remains unchanged. The company continues to expect total iron ore sales of 4.2–4.8 million mt and anticipates that port operations will resume in early April 2026 and that diesel supply conditions will normalize. Fenix also stated that it does not plan to revise or withdraw its guidance at this stage, as the board believes there is a reasonable basis for maintaining current projections.