Australian iron ore producer Fortescue Metals Group Limited (Fortescue) has announced that continued and heavy rainfall across the Pilbara region of Western Australia is impacting the company's mining operations.
According to a company release, the sustained wet weather events have caused significant flooding across the Pilbara resulting in extended access road closures and air access restrictions to Fortescue's mining operations, disrupting production.
Fortescue now estimates iron ore production of 8.5-9 million mt in the first quarter of 2011 down 500,000 mt compared to the previous guidance, assuming a return to normal weather conditions.
Fortescue is working to maximize production throughout the remainder of the quarter, the company said.