Iron ore ports on the coast of the Pilbara region of Western Australia, including ports of Dampier and Cape Lambert, as well as Port Hedland, the region's largest iron ore port, have been closed to traffic due to a category 1 cyclone warning, according to international media reports.
Tropical cyclone Heidi is expected to hit the town of Port Hedland on the night of Wednesday, January 11, and is likely to intensify to category 2 before it hits land. All major vessels have been relocated and all non-essential staff will be sent home.
Major Australian iron ore miners Fortescue and Rio Tinto have stopped loading ships. However, their other operations are still continuing.