BHP Billiton’s billionth-tonne milestone iron ore shipments to Japan (reported here) not only reinforces its role as one of the world’s largest iron ore producers, but also underscores Australia’s position as the world’s largest exporter. The achievement comes at a time when unexpectedly weak world iron ore prices could lead to mining industry job losses Down Under as producers seek to cut costs. GK
Global resources giant BHP Billiton today (4 July 2014) shipped its one billionth tonne of iron ore to Japan – a milestone that was celebrated with customers, joint venture participants and employees in Port Hedland, Western Australia.
BHP Billiton President Iron Ore Jimmy Wilson and BHP Billiton President HSE, Marketing and Technology Mike Henry were joined by joint venture participants ITOCHU Corporation (ITOCHU) and Mitsui & Co., Ltd (Mitsui) to mark the occasion.
Speaking at the event Mr Wilson said: “BHP Billiton shipped its first tonne of iron ore to Japan in 1966 and we are proud of the nation-building role we have helped play since that time.
“Over the past decade, we have invested US$24 billion in Western Australia’s mines, rail and port infrastructure and continue to adopt new technology to ensure our operations remain world-class,” added.”
The opening of the Jimblebar mine earlier this year has taken Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) capacity to in excess of 220 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) Longer term, a low-cost option to expand Jimblebar to 55 Mtpa and the broader debottlenecking of the supply chain is expected to underpin capital efficient growth in WAIO capacity to approximately 270 Mtpa (100 per cent basis).
