Port Hedland iron ore exports fall for FY19

The port of Port Hedland recorded a fall in iron ore exports for the 2019 fiscal year, with its major customer BHP today disclosing a decline in its annual production

According to the latest data from the Pilbara Ports Authority, annual iron ore exports from Port Hedland totalled 506.6 million tonnes, a drop of 2.3mt from the prior financial year.

Today, BHP said iron ore production from its Pilbara mines came in at 270mt for the financial year, compared with 275mt the previous year.

BHP lowered its financial year guidance in March, after Cyclone Veronica caused disruptions at several iron ore hubs in the Pilbara.

It is forecasting between 273mt and 286mt for the 2020 financial year.

The second biggest exporter through Port Hedland is Fortescue Metals Group, which has previously disclosed it anticipates total shipments in FY19 of between 165mt and 170mt.

Privately-owned Roy Hill Holdings, which also exports through Port Hedland, has been targeting annual shipments of 55mt.

ASX-listed Mineral Resources also exports iron ore through Port Hedland. The Iron Valley mine, which MIN operates on behalf of BCI Minerals, has annual output of up to 8mt