Major Australian iron ore port resumes operations as cyclone threat diminishes

Port Hedland Reopens After Cyclone Mitchell Moves South

The largest iron ore export hub in the world, located at Port Hedland in northwestern Australia, has resumed activity following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell. According to Pilbara Ports, the port was able to restart operations on Sunday as the cyclone shifted southward. This crucial terminal is responsible for shipping much of Australia’s iron ore, serving major companies such as BHP Group and Fortescue Ltd.

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The Bureau of Meteorology reported that Cyclone Mitchell is expected to continue moving along the coast, bringing wind gusts up to 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph) on Monday. The system is predicted to weaken below cyclone strength as it travels inland early Tuesday.

Western Australia is a major hub for both iron ore and liquefied natural gas exports. While Port Hedland has reopened, several other important ports—including Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Dampier, and Varanus Island—remained shut as of Monday morning.

This marks the first major cyclone to impact Australia this season, which typically spans from November through April. In the previous year, a higher frequency of severe storms disrupted port operations and led to a significant drop in iron ore shipments from the region for several months.

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