BHP’s Western Australian iron ore shipments reached new heights in July-December 2024, partially thanks to de-bottlenecking improvements at Port Hedland.
In its half-yearly operational review, issued yesterday, BHP said WAIO production increased by 1% to 128 Mt (145 Mt on a 100% basis) as a result of continued strong supply chain performance with record volumes delivered from the Central Pilbara hub (South Flank and Mining Area C) following the completion of the ramp up of South Flank in FY24 and a 9% increase in productive movement across the asset.
“In addition, PDP1 [port debottlenecking project 1] which was delivered in CY24, has unlocked improved car dumper cycle times and ship loader performance. This was partially offset by the planned increase in tie-in activity of the multi-year Rail Technology Program (RTP1) and wet weather in December.
“Production guidance for FY25 remains unchanged at between 250 and 260 Mt (282 and 294 Mt on a 100% basis), with production now expected to be in the upper half of the range.”
PDP1 was initiated in 2021 and followed Pilbara Ports Authority’s review of Port Hedland’s ore-handling capacity, which projected channel modifications would enable a 33% increase to a total of 660 Mtpa. Of that BHP WAIO can access up to 330 Mtpa (300 Mtpa through its own Nelson Point and Finucane island facilities). AT the time BHP said this increased Inner Harbour capacity obviated the need for it proposed Out Harbour development.
A study into increasing WAIO production to 330Mtpa is due to be completed this year.
Separately, steelmaking coal tonnes from the Queensland BMA operations, which export through the Hay Point Coal Terminal were up 14% for the six months to 31 December 2024.