Yilgarn iron ore makes tracks to Esperance Port

LESS than a year after Mining Resources stopped shipping iron ore through the Port of Esperance, Yilgarn Iron has restarted exports that will see around 4.4 million tonnes per annum shipped through the port.

Rail company Arc Infrastructure has signed a new four-year agreement with iron ore miner Yilgarn to transport the iron ore from Koolyanobbing to the Port of Esperance on the Arc network.

Based in Perth, Yilgarn Iron is a privately owned Australian mining company with iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Yilgarn region.

Yilgarn Iron acquired Mineral Resources’ Yilgarn iron ore operations in June 2025, including the mines of Koolyanobbing, Carina, Mt Jackson, Windarling, Deception and Parker Range, as well as several nearby prospective exploration assets.

The first train ran in November and the first shipment of iron ore left from the Port of Esperance last week.

Arc Infrastructure chief executive Stephanie Unwin said the agreement reflected Arc’s ongoing commitment to working with customers to grow freight on rail.

“We’re really excited to have signed this deal with Yilgarn Iron. In addition to the economic benefits for the region and Esperance Port, we know that moving freight on rail improves regional road safety and lowers emissions,” Ms Unwin said.

“We’re looking forward to growing our partnership with Yilgarn Iron and increasing our investment in the Eastern Goldfields Railway and Esperance Branch Line to support their operation moving forward.”

Yilgarn Iron managing director Fergus Campbell said it was a vote of confidence in the region.

“This is a win for local jobs and regional vitality. Yilgarn Iron is committed to unlocking the Yilgarn’s iron ore resources and shaping a positive future for company, country and local communities, especially the Yilgarn and Esperance communities.”

Yilgarn joins Gold Valley as the second customer utilising Esperance Port’s iron ore circuit.