The Pilbara Ports Authority in Western Australia has announced the closure of key export terminals due to the impact of tropical Cyclone Narelle, which poses risks to iron ore shipments from the region.
The ports of Ashburton and Dampier were closed on Thursday, March 26, due to increased severe weather conditions, including gale force and gale force winds.
Impact on large exporters of minerals
Tropical Cyclone Narelle has been classified as a category 3 storm, and forecasts indicate that it may strengthen to category 4. Wind gusts are expected to reach 275 km/h, which will require precautions and the suspension of port operations to ensure safety.
The closure is expected to disrupt the export activities of major mining companies, including Rio Tinto and Mineral Resources, which rely on these ports for iron ore shipments.
Nevertheless, Port Hedland, the world's largest iron ore export center, is currently still operational.
Uncertainty about the timing of the resumption of work
Authorities have not yet provided a timetable for reopening the affected ports.
In February, iron ore shipments from Port Dampier totaled 10.76 million tons, down 10.2% from January, but up 30.7% year-on-year.
