MinRes expands Western Australia iron ore export plan

Market: Metals
26/04/21

Australian mining firm Mineral Resources (MinRes) has expanded its ambition for its South West Creek iron ore mining hub in Western Australia (WA) from 20mn t/yr to 25mn t/yr by widening the scope of its Marillana joint venture with Australian firm Brockman Iron.

The firms plan to take 3½ years to develop the mining hub, a transport system to take the ore across the 320km to Port Hedland and two new berths at Port Hedland. They will begin work on the mine sites, transport corridor and port area immediately with the injection of A$105mn ($82mn) from MinRes, despite not having received state government approval to build the two berths at Port Hedland at South West Creek.

The new joint venture adds Brockman's Ophthalmia project, which has a mineral resource of 341mn t of 59.3pc Fe ore, to the Marillana project that has reserves of around 378mn t at a beneficiated Fe of 60.5-61.5pc. The initial target is to produce 25mn t of iron ore for export through Port Hedland, although the two proposed South West Creek terminals at the port would have a capacity of 50mn t/yr.

Mineral Resources bought into the Marillana iron ore project in July 2018 from Chinese-controlled mining firm Brockman and the project has been delayed at least twice over the past three years due to approvals.

The development of the two new terminals would add to congestion at Port Hedland, which services UK-Australian mining firm BHP's iron ore exports as well as those from Australian firms Fortescue Metals and Roy Hill. All the mining firms are examining expansion options to allow them to benefit from strong iron ore prices that are driven by high steel prices in China.

BHP used 42mn t and Fortescue 58mn t of Class D port capacity in 2020 because they had used their allocation of Classes A and B, according to MinRes. Class D is opportunistic port capacity that is available to port users once they have reached their allocation under Classes A and B. This would fall below capacity allocated to MinRes' South West Creek in priority at the port, and potentially increase shipping delays for BHP and Fortescue.

The firms that use Port Hedland are lobbying the WA state government to make a decision on the development of South West Creek as quickly as possible to allow market participants to best capitalise on strong demand for WA iron ore.

Argus assessed the 58pc Fe grade at $163.65/dry metric tonne (dmt) cfr Qingdao on 23 April, down from a high of $165.40/t on 20 April but up from $97.35/dmt on 29 July. Argus also assessed the ICX 62pc Fe at $185.95/dmt cfr Qingdao on 23 April, down from $188.70/t on 20 April but up from $110/dmt on 29 July.

By Jo Clarke

Related news posts

Argus illuminates the markets by putting a lens on the areas that matter most to you. The market news and commentary we publish reveals vital insights that enable you to make stronger, well-informed decisions. Explore a selection of news stories related to this one.

News

24/04/25

Freeport expects tariffs to increase costs 5pc

Houston, 24 April (Argus) — US-based copper producer Freeport-McMoRan expects tariffs to increase the costs of goods needed for operations by 5pc, as suppliers will likely pass on tariff-related costs. The 145pc tariffs imposed by the US on China on 10 April will likely have the largest influence on the estimated 5pc increase, according to Freeport-McMoRan chief executive officer Kathleen Quirk. Approximately 40pc of the company's US costs will not be subject to tariffs, as they relate to labor and services. Copper is currently exempt from tariffs after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 25 February launching a Section 232 investigation into the effect of copper imports on US national and economic security. Freeport said that its first quarter copper sales volumes of 872mn lbs exceeded its earlier estimate of 850mn lbs. But copper sales revenue decreased to $872mn this quarter from $1.1bn the first quarter of 2024. Copper production and sales were pressured in the quarter by shut operations at its Manyar smelter in Indonesia following sfire in October . The company expects start-up activities to begin at the smelter in the second quarter and return to full operations by the end of 2025. The company's molybdenum first quarter sales remained the same as 2024 first quarter's at $20mn. Freeport's net income for the first quarter was $352mn, a decrease from $473mn in the first quarter of 2024. By Reagan Patrowicz Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Find out more

News

US port fees threaten some metal shippers

24/04/25

News

24/04/25

US port fees threaten some metal shippers

Pittsburgh, 24 April (Argus) — US scrap metal shippers will see varying degrees of exposure to US Trade Representative's (USTR) revised proposal for port fees on Chinese-built and operated ships. USTR finalized a plan 17 April to apply a $50/net ton (nt) fee on Chinese operators and owners and a $18/nt fee on Chinese-built ships that dock in the US. The fees will begin in mid-October with incremental increases over the next three years. The agency determined that China's dominance of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors has reduced supply chain resilience by displacing foreign firms, lessening competition, and creating dependencies on the country. The number of US-flagged or -built ships has decreased by 34pc since 2010 to 185 in 2024, US Bureau of Transportation statistics data show. US-flagged or -built vessels accounted for 0.4pc of the global fleet in 2019. The fees are less severe than the industry anticipated, but sweeping exemptions will result in uneven impacts for bulk and container shippers. Fees largely spare bulk shippers Bulk scrap metal shippers will have the least direct impact from the new policies because ships arriving empty or in ballast and vessels carrying 80,000 deadweight tons (dwt) or less will be excluded from the charges associated with using a Chinese-built ship. Chinese-built ships account for 41pc of the 14,661 active vessels in the dry bulk global fleet, according to global ship tracking analytics firm Kpler. Bulk scrap exporters most commonly use Handysize vessels, but some occasionally fix bigger ships. The average weight of a bulk ferrous scrap export vessel in 2024 was 33,500 metric tonnes (t), according to manifest data. Even the largest Supramax vessel booked by east coast scrap exporters in 2024, the Denak D , would still qualify for the weight exemption. Most market participants are still working through the notice and waiting for more details regarding the exemptions. The USTR has not responded to requests for clarification on exemptions. Chinese-owned and Chinese-operated vessels would still be subject to the fees . Bulk shippers will be exposed to this direct cost, unless they shy away from Chinese-owned or operated vessel fixtures. But competition for these vessels will likely raise freight rates and availability as other commodity sectors shift their bookings as well, market sources said. Mills see some exposure on metallics US steelmakers importing bulk scrap will also broadly be spared from higher port fees related to Chinese-built vessels because of the weight exemptions, but some mills will be more exposed on imports of pig iron. Pig iron shippers occasionally use Kamsarmax vessels over 80,000dwt. But the vast majority of US pig iron imports travels in smaller vessels, such as Supramax or Ultramax size, which tend to have capacities well below the 80,000dwt limit. USTR offered exemptions to short-haul voyages under 2,000 nautical miles, which will help to relieve costs for shipments on the Great Lakes or between the US Gulf coast and Mexico. Mills would still be exposed to fees on any Chinese-owned or Chinese-operated vessel. Fees put container shippers at risk US container scrap exporters are the most vulnerable to the USTR's finalized plan on Chinese ship operators' vessels calling at US ports. Chinese built vessels account for about 50pc of all container ships globally, a market source said. USTR plans to impose a fee of $120 for each container discharged on a Chinese-built vessel beginning in mid-October with annual increases over the next three years reaching $250 for every container in April 2028. US shippers typically load about 25t in containers on the east coast and around 20t on the west coast. Containerized traders are bracing for higher freight costs later this year once the fees go into effect. USTR proposed exemptions for container vessels with a capacity no greater than 4,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), but most of the ships servicing the US export market are minimum of 8,000 TEUs, market participants said. The added port fees will likely get passed through to US customers via higher freight costs, a freight forwarder said. But for the short-term, blank sailings and new vessel capacity coming online has helped to keep rates steady, according to market participants. These added costs, paired with broader concerns of a flagging economy have begun to worry market participants over possible margin compression in the fourth quarter. By Brad MacAulay and James Marshall Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

News

Indonesia developing ETS ahead of EU CBAM introduction

24/04/25

News

24/04/25

Indonesia developing ETS ahead of EU CBAM introduction

London, 24 April (Argus) — Indonesia is developing its own emissions trading system (ETS) in conjunction with the EU ahead of the introduction of Europe's carbon-border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), delegates at the inaugural Argus Nickel Indonesia conference heard today. The country is working closely with the European Commission to develop an ETS to offset any potential tariffs and duties imposed under the new CBAM, which will be introduced in 2026, Head of Centre for Green Industry at Indonesia's Ministry of Industry, Apit Pria Nugraha, told delegates. "We are now working hand in hand with the commission to establish a mandatory carbon market," Nugraha said. "One of the motivations is to use carbon credits to offset the CBAM tariff." He added that the country is working to decarbonise its stainless steel industry by switching to new furnace types and upgrading facilities ahead of the CBAM. While Indonesia's main buyer is China, the country has ambitions to be a global supplier of stainless steel, as well as nickel and cobalt to the battery industry. Nickel is not yet directly impacted by the CBAM, but is indirectly impacted owing to the inclusion of stainless steel in the mechanism. "We are also exploring mechanisms such as preferential treatment for certified green products, export benefits linked to sustainability metrics and finance solutions to de-risk innovations," Nugraha said. "Companies which meet CBAM and ESG standards early will be rewarded with pricing premiums and strategic partnerships. Indonesia must move fast to lead on quality and sustainability." Nickel industry prepares for increased scrutiny Indonesia's rapidly growing nickel industry is preparing for increased scrutiny that will come with the CBAM, and carmakers increasing ESG demands as they transition to electric vehicles. "ESG is one of the top priorities for the global mining and metal companies — we can no longer ignore it," Head of Sustainability at Nickel Industries, M. Muchtazar, told delegates. "Those who have strong ESG policies and implementation will prevail against the competition." Muchtazar explained that the new generation of high-pressure acid leaching operations planned by Nickel Industries will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its nickel mines, with a shift towards solar power and re-usable heat from its sulphide plants — averaging 6.97t of CO2 per tonne of nickel produced, lower than the estimated 13t average — into Class 1 nickel, according to a report by CarbonChain. CBAM is likely to become an "effective import tariff" on high-emission producers of products going into steel and could be extended out to new products in the future, including Class 1 nickel, Carboneer managing director Simon Goess told delegates. He estimated that an importer of 85,000 t/yr of pig iron, ferro-nickel and crude steel could face charges of €20mn-40mn ($22.8mn-45.5mn) by 2034, assuming indirect emissions become targeted by the CBAM by 2030, a significant proportion of the value of those imports. "Green nickel is more than just a buzzword, it is a competitive imperative," Nugraha said. "We must act now to advance sustainability into our nickel industry, not just for compliance but for resilience, profitability and also global leadership." By Thomas Kavanagh Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

News

Posco delays Argentinian lithium projects on low prices

24/04/25

News

24/04/25

Posco delays Argentinian lithium projects on low prices

Singapore, 24 April (Argus) — South Korean conglomerate Posco, which owns battery materials producer Posco Future M, is pushing back the completion of its Argentinian lithium projects by half a year because of a sluggish recovery in lithium prices. Its 25,000 t/yr lithium hydroxide plant in Argentina came on line last year. Posco was planning to complete its phase 2 — alongside an upstream brine project that provides feedstock to the plant, which would have raised its capacity by another 25,000 t/yr — by July-September. But this has now been postponed to January-March 2026. Posco is looking to ramp up its phase 1 by the end of 2025, but pushed back the completion schedule to "build optimal production system" given a market slowdown and slow recovery in lithium prices, it said in its latest quarterly results presentation on 24 April. It earlier this year ended a nickel refinery joint venture with major Chinese lithium-ion battery cathode active material (CAM) precursor manufacturer CNGR. The joint venture's liquidation is expected to be completed by June, Posco said on 24 April. Posco Future M's revenue rose by 17pc on the quarter but fell by 26pc on the year to 845bn South Korean won ($589mn), because of higher CAM revenue and more anode active materials' (AAM) sales. Operating profit came in at W17bn, rebounding from a loss of W41bn a quarter earlier but was lower than W38bn a year earlier. The subsidiary reported recovering CAM sales, partly owing to rising sales of high-nickel products, with a boost to AAM sales because of higher overall demand for non-Chinese AAM, said Posco. Chinese lithium carbonate prices have continued to trend downwards recently, weighed down by the trade war between the US and China since early April. Prices for 99.5pc grade lithium carbonate were assessed at 69,000-72,000 yuan/t ($9,463-9,874/t) ex-works China on 22 April, down from Yn69,500-72,500/t ex-works on 21 April and Yn70,000-73,500/t ex-works on 17 April. By Joseph Ho Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

News

Australia’s Labor outlines $720mn critical mineral plan

24/04/25

News

24/04/25

Australia’s Labor outlines $720mn critical mineral plan

Sydney, 24 April (Argus) — Australia's governing Labor party has outlined its plan for a A$1.2bn ($720mn) critical mineral reserve from 2026, including offtake agreements to support project developments struggling to reach financial close, if it retains power in next month's election. Labor's reserve plan only covers some of the 31 minerals listed on Australia's critical minerals list . The party stressed the importance of rare earths in its statement issued on 24 April but declined to specify which minerals will be included. Labor will only be able to implement the plan if it is re-elected on 3 May . It is currently leading most parliamentary election polls. The plan includes a limited mineral stockpile, as well as offtake agreements that could underpin the development of projects struggling to secure funds. There were 25 projects at advanced feasibility stage but not yet at financial close as of 31 October 2024, according to Office of the Chief Economist. Of these, 19 were rare earths, graphite, mineral sands, nickel-cobalt or vanadium projects, which would benefit from government offtakes (see table) . The plan also involves the Australian government selling reserves to Australian businesses and some international partners, as nations look to diversify supply from China. Labor intends to set up the critical mineral reserve in 2026. The strategic reserve will mean the government has the power to purchase, own and sell critical minerals found in Australia, said the country's prime minister and Labor party leader Anthony Albanese. Albanese pledged to create the reserve on 4 April in response to US president Donald Trump's "liberation day" tariff announcement. Australia's federal government has supported critical mineral projects through grants and loans over the last three years. It also created a critical mineral tax credit in early 2025, covering 10pc of mineral processing and refining costs from 2027-28. State governments are also supporting Australia's critical mineral producers. Western Australia's (WA) government created a A$150mn lithium support package in late 2024, offering producers interest-free loans and fee waivers. Multiple companies have applied for interest-free loans since then, the state's mining minister told Argus on 1 April. By Avinash Govind Critical mineral projects (Advanced feasibility stage) Mineral No. of projects Rare Earths 6 Graphite 4 Titanium and mineral sands 3 Nickel-cobalt 3 Vanadium 3 Other 6 Source: Office of the Chief Economist Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Business intelligence reports

Get concise, trustworthy and unbiased analysis of the latest trends and developments in oil and energy markets. These reports are specially created for decision makers who don’t have time to track markets day-by-day, minute-by-minute.

Learn more