How Much Iron Does Australia Produce And Export?

Australia is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of iron ore, with a production rate that has continued to increase over the past few decades. As of 2021, Australia produced 2,537 million tonnes of iron annually, making it the second-largest producer in the world behind China. The majority of this production comes from three major mines located throughout Australia: Rio Tinto’s Hamersley Iron mine in Western Australia; BHP Billiton’s Mt. Whaleback mine in the Pilbara region; and Fortescue Metals Group’s Cloudbreak mine also in the Pilbara region.

In addition to being a major producer, Australia is also one of the largest exporters of iron ore worldwide—exporting an estimated worth of $133 billion per year as of 2021-22 (second only to Brazil). Major export markets for Australian iron ore include China (which accounts for over 60% of exports), Japan, South Korea, India and Taiwan.

Exports are primarily shipped via sea freight out of ports such as Port Hedland on WA’s northwest coast and Dampier on WA’s mid-west coast respectively. With its vast reserves and efficient mining operations, there is no doubt that Australia will continue to remain a major global supplier of iron ore for many years to come.  In addition, with the continued advancement of technology and innovation in the mining sector, Australia’s production and export totals will continue to grow even further.    

As the country looks for ways to diversify its mining industry and stay competitive in a global market, it is likely that iron ore will remain one of Australia’s most valuable natural resources for both production and export.

What Type of Iron Ore Does Australia Produce?

Australia mainly produces hematite ore, which is a type of iron oxide. This type of ore contains up to 60-70% iron content, making it particularly valuable for steelmaking. The other main type of ore produced by Australia is magnetite ore, which has an iron content of between 25-40%. Magnetite ore is found in deposits throughout the country, with the largest mines located in Western Australia and South Australia. 

Overall, these two types of ore contribute to about 96% of all iron ore production in Australia. The remaining 4% consists of taconite (a type of hard rock containing magnetite) and goethite, which is a high-grade ore found in deposits throughout the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Australia’s vast reserves of iron ore make it one of the world’s leading producers and exporters. With production expected to continue to rise over the coming years, there is no doubt that Australian iron ore will remain an important resource for both domestic manufacturing and global export markets. From hematite ore to magnetite ore and taconite, Australia produces a range of different types of iron ore offering something for all steelmaking needs. 

With its established infrastructure, efficient mining operations and vast reserves, there is no doubt that Australian iron ore will remain one of the country’s most valuable natural resources for many years to come. As the industry continues to grow and innovate, Australia is sure to remain a major global supplier of iron ore.