Will Floods in Western Australia Impact Iron Ore Supply?

SHANGHAI, Jan 9 (SMM) – According to SMM, Western Australia has recently suffered the worst flood in history, and the affected area is huge. In the past two years, there have been many natural disasters in eastern and western Australia, with as many as four major floods. As the world's most important source of iron ore, will this flood affect the supply of iron ore?

The distribution of iron ore resources in Australia is relatively concentrated. Around 98% of the iron ore is produced in Western Australia, mainly in Pilbara and the Midwest. Many wharfs are close to each other, including modern iron ore export ports Port Dampier, Port Hedland and Port Walcott.

The affected areas by the flood concentrated in the Kimberley region, and the water level of the nearby Fitzroy River reached record levels during the period. But the rain has eased as the storm has shifted eastward. In addition, Pilbara and other central and western regions where iron ore is more concentrated are distant from Kimberley. As such, the flood currently has no impact on iron ore production and shipments.