Rio Tinto announced on March 30 that its iron ore port operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region have resumed following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
The update is important for stakeholders and customers who rely on consistent supply from one of the world’s major iron ore producers. The temporary disruption affected shipping schedules and output, but the company has provided clarity on its recovery efforts.
According to Rio Tinto, all employees remained safe during the cyclone. Port closures at four Pilbara terminals began on March 24, with ship loading at East Intercourse Island, Parker Point, and Cape Lambert B resuming by March 28. Repairs are underway at Cape Lambert A, where shipping is expected to restart in the coming days.
The company said recent weather events—including Tropical Cyclone Mitchell in February—have reduced iron ore shipments by about eight million tonnes. However, Rio Tinto reported it has identified a way to recover around half of these losses. Despite these disruptions, shipment guidance for 2026 remains unchanged at between 323 and 338 million tonnes.
The broader impact of these cyclones highlights how severe weather can affect mining operations and global supply chains. As repairs continue and operations return to normal, observers will watch how quickly Rio Tinto can recover lost volumes.
