In recent news, BHP Advances Port Hedland Expansion. BHP is progressing its Port Debottlenecking Project 2 (PDP2), a major investment in Port Hedland infrastructure. The upgrade aims to boost operational resilience and support Western Australia Iron Ore’s (WAIO) long-term production target of 305 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
Sixth Car Dumper and New Infrastructure
The project includes the installation of a sixth car dumper (CD6), additional conveyors, and new supporting infrastructure. These upgrades will improve efficiency and reliability across BHP’s supply chain from mine to port.
What is the Strategic Importance of Port Hedland?
Port Hedland is the largest iron ore export port in Australia and one of the biggest globally. Its strategic importance lies in connecting BHP’s Pilbara operations, including Newman, Mining Area C, Yandi, and Jimblebar. Continued investment ensures the port can handle growing iron ore demand and maintain performance standards.
Building on Previous Success
PDP2 follows the achievements of Port Debottlenecking Project 1 (PDP1), which improved car dumper and ship loader performance. BHP currently operates five car dumpers across Nelson Point and Finucane Island. Each unit tips two 135-tonne rail cars simultaneously, unloading up to 16,000 tonnes per hour. The ore then travels along a 5-kilometre conveyor to port facilities.
What are the Benefits of the CD6 Upgrade?
BHP expects CD6 to deliver multiple benefits. The new system will increase car dumper availability, improve ore blending and screening, and create greater supply chain resilience. The company anticipates that CD6 will allow five of the six car dumpers to operate more than 90 per cent of the time, a significant improvement on the current 60 per cent.
Record Production Strengthens WAIO Growth
In FY25, BHP’s WA iron ore operations achieved record full-year production of 290 million tonnes. The company also reported record shipments through Port Hedland facilities, underlining the importance of infrastructure expansion to support future growth.
Construction Timeline
Construction on CD6 is scheduled to begin in December this year. BHP expects the first ore to move through the new facilities in Q4 FY28, marking another milestone in strengthening Pilbara mining operations.