RIO TINTO shipped 88.9 million tonnes of Pilbara iron ore during the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 2% on the same period in 2019, according to a statement to the ASX.
Rio Tinto’s total iron ore shipped from the Pilbara for the entirety of 2020 increased by 1% over 2019 to 33.6 million tonnes.
“Pilbara iron ore achieved a strong performance across the network in 2020, despite impacts from Cyclone Damien in the first quarter and COVID-19 disruptions which also resulted in the deferral of maintenance to the second half,” Rio Tinto said.
The company predicts it will ship between 325 million to 340 million tonnes of iron ore from the Pilbara. In 2020, it shipped 331 million tonnes from the region.
However, It said iron ore shipments are subject to weather and market conditions and noted that the future impact from the reform of the Aboriginal Heritage Act in WA remains unknown.
The company said exports to China continue to rise as the industry sector has recovered and is now at pre-COVID levels. It said China’s iron ore buying remains robust, and demand for iron ore in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Europe is recovering.
