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Highlights:
- Cyclone Zelia intensifies near Port Hedland, prompting operational closures.
- Rio Tinto (RIO) assesses potential impact on its Pilbara infrastructure.
- Mining and salt export activities temporarily halted due to extreme weather.
Western Australia’s mining hub is bracing for severe weather disruptions as Tropical Cyclone Zelia strengthens near Port Hedland. Authorities have issued multiple warnings along the coast, preparing for the cyclone's impact, which is expected to bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
Cyclone Zelia’s Path and Expected Impact
Tropical Cyclone Zelia, classified as a category five storm, is currently located 115 km north of Port Hedland and 220 km northeast of Karratha. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings from Wallal Downs to Dampier, extending inland to Marble Bar, Millstream, Nullagine, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo. Wind speeds are forecasted to reach up to 320 km per hour in some areas.
Authorities have emphasized that forecasting cyclone movements carries some uncertainty, with potential shifts in the storm's path affecting areas beyond the current warning zones. Coastal waters and high seas warnings have also been issued for maritime operations.
Operational Disruptions in Key Mining and Export Hubs
Port Hedland, a critical export hub for iron ore and other minerals, has temporarily shut down operations as a precaution. Dampier Salt, which operates large solar salt facilities in Dampier and Port Hedland, has also suspended activities. The company, known as the world’s largest exporter of seaborne salt, manages 53 ponds across 20,000 hectares, employing a predominantly residential workforce.
Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), a major player in the Pilbara mining sector, is closely monitoring the situation. While the company has not yet provided a timeline for resuming operations, it acknowledges that port and rail infrastructure could face delays. The company operates 17 mines, four independent port terminals, and an extensive 2,000 km rail network in the region.
Recent Weather-Related Challenges for Rio Tinto
Zelia marks the first cyclone to make landfall this season, adding to a series of extreme weather events impacting the Pilbara region. Earlier this year, Cyclone Sean caused flooding at Rio Tinto’s East Intercourse Island port facility. On January 20, 2025, a railcar dumper at the site—responsible for shipping 45 million tonnes of iron ore in 2024—was inundated.
Rio Tinto has been working on mitigation strategies to address weather-related disruptions and is expected to provide further updates during its full-year results announcement on February 19, 2025.
As Zelia approaches, industries in Western Australia remain on high alert, assessing the potential effects on supply chains and operations across the resource-rich region.
