A record 758.3 million tonnes of exports passed through the ports of the Pilbara over the 2023-24 financial year, a new benchmark for the region.
According to the Pilbara Ports Authority, this record marks the fifth consecutive year of the throughput record being broken at Pilbara Ports.
“Communities in the Pilbara continue to benefit from the success of our ports, with many local businesses being involved in achieving this strong result,” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said.
“Our ports are gateways connecting the Pilbara to the global market, and I am proud of the significant impact we make on the world stage.”
Port Headland’s port was a significant contributor to this record, with a throughput of 573.6 million tonnes, which makes it one of Australia’s most valuable ports.
The Pilbara Ports are a major hub for Australia’s bulk material commodities with the region managing 80 per cent of the national trade and 43 per cent of the global trade for iron ore.
Other major bulk materials included salt where exports totalled 7.1 million tonnes across the financial year from Port Headland and Dampier. This accounted for around 51 per cent of Australia’s salt production.
To highlight the port’s significance to the national economy, the commodities exported through Pilbara Ports were estimated at a value of $173.2 billion across the financial year.
The ports are also playing a key role in the Western Australian economy. Key projects, including Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland and the Dampier Cargo Wharf in the Port of Dampier, drive demand for regional jobs in the Pilbara. According to Pilbara Ports, 74 percent of Pilbara Ports contract spend remains within Western Australia, and almost 45 per cent is invested in Pilbara-based businesses.
“The Pilbara is the economic powerhouse of the nation, and these impressive results are a clear example of that,” David Michael, Western Australia’s ports minister, said.
“The state government continues to invest in infrastructure projects that fuel future prosperity and support regional jobs growth.
“It’s fantastic to see Pilbara Ports continuing to meet industry’s growing export needs, as strong economic conditions across the Pilbara increase demand for port services.”