The Pilbara region has reached a historic milestone, with a record 758.3 million tonnes of exports flowing through its ports in fiscal year 2023-24.
This is Pilbara Ports’ fifth consecutive year of record-breaking throughput. The Port of Port Hedland contributed considerably to this success with a throughput of 573.6 million tonnes.
The goods shipped through Pilbara Ports in 2023-24 were reportedly worth an estimated $173.2 billion, demonstrating the region’s importance to the national economy and the worldwide supply chain.
Commonwealth and State Government investment in major projects, such as Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland and the Dampier Cargo Wharf in the Port of Dampier, is driving demand for regional jobs in the Pilbara, with 74 per cent of Pilbara Ports contract spend staying in Western Australia and nearly 45 per cent invested in Pilbara-based businesses.
Pilbara Ports play an important role in supporting Australia’s iron ore commerce, processing over 80% of national traffic and 43 per cent of global trade.
Salt exports from the ports of Port Hedland and Dampier reached 7.1 million tonnes in 2023-24, accounting for approximately 51 per cent of Australian salt output.
Ports Minister, David Michael, said: “The Pilbara is the economic powerhouse of the nation, and these impressive results are a clear example of that.
“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.”
Pilbara MLA, Kevin Michel, stated: “Communities in the Pilbara continue to benefit from the success of our ports, with many local businesses being involved in achieving this strong result. 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.”
In May, the Pilbara Ports Authority delivered a total monthly throughput of 68.8 million tonnes (Mt).
