By Stephen Bell
PERTH--A key port for exporting iron ore from Australia's
Pilbara region expects to start shutting down Saturday as a
low-pressure system threatens to develop into a cyclone.
"Current indications are that Port Hedland will experience gales
from late Sunday night," the Port Hedland Port Authority said in a
statement Friday.
"So we will expect to commence port evacuations from Saturday
afternoon," it added.
The low-pressure system, located well to the north of the
seaside resort of Broome, is expected to develop into a cyclone
Saturday as it moves southwest roughly parallel to the North-West
Australian coast.
It is forecast to intensify over the weekend and approach the
resource-rich Pilbara coastal region on Monday, Australia's Bureau
of Meteorology said.
Port Hedland has grown into one of the world's largest iron-ore
export terminals in recent years as companies like BHP Billiton
Ltd. (BHP.AU), Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (FMG.AU) and Atlas Iron
Ltd. (AGO.AU) expand production to satisfy Chinese demand for the
steel-making ingredient.
"We are watching the development of this weather system very
closely and have commenced planning for it," BHP said in a
statement.
"At present, normal work arrangements apply," it added
Western Australia's cyclone season normally runs from December
through March.
-Write to Stephen Bell at djnews@dowjones.com
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