Yilgarn Iron has completed its first shipment of iron ore exports, with 176,000 tonnes of iron ore departing from the Port of Esperance in Western Australia to China.
The five-day operation saw the iron ore loaded through the Port of Esperance iron ore circuit onto the bulk carrier MV Densa Shark, which departed for China on December 14.
Yilgarn Iron is targeting annual exports of more than four million tonnes at full production. This will support up to 15 operational roles at the Port of Esperance in early 2026 and will increase the port’s operations workforce by more than a third.
Yilgarn Iron becomes the second customer to use the port’s iron ore circuit, joining Gold Valley, which has exported almost 2.5 million tonnes of iron ore through the Port of Esperance since its first shipment in October 2024.
WA Ports and Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said: “It is fantastic to see iron ore from the Yilgarn Hub once again moving through the Port of Esperance.
“More customers using the iron ore circuit delivers real benefits for the economy and local jobs and reflects Southern Ports’ continued progress in diversifying its trade across the state’s southern regions.”
Yilgarn Iron Investments managing director Fergus Campbell said: “It was a pleasure being in the Port of Esperance to watch the loading of our first shipment into the MV Densa Shark.
“This is a fantastic milestone for Yilgarn Iron Pty Ltd, the Yilgarn region and in particular the communities of Southern Cross and Esperance.
“Exporting our first 176,000 tonnes within less than four months of assuming control of the Yilgarn Iron Ore project is a testament to our hardworking and dedicated team, as well as to our suppliers and service providers, including Southern Ports and Aurizon.”
Haulage from Yilgarn’s operations recommenced in September after Yilgarn Iron Ore Investment acquired the Koolyanobbing operations in the Yilgarn Hub from Mineral Resources in June.
