Southern Ports is diversifying its export trade commodities, via its partnership with Gold Valley.
Gold Valley has confirmed its inaugural iron ore shipments from the Port of Bunbury, exporting 93, 000 tonnes of iron ore concentrate to China.
The Southern Ports Authority and Gold Valley iron ore partnership, announced earlier this year, has expanded from Esperance to Bunbury.
The first iron ore shipment to leave the Port of Bunbury departed on March 9 on the Bao Yue Ling.
In mid-April, the second iron ore shipment departed on the Bao Xing Ling.
This collaboration followed a successful partnership between the companies to export iron ore from Esperance.
The deal was struck in August 2024 and is expected to boost iron ore trade through the Port of Esperance by up to 1.5 million tonnes each year.
“We were confident working with Southern Ports to export the product for the long term, knowing it would be beneficial for Gold Valley and the port,” Gold Valley Chairman YuZheng Xie said.
The iron concentrate was purchased by Gold Valley from Iluka Resources, a longstanding southern ports customer. Photo: Southern Ports
Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said it was fantastic the partnership with Gold Valley to export iron ore from the Port of Esperance has led to new export opportunities.
“We’re always actively seeking new and expanded trade opportunities with current and potential customers to help diversify our services and stimulate trade,” he said.
Southern Ports is a custodian of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance ports.
Mr Wilks said the operation is beneficial for everyone involved and for strengthening the South West region through trade growth and diversification.
The Port of Bunbury exports include grain, spodumene, minerals and silica sands, coal, fertilizer and fuel, with alumina being the highest traded commodity.
