BHP Billiton Ltd has resumed mining activities at its Pilbara iron ore operations, with the company's port operations expected to reopen today after the passing of tropical cyclone Jacob.
BHP Billiton Ltd has resumed mining activities at its Pilbara iron ore operations, with the company's port operations expected to reopen today after the passing of tropical cyclone Jacob.
BHP, which donated $250,000 to the Town of Port Hedland Cyclone Appeal, said mining activities had restarted on Saturday.
Cyclone Jacob comes just three days after category four cyclone George hammered the Western Australian coast and claimed the lives of three people.
"The majority of sites are operating as normal with railing temporarily suspended until TC (tropical cyclone) Jacob passes," spokesperson Emma Meade said.
"The Yarrie mine, located approximately 200km to the east of Port Hedland, is operating in a limited capacity following the downing of power lines as a result of TC George.
"BHP Billiton is working with Government agencies to restore power as quickly as possible with the site currently operating on generators."
The company will continue to provide in-kind assistance across Hedland in the form of light vehicles, flat-bed trucks, generators and temporary accommodation for medical staff and FMG employees evacuated from construction camps following the cyclone.
BHP will keep working with local authorities and emergency services on the cleanup operations and consider further support if required.
The category one cyclone crossed the coast between Whim Creek and Port Hedland, bringing heavy rain and winds gusting up to 100 km/h, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
"The cyclone crossed the coast near Port Hedland during the early afternoon and is expected to rapidly weaken below cyclone intensity," Ms Meade said.
"It is likely that the harbour will be reopened around 1630 (WDT) this afternoon and shiploading activities will recommence at this time."
Oil and gas facilities operated by BHP and Woodside Petroleum Ltd off the WA coast still remain shut-down.
Woodside spokesperson Tony Johnson said production at its Legendre project remains shut-in and it is unknown when the floating storage ship Karratha Spirit will be reconnected.
Mr Johnson said the company's Enfield production remained unaffected by the cyclone's and production was continuing as normal.
Production at BHP's Griffin project also remains shut-in.
Jacob is the third tropical cyclone to hit the WA coast after Isobel disrupted a number of oil, gas and inland mining operations in January.
BHP shares added 33 cents to close at $27.80 while Woodside shares put on four cents to $35.83.
The full text of a company announcement is pasted below
BHP Billiton Iron Ore today pledged A$250,000 to the Town of Port Hedland Cyclone Appeal to help the recovery effort following Tropical Cyclone George.
President BHP Billiton Iron Ore Ian Ashby said it is at times like these you see the best in a community, with people joining together to face adversity.
"I am very proud of the efforts our employees have made in helping their fellow community members during this difficult time," he said.
"This includes a number of our people who are volunteers with local emergency services and others who have given up their time to help clean up our sites and the community.
"Our Aboriginal Affairs teams are also working closely with local Indigenous communities surrounding Port Hedland, and are actively identifying opportunities to help.
"I would ask our contractors and suppliers to also donate to the Appeal which will help repair the damage caused in Port and South Hedland by Tropical Cyclone George," Mr Ashby said.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore continues to provide in-kind assistance across Hedland in the form of light vehicles, flat-bed trucks, generators and temporary accommodation for medical staff and FMG employees evacuated from construction camps following the cyclone.
The Company will keep working with local authorities and emergency services on the cleanup operations and consider further support if required.
Further information on how to donate to the Town of Port Hedland Cyclone Appeal will be available tomorrow morning by calling the Council offices.
