Australia is the world’s largest iron ore producer, accounting for 36.8% of global iron ore production in 2024. The country’s output is estimated to have reached 967.8 million tonnes (mt) in 2025, up 1.4% YoY, largely supported by continued ramp-ups across key projects, including MRL’s Onslow, BHP’s South Flank, and Fortescue’s Iron Bridge. In addition, the Western Range mine commenced in late March 2025—operated by Rio Tinto (54%) and China Baowu Steel Group (46%)—with a production capacity of 25mtpa, further lifting Australia’s supply base.
However, the upside has been partially offset by operational adjustments and external challenges. These include the ramp-down of BHP’s Yandi mine due to resource depletion, softer output from the Roy Hill amid weaker iron ore prices, and weather-related interruptions such as Cyclone Zelia in February 2025. Output was also constrained by the suspension of the Koolyanobbing mine, which was placed on care-and-maintenance in early 2025, due to limited reserves and elevated operating costs.
Looking ahead, Australia’s iron ore production is projected to increase by 2.6% in 2026 to 993.4mt, underpinned by ongoing ramp-ups at the Onslow, Western Range, and Iron Bridge. Additional support is expected from the planned start-up of the McPhee Creek and Lamb Creek, alongside the planned resumption of the Koolyanobbing in December 2025, following the sale of MRL’s Yilgarn iron ore operations and assets (including Koolyanobbing) to Yilgarn Iron Investments Pty Ltd on 30 June 2025.
The 2026 growth profile will be partly moderated by planned closures at Itochu Corp’s Yandi and MRL’s Wonnmunna iron ore mines, which together contributed 27.2mt to national output in 2024. Over the forecast period (2026–2035), Australia’s iron ore output is expected to trend higher overall, with a temporary dip in 2033 following the scheduled closures of the Roy Hill and Firetail mines in 2032. Beyond this, commissioning and ramp-ups of projects such as the Mulga Downs (2028), Rhodes Ridge, Marillana, Hawsons, and Ridley Magnetite (2030) are expected to support supply, alongside incremental gains from operating hubs including the Onslow, Iron Bridge, Western Range, West Angelas, and the Mt Newman Joint Venture. This upside will be partially offset by depletion-driven shutdowns at the Yandi (2026), Buzzard and Iron Ridge (2029), and Marandoo (2030), among others.
Overall, Australia’s iron ore production is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1% to reach 1,094.6mt by 2035.
“Project ramp-ups and new projects set to lift Australia’s iron ore output in 2026” was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.