Australian iron ore miner celebrates 10 years of iron ore exports, expecting broader and deeper cooperation with China

FMG Founder and Chairman Andrew Forrest on board the 10th anniversary train (People's Daily Online Chuyi Sheng)

PERTH, May 16th -- Australia is the world’s largest iron ore exporter, and China is Australia’s largest export market overall. Australian iron ore miners are looking forward to strengthening and deepening cooperation with China.

On 15 May, Australia's third largest iron ore miner, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) celebrates 10 years to the day of iron ore exports at Cloudbreak, FMG’s original mine site in Western Australia.

Speaking at the celebration event, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said China is Australia’s most important trading relationship and the people-to people-links are much deeper.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop deivers a speech (People's Daily Online Chuyi Sheng)

“Australian goods into China is valued about over AU$ 110 billion last (financial) year. Over half of that total is iron ore, worth over AU$ 50 billion. FMG is responsible for 20% of China’s import of iron ore and has been responsible for deepening and growing our economic and trade ties with China,” she said.

“China has been the most remarkable economic success story in modern history. The Australia-China relationship continues at the highest level. We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, which means we are deeply engaged in all the sectors of societies and communities. This relationship will continue to endure. I am very pleased to be here to pay tribute to the Australia-China relationship.”

FMG Founder and Chairman Andrew Forrest acknowledged FMG’s long-term relationship with its Chinese customers, which have played a critical role in the company’s growth.

“From the first discovery hole drilled at Cloudbreak to now sustaining consistent production at 170 million tonnes per year, Fortescue is truly an Australian success story,” he said.

FMG Founder and Chairman Andrew Forrest deivers a speech (People's Daily Online Chuyi Sheng)

“We are proud of our contribution to China’s remarkable economic development and our role in supporting the important trade relationship between China and Australia which has been vital to driving economic growth in both nations.”

A decade ago, FMG shipped its first 180,000 tonnes of iron ore aboard the Cape-size vessel Heng Shan from Herb Elliott Port in Port Hedland. Since then, the company has become the lowest cost and most efficient supplier of seaborne iron ore into China. (People’s Daily Online/ Chuyi Sheng)