Record output for BHP's iron-ore ops

Mining major BHP has reported record production from its Western Australian iron-ore operations during the nine months to March, despite a 4% fall in production during the March quarter on the back of wet weather and planned maintenance.

Iron-ore production in the year-to-date was up 4% on the previous corresponding period, to 188.3-million tonnes, while production in the three months to March declined by 4% on the December quarter, to 59.9-million tonnes.

Increases in the year-to-date reflected record production at the Jimblebar mine as well as strong performance across the supply chain, BHP said, with improved train cycle times and car dumper performance and reliability.