Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) today celebrated the export of its one billionth tonne of iron ore, a decade after the company’s first commercial shipment from Port Hedland.
Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines was joined at the celebration at Herb Elliott Port by Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Energy and Aboriginal Affairs Reece Whitby, Port Hedland Mayor Camilo Blanco, Fortescue employees and members of the Port Hedland community.
Ten years after Fortescue first exported its ore to Shanghai Baosteel’s Majishan Port, the billionth tonne will head to China aboard Fortescue’s ore carrier ‘FMG Sophia’.
Fortescue’s Founder and Chairman, Andrew Forrest AO said Fortescue has achieved what many people thought was impossible: to build a company from a start up to a global leader in the mining industry without losing its heritage, identity and never ever give up family culture.
“A decade ago, when we shipped our first 180,000 tonnes of ore to China, I said it was a phenomenal achievement of sheer hard work, of guts and grind over scepticism, of character over doubt. The same can be said today as we reach one billion tonnes of ore shipped,” Mr Forrest said.
Ms Gaines said Fortescue is very proud of the company’s ongoing and significant contribution to the State, and the commitment to ensuring communities benefit from the growth and development of Fortescue’s business.
“Since Fortescue was founded, we have invested over US$22 billion in our world class infrastructure and assets. We have paid corporate tax of more than A$3 billion and royalties to the State of more than A$4.5 billion.”
“Significantly, we have also awarded A$2 billion in contracts to Aboriginal businesses and joint ventures, and nearly 800 Aboriginal people have commenced employment with Fortescue through our Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) program.”
“I would like to thank the Fortescue team, including our contractors and suppliers; one billion tonnes of ore shipped in only a decade is a testament to everyone’s hard work, dedication and innovation,” Ms Gaines said.Since first ore on ship in 2008:
30,600 trains have completed dumping at the Port Hedland Over 5,000 ships have left Fortescue’s Herb Elliot Port
