Port Hedland raises lithium exports in September

The West Australian port of Port Hedland increased its exports of lithium concentrate to China to 53,119t in September from 45,267t in August, taking the total for the first nine months of this year to 418,542t.

Three separate shipments were completed in September compared with two shipments in August. The two main exporters are Pilbara Minerals and Altura Mining, both of which are producing lithium concentrate from projects in the Pilgangoora region of Western Australia.

Lithium exports have reduced in 2019 as a result of a weaker lithium market and the Wodgina mine no longer exporting direct shipping lithium ore to China.

Monthly data from the Pilbara Ports Authority showed that Port Hedland's manganese ore exports to China totalled 112,510t in a single shipment in September, down from 115,079t from a single shipment in August. Copper concentrate exports to China fell to 34,604t from two shipments in September compared with 47,002t in August from two shipments to South Korea and China.