Port Hedland resumes lithium exports in March

Lithium concentrate exports from Port Hedland in West Australia have resumed in March after a hiatus in February.

Two shipments totalling 36,500 dry metric tonnes (dmt) were delivered to South Korea during March, according to monthly data by the Pilbara Ports Authority. There were no exports to China for the second consecutive month, despite it being the main offtake partner for Australian lithium producers.

March was the highest export month for lithium concentrate since April 2019 when 39,801dmt was exported to China in four shipments.

Some Australian lithium producers have suspended lithium production and exports because of low prices and weak demand in China.

Export of copper concentrates from Port Hedland fell to 23,872t in March, one shipment to China and one to the Philippines, from 28,359t in February.

Two manganese ore shipments to China and Vietnam totalled 106,400t. There were no manganese ore exports in February.

By Angus Macmillan