The economic significance of the port of Port Hedland

The Port of Port Hedland is one of Australia’s most significant pieces of economic infrastructure. Located in the resources-rich Pilbara region, the Port of Port Hedland is the crucial link in the supply chain for resource companies in moving their key communities to their markets around the world.

In 2019, the Port Hedland Industries Council, in conjunction with the Pilbara Ports Authority engaged ACIL Allen to provide an updated assessment of the economic significance of the Port of Port Hedland and the trade that is facilitated through the Port to the local, State and National economies. In order to build a more comprehensive assessment of the economic significance of the Port of Port Hedland, the PHIC enlisted the support of its key members — the Pilbara Ports Authority, BHP, FMG, and Roy Hill — and port users Atlas Iron, Rio Tinto (Dampier Salt), Sandfire Resources, Pilbara Minerals, and Mineral Resources.

ACIL Allen’s report highlighted the significant economic contribution of the Port of Port Hedland and the trade that is facilitated through the Port, which collectively generated tens of billions of dollars to the national, state and local economies each year, supports thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly throughout all sectors of the economy, and provides billions of dollars each year to the Commonwealth, WA Government and Town of Port Hedland in the form of tax and royalty payments.

Photo credit - Pilbara Ports Authority