Business

Pilbara iron ore operations resume

05:36 am on 3 January 2014

Iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia are returning to normal after Tropical Cyclone Christine was downgraded.

Christine crossed the Pilbara coast between Whim Creek and Roebourne about midnight (WST) on Monday night as a category three cyclone, but AAP reports it has since weakened significantly and a cyclone warning has now been cancelled.

Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group said employees were returning to work.

A Rio spokesman said the company's inland Pilbara mines had resumed operations.

"We have commenced recovery processes in our ports, rail operations and our coastal towns," he said.

BHP Billiton said port and rail operations had resumed in Port Hedland, with only minor damage sustained to equipment.

"All mines are also fully operational. No personnel were injured on site as a result of cyclone preparation or recovery efforts."

The company said any material impact to production would be reported in its next operational review.

Fortescue Metals Group said its port and rail operations had been given the all clear, and employees were safe and returning to work.

"There have been no reports of damage to infrastructure," Fortescue said.

AAP reports the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood warning for Pilbara coastal rivers due to heavy rains and forecast thunderstorms in the region.