Rio Tinto plc Restarts Pilbara Ports After Cyclone Narelle, Keeps 2026 Iron Ore Forecast
Rio Tinto plc has resumed loading ships at three out of four Pilbara iron ore ports following Cyclone Narelle’s passage across Western Australia’s northwest. Despite damage sustained at Cape Lambert A, the miner left its annual export guidance unchanged. The latest update has calmed short-term nerves around supply from Rio’s main iron ore operations. Timing proved crucial here—iron ore delivered roughly 60% of Rio’s earnings last year. Any extended Pilbara shutdown would have dented volumes, pinched cash flow, and soured sentiment toward the London-listed miner.