More workers join strike at BHP’s Port Hedland iron ore operations in Western Australia

More than 150 workers initiated a strike at BHP's Port Hedland operations in Western Australia on August 9, marking the first significant industrial action at the world's largest iron ore export hub in a quarter-century. The stoppage occurred on the second of two planned 24-hour work halts.

The action, organized by the Combined BHP Ports Unions (CBPU), affects approximately 150 of BHP's over 800 port employees. The unions are seeking a four-year bargaining agreement with BHP, the third-largest iron ore miner globally. The strike follows a 24-hour halt on ship loading the previous day.

Melbourne-based BHP, which exports about $80 million worth of iron ore daily from Port Hedland, had not immediately commented on the strike's impact. On August 8, the company stated that vessel loading continued, with departures subject to standard port planning and tidal conditions.

Despite progress in talks on August 4, the union proceeded with the strike, the first since 2000. The action is not expected to affect rival miners Fortescue and Hancock Prospecting, which also utilize Port Hedland. This hub accounted for 75% of iron ore exports from Western Australia's Pilbara region in the 2026 fiscal year.