China gets first-hand view of Pilbara minesites

A group of journalists from China were invited to take a tour of mine sites in the Pilbara earlier this month, including a visit to operations at Solomon, Christmas Creek , Cloudbreak and Port Hedland mines.

A Fortescue Metals spokesman said the aim of the visit was to create a better understanding with China about mining operations in the Pilbara.

“Because China is the primary destination for our iron ore, we wanted the journalists who write about us to better understand the scale and nature of our operations. Fortescue’s partnership with our customers in China is benefitting both nations,” he said.

In an article written for China Daily, reporter Du Juan wrote about seeing iron ore being loaded into ships destined for China.

“When I saw ships waiting silently at the ports for loading, I felt the full enormity of China’s economic growth and rapid urbanisation,” she wrote.

She said the miners worked hard, but were exposed to the consequences of working in an isolated area.

“They get paid well but the nature of their work means they lead an often isolated existence. It is not for everyone,” she wrote.