Here are the ten largest iron ore mines by production across the world in 2021, according to GlobalData’s mining database.
1. Serra Norte Mining Complex
The Serra Norte Mining Complex is a surface mine situated in Para, Brazil. Owned by Vale, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 109.3 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The mine will operate until 2038.
2. Yandi Mine
Located in Western Australia, Australia, the Yandi Mine is owned by BHP. The surface mine produced an estimated 80.7 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The mine will operate until 2023.
3. Mount Whaleback Mine
The Mount Whaleback Mine is a surface mine located in Western Australia, Australia. Owned by BHP, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 74.4 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The mine will operate until 2036.
4. Carajas Serra Sul S11D Project
Owned by Vale, the Carajas Serra Sul S11D Project is a surface mine situated in Para, Brazil. The greenfield mine produced an estimated 73.7 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The expected mine closure date is 2062.
5. Jimblebar Hub
The Jimblebar Hub is a surface mine situated in Western Australia, Australia. Owned by BHP, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 67.4 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The mine is expected to operate until 2060.
6. Area C Mine
The Area C Mine is a surface mine situated in Western Australia, Australia. Owned by BHP, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 61.6 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The mine will operate until 2027.
7. Yandicoogina Mine
Located in Western Australia, Australia, the Yandicoogina Mine is owned by Rio Tinto. The surface mine produced an estimated 56.9 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The mine will operate until 2039.
8. Christmas Creek Mine
The Christmas Creek Mine is a surface mine located in Western Australia, Australia. Owned by Fortescue Metals Group, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 54.4 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The mine will operate until 2031.
9. Brockman 4 Mine
Owned by Rio Tinto, the Brockman 4 Mine is a surface mine situated in Western Australia, Australia. The brownfield mine produced an estimated 51.8 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The expected mine closure date is 2027.
10. Hope Downs Mine
The Hope Downs Mine is a surface mine situated in Western Australia, Australia. Owned by Hancock Prospecting Pty, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 49.3 million tonnes of iron ore in 2021. The mine is expected to operate until 2031.
Methodology:
This information is drawn from GlobalData’s mines and projects database, which tracks all operating and developing mines and projects globally. Verdict’s parent company GlobalData provides business information to 4,000 of the world’s largest companies.