CimbriaBühler GmbHSailors SocietyTMS Awards 2023Geneva DryTelestack
  • TBA Group
  • Geneva Dry
  • Telestack
  • Cimbria
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Sailors Society

Robe River JV celebrates 50-years and over 1.7 bn tonnes of iron ore shipped

Robe River JV celebrates 50-years and over 1.7 bn tonnes of iron ore shipped

(Posted on 02/11/22)

Representatives of the Robe River Joint Venture partners in Australia, Rio Tinto, Mitsui and Nippon Steel, have gathered in Perth to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the venture’s first shipment of iron ore from the Pilbara to Japan.

The event was attended by past and present executives of the Joint Venture partners as well as local dignitaries including the Premier of Western Australia, Hon. Mark McGowan MLA.

The celebration marked 50 years since the Fujisan Maru departed Cape Lambert on 5 October, 1972, and set sail to Japan loaded with 68,589 tonnes of iron ore. Since then, the Robe River Joint Venture has shipped more than 1.7 billion tonnes of iron ore.

In addition to the ongoing mining operations at West Angelas and the Robe Valley, the joint venture has other major mining infrastructure in the Pilbara, including an iron ore port facility at Cape Lambert, power assets and heavy haul rail lines connecting its operations. Its activities in the Pilbara have helped establish the Pilbara mining towns of Pannawonica and Wickham. The benefits created by the joint venture have flowed beyond the Pilbara and Western Australia, helping to contribute to national and global economic growth and development.

Mitsui Senior Executive Managing Officer Motoaki Uno, said “The Robe River Joint Venture represents a remarkable achievement in the development of the Pilbara's iron ore, and Mitsui is honoured to have been a partner from the very beginning.

“It is wonderful to see how Australia and Japan at that time joined hands together to create a whole supply chain. As Mitsui looks ahead to the next 50 years, we will continue to work as a proud partner to make a positive impact on the world in terms of local communities and the environment, as well as the growth of global industry.”

Nippon Steel Executive Counselor Jiro Kobayashi, said “It is very impressive that Robe River Joint Venture has been supplying iron ore to Nippon Steel as well as other steel mills in Asia for 50 years since the Fujisan Maru set sail in October 1972.

“Iron ore from Robe River Joint Venture has made a significant contribution to our stable production of steel, which has led to the development of Nippon Steel as well as the Joint Venture. We would like to send our appreciation to the Western Australian government and traditional owners for their support of these developments.”

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott, said “The Robe River Joint Venture is a remarkable partnership that has spanned half a century and is at the heart of an incredible connection between Australia and Japan, forged in a bold vision for shared prosperity.

“I also want to acknowledge all the Traditional Owners of the country on which the Robe River Joint Venture operates, the Robe River Kuruma, Nglaruma, Yinhawangka, Ngarlawangga and Yindjibarndi nations.

"Our partnership with Mitsui and Nippon Steel has been integral in our journey to being a world-class iron ore business in Western Australia and I am proud of the role the Robe River Joint Venture has also played in the development of modern Japan.

“I thank our Joint Venture partners for their trust, respect and understanding that has made this partnership so successful in delivering a secure, long-term, low-cost source of quality iron ore. In 50 years a lot has changed, but one thing that has remained consistent is the strength of this highly valued partnership.”

Latest News

North Sea Port and Canadian ports intensive cooperation

(Posted on 07/02/25)

North Sea Port will cooperate intensively with the Canadian ports of Montréal, Québec,... Read more


AD Ports 50-year land lease with Al Ain Mills for grains storage

(Posted on 07/02/25)

AD Ports Group has signed a 50-year land lease agreement with Al Ain Mills, a member of Al Hazaa Investment... Read more


Lagging iron ore offsets export surge in Duluth

(Posted on 31/01/25)

Total waterborne tonnage through the Port of Duluth-Superior declined 6.8 percent compared to the 2023... Read more


Fertilisers up as Antwerp-Bruges shows growth despite challenges

(Posted on 31/01/25)

Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed 2024 with 2.3% growth in total throughput, amounting to 278 million tons... Read more


Focus on speed limits around the Erasmusbrug in Rotterdam

(Posted on 30/01/25)

In 2024, the number of visits by incoming sea-going vessels in the port of Rotterdam fell slightly:... Read more


Dry bulk increases again in North Sea Port

(Posted on 20/01/25)

In 2024, the North Sea Port companies recorded a volume of 66.3 million tons of seaborne cargo transhipment... Read more


AD Ports to invest in Sarzha Grain Terminal in Kazakhstan

(Posted on 20/01/25)

AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry based in Abu Dhabi, has... Read more


Leading Vietnamese seaport makes impression at 12th PorTech Asia Summit

(Posted on 17/01/25)

Long An International Port has made its inaugural appearance at the 12th PorTech Asia Summit 2025 and... Read more


Rhenus becomes majority shareholder of Bulk Cargo – Port Szczecin

(Posted on 10/01/25)

Germany based Rhenus Group has acquired an additional 58,5 percent of shares in the Polish port operation... Read more


AD Ports closes strong year of growth

(Posted on 07/01/25)

AD Ports Group has solidified its position as a leading facilitator of global trade and logistics through... Read more


Port of South LouisianaVan AalstPort of StocktonViganTBA Group
  • Van Aalst
  • Vigan

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping