From BHP’s first QTR update:
Iron ore – Total iron ore production for the September 2017 quarter decreased by three per cent to 56 Mt, or 64 Mt on a 100 per cent basis. Guidance for the 2018 financial year remains unchanged at between 239 and 243 Mt, or between 275 and 280 Mt on a 100 per cent basis, with volumes weighted to the last three quarters of the year. WAIO production for the September 2017 quarter was lower, as expected. Record production at Jimblebar was more than offset by the impact of lower opening stockpile levels, following the fire at the Mt Whaleback screening plant in June 2017, and planned maintenance in the September 2017 quarter. Mine productivity improved in the quarter as a result of increased plant availability and consistent feed rates. Stockpile levels have been rebuilt and are expected to be partially drawn down in the next quarter. Port debottlenecking activities will extend into the December 2017 quarter. BHP continues to work with the relevant authorities in relation to the necessary approvals to increase system capacity to 290 Mtpa (100 per cent basis). Mining and processing operations at Samarco remain suspended following the failure of the Fundão tailings dam and Santarém water dam on 5 November 2015.
In short, it has ship 72mt per quarter from here to hit its annual target, up a lot from the September performance.
