Iron Ore Industry & Market Fundamentals Masterclass

Australia's iron ore industry has undergone an incredible transformation in just six years, driven largely by China's insatiable demand. Billions of dollars of mine expansions have been (or are) being undertaken by the majors, whilst the next generation of iron ore players in the Pilbara and the Mid West are currently planning their own projects.

Chinese investment in the iron ore sector has increased significantly, with many of the smaller iron ore players securing major investment by Chinese companies that will underpin their projects.

The iron ore pricing debate continues – BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and now Vale are all singing from the same hymn sheet in suggesting that the old benchmark system no longer suits the current times and that a move to index pricing is the way of the future.

Many buyers are still insisting that the benchmark system be retained, but only time will tell as developments unfold. Come and gain an insight into the implications of this debate, and the potential ramifications for the wider industry and the global iron ore trade. BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have recently announced their intention to combine their Pilbara iron ore operations to maximise synergies and reduce costs.

This is a monumental transformation of the industry and may have significant implications for potential asset divestments and access demands by the juniors to infrastructure. Should the deal go ahead the combined operations of BHPB and Rio will overtake Vale as being the world’s largest producer of seaborne traded iron ore. Iron ore prices have rebounded strongly from 2009, with some analysts suggesting that a record price settlement could be reached in 2010. The industry’s profitability is going from strength to strength, and advancing projects like never before.

This Masterclass is your opportunity to gain an understanding of the drivers behind the industry, and the nuances of the rapidly changing market conditions. It will cover all aspects – from mining to markets, and examine the international setting and influences of this global industry.

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