Through ITOCHU Minerals & Energy of Australia Pty Ltd, we are jointly running iron ore operations in Western Australia with BHP, one of the world’s largest resource companies.

2017 marked the 50th year of construction commencement operation at Mt. Whaleback Iron Ore Mine, a key holding asset in the business. To celebrate this occasion, we invited major customers to a commemoration ceremony.
Since the start of production in 1969, the mine has contributed in fulfilling iron ore demand from Japan, China, and other countries in Asia as the world's largest open-pit iron ore mine.
Enabling the long-term extraction of high-quality ore, the mine has contributed to the stable supply of raw materials for the steel industry as well as economic development in Western Australia and the development of local communities with a long history.

In 2018, we approved the development of the South Flank project, and it started production from May 2021.
The development of the mining area is the largest project in West Australia in the last 50 years and it is planned to produce for more than 25 years. The start-up as planned will sustain the suppling ability of our Western Australia iron ore business well into the future raising the average iron ore grade and added value of the business.

Moreover, in 2021, we acquired a partial interest in the Western Ridge iron ore deposits owned by BHP, and commenced production. The area adjacent to the Mt. Newman joint venture and is privided with competitive operating costs utilizing the existing rail and infrastructure.

Through the Western Australian iron ore business including the South Flank project, we will create job opportunities and sustainably develop resources contributing to local communities, maintaining good working conditions and protection of the environment.

The core of the Metals & Minerals Company, the Western Australia iron ore business, is planning to achieve expansion of annual shipment volumes to greater than 290 million tons.
Going forward, we will continue investing in high quality assets that connects producers, local communities, and customers.