BHP, Rio & Fortescue prepare for Cyclone Christine

Any impacts to BHP's operations will be included in its next operational report.

Ryan Newman (TMFNewmy)

Ryan Newman (CFA) is the Director of Research of The Motley Fool Australia, and Portfolio Manager for the Pro and North Star services. Ryan’s interest in investing and stocks began at a young. His journey with The Motley Fool started first as a member but when the company first came to Australia he joined the team as one of our writers. Recognising his investing talent and passion, it wasn’t long before he was approached to join the investing team as a research analyst on Pro. Ryan is passionate about learning and continual development. He earned his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2022, and has completed his Bachelor of Accounting and his Graduate Certificate of Corporate Finance. Ryan loves spending time with his young family as well as non-fiction reading, catching the latest movies and following his sports team, the St Kilda Saints (AFL).

Published December 31, 2013 6:32 am AEDT

BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP) is amongst the big miners to have stopped loading ships and suspended rail operations in the Pilbara region as the category three Cyclone Christine heads towards the coast.

The miner said that "tie-down" activities had been completed at Port Hedland, which is Australia's largest iron ore port. It said: "Extreme weather preparations continue across our mining operations in line with alerts issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services," stating that the company's main priority is the safety of employees.

Rivals Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG) have also suspended their port operations in the region, although Rio Tinto's mine and rail operations are continuing.

BHP announced that any impacts to its operations would be included in its next operational report. It is expected that Christine will cross the coast between Port Hedland and Karratha on Monday night or Tuesday morning, with winds of more than 200km/h expected.

Get the full report on our top dividend stock for 2014 — FREE!

Automatic Renewal

By taking up this offer, you will also be enrolled in our auto-renewal program, which is our way of making your ongoing subscription easier by ensuring uninterrupted service. Don't worry, though – you're not locked in, and can cancel your auto-renewal at any time before each 'anniversary' date without question or penalty.