Pilbara Ports forecasts 1mtpa capacity for Red Hawk 

Pilbara Ports has notified Red Hawk Mining (ASX: RHK) that an annual throughput of 1mtpa at the Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility in the Port of Port Hedland, WA, will be available for allocation in 2026. 

The forecasted throughput allocation is consistent with Red Hawk’s Pre-Feasibility Study which has export volume in year one of 1.2mt, increasing to 5mtpa over five years. 

Red Hawk managing director Steven Michael says the company has been in discussions with Pilbara Ports for the past year to secure a port allocation at Utah Point, which is the only multi-user bulk commodities berth in the Pilbara.  

“The berth has a 24mtpa capacity catering predominantly for iron ore juniors and other smaller bulk mineral export companies,” he said. 

“The notification from Pilbara Ports of forecasted available capacity is a positive step for the development of the Blacksmith project and provides Red Hawk with a clear roadmap for securing the forecasted allocation capacity as it becomes available.  

“Red Hawk has also commenced discussions with existing users of Utah Point to procure existing capacity allocations if possible and potential third-party multi-commodity port developers. 

“Red Hawk recently announced an increase in DSO Mineral Resources at Blacksmith to 243mt at 59.3% iron — making it by far the largest hematite iron ore project in the Pilbara held by a junior iron ore company. 

“Locking in port capacity of at least 5mtpa over the long term is essential to maximise the value of this resource and Red Hawk will continue to look for long-term, large tonnage export opportunities.” 

Red Hawk’s securing of the forecasted annual throughput allocation is subject to several milestones and timeframes, including Red Hawk confirming the Financial Investment Decision and execution of a definitive agreement between Pilbara Ports and Red Hawk.