BHP Group faces expanded strike at Port Hedland iron ore operations

More workers have joined a strike at BHP's Port Hedland operations in Western Australia, marking the first major industrial action at the iron-ore export hub in a quarter-century. On Sunday, approximately 100 additional workers downed tools at 5:30 a.m. (2130 GMT on Saturday), bringing the total involved to around 150. The 24-hour stoppage by the Combined BHP Ports Unions follows a previous 24-hour ship-loading halt on Saturday. BHP, which ships about $80 million worth of iron ore daily through the port, has stated that vessels continue to be loaded with scheduled departures subject to usual port planning and tides. Negotiations for a four-year bargaining agreement are expected to resume on August 18.