BRIEFS

A cyclone may form off Australia’s north‑west coast, prompting a cyclone watch. Harbour masters at key iron ore ports — notably Port Hedland and Rio Tinto’s Cape Lambert — were making arrangements to close or modify operations, which could temporarily disrupt shipping schedules for iron ore exporters.

Port Hedland handles exports for major miners including BHP Billiton, Fortescue and Atlas Iron, while Rio Tinto ships iron ore through its Cape Lambert port.

Macmahon signed a five‑year, A$1.8 billion contract with Fortescue Metals Group — the biggest mining services deal in Macmahon’s history — to provide services that will help expand Fortescue’s Christmas Creek iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

Macmahon shares surged about 5% after sealing the deal; they ended 1.5 cents higher at 27 cents, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the large, long‑term contract.

Northern Star bought the right to explore Fortescue’s Pilbara tenements for minerals other than iron ore, giving the gold miner access to potential non‑iron mineral discoveries across those holdings.

Centro Retail shareholders overwhelmingly agreed to rename the shopping centre company to Federation Centres as part of an effort to move past previous problems; the name change is a corporate rebranding step intended to signal a fresh start.

Fortescue’s Christmas Creek iron ore mine is in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The Macmahon contract will supply mining services to support Fortescue’s planned expansion of the Christmas Creek operation.

Yes — weather events like the cyclone watch off the north‑west coast can prompt port closures or modified operations at key export hubs such as Port Hedland and Cape Lambert, which may temporarily affect shipment timing and short‑term market sentiment for mining stocks.