Australian mining industry digs deep for labor shortage answers

Rio Tinto reports steep decline in iron-ore output as prices go up

20210716 Australian iron ore

Australia is the world's top iron-ore producer, supplying 53% of global exports in 2020. (Photo by Fumi Matsumoto)

FUMI MATSUMOTO and HIROKI MASUDA, Nikkei staff writers

SYDNEY/TOKYO -- Australia's iron-ore miners are grappling with a severe shortage of workers, prompting cuts in production and shipments as they compete with other industries for talent while navigating coronavirus constraints.

The problems are pushing prices higher and cloud the outlook for exports, particularly to resource-hungry China.

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