Article by Dylan Brown, courtesy of Australian Resource & Investment
13.06.2025
Hancock Prospecting’s decision to merge its flagship Roy Hill and Atlas Iron operations under a new brand Hancock Iron Ore, but what does this mean for the iron ore sector?
Effective from July 1, 2025, the rebrand will align two of Western Australia’s leading iron ore producers under a single operational identity.
The move is designed to improve efficiency, strengthen market positioning and prepare the company for long-term growth in an evolving global iron ore market.
“We are not just rebranding,” Hancock executive chair Gina Rinehart said. “We are building on the exceptional legacy and remarkable achievements of Roy Hill, Atlas Iron and Hancock.”
Roy Hill currently exports about 64 million tonnes of iron ore per annum (Mtpa), while Atlas Iron contributes around 10Mtpa.
Together, they form one of the largest privately owned iron ore production portfolios in the country.
In the coming days, Roy Hill is expected to reach the significant milestone of shipping 500 million tonnes of iron ore to global markets.
“The world of iron ore is evolving and so are we,” Hancock Iron Ore chief executive officer Gerhard Veldsman said.
“Atlas Iron and Roy Hill are joining forces to become Hancock Iron Ore – bringing together our experience and combined strengths, and continuing to support many small, medium and larger businesses in Western Australia and across Australia.”
The rebrand comes at a time of global transformation in steel production, with iron ore miners under increasing pressure to modernise through automation, artificial intelligence and improved sustainability practices.
The creation of Hancock Iron Ore marks a shift towards greater vertical integration and brand clarity in the mining sector.
As global markets demand more traceability, transparency, and accountability from resource producers, consolidating operations under a single, recognisable name allows companies like Hancock to better communicate their value proposition.
