BHP says iron ore mines operating fully as cyclone fades

SYDNEY, Jan 2 (Reuters) - BHP Billiton BHP.AX BLT.L on Thursday said its Australian iron ore mines have resumed full operations following a cyclone that battered coastal regions and closed major shipping terminals this week.

Port Hedland, the world's biggest iron ore terminal and used by BHP to export nearly 200 million tonnes of the steel-making material annually, sustained only minor damage from Cyclone Christine and reopened late on Tuesday. News Search ID:nL3N0KB07C

"All mines are also fully operational," BHP, the world's third biggest iron ore producer said. "If there is any material impact to production it will be reported in the company's next operational review."

The storm slammed into the Australia's northwestern coast late on Monday packing winds up to 160 km/hour (100 miles/hour), before losing strength as its crossed the Pilbara iron ore mining belt.

Fortescue Metals Group FMG.AX and Rio Tinto RIO.AX

also said their operations were returning to normal.

(Reporting by James Regan; Editing by Richard Pullin)

((jim.regan@thomsonreuters.com)(+612 9373-1814)(Reuters Messaging: jim.regan.reuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: AUSTRALIA CYCLONE/