What does 48hrs of strike action mean for the world's largest bulk export port?
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As unions begin 48 hours of industrial action at BHP's operations in Port Hedland, what makes the mammoth export facility so critical to Australia's economy?

Strikes at Australia’s largest bulk export port this weekend could cost mining giant BHP $100 million in revenue and the West Australian government upwards of $7 million in royalties, industry bodies say.

Those high numbers reflect the stakes in the ongoing dispute between the miner and unionised members of its workforce in WA’s Pilbara.

The industrial action could potentially do what union’s have threatened since June: grind a significant portion of shipping from Port Hedland to a halt.

Members of three unions will take part in a 24-hour ship loading ban today, followed by an additional 24-hour general stoppage tomorrow as part of the months-long dispute with the mining giant over workers’ pay and conditions at the port.