Sydney, Jan 17, 2026, 16:56 AEDT — Market closed.
Fortescue Ltd (FMG.AX) shares ended Friday 0.3% higher at A$22.82, following the start of construction on a 133-megawatt (MW) wind project in Western Australia. The Australian iron ore miner is advancing its strategy to replace diesel and gas at its Pilbara sites. (Investing)
With the ASX closed over the weekend, the key question come Monday is if investors see the wind project as a future cost saver or simply another expense, while iron ore prices continue to drive cash flow.
That’s important since Fortescue’s profits remain tied to iron ore prices, even as its renewable energy projects shift from plans to actual construction. Investors usually grow wary when spending picks up and commodity prices shift.
The Nullagine project plans to deploy 17 turbines from Envision Energy, while Nabrawind will handle the integration of its self-erecting tower system, reaching a hub height of 188 metres, according to Renewables Now. Dino Otranto, Fortescue’s metals and operations chief, emphasized that “Delivering Real Zero requires replacing diesel and gas” with industrial-scale renewable energy. (Renewables Now)
Argus reported the wind farm should be finished by mid- to late-2027. It highlighted Fortescue’s wider decarbonisation budget for fiscal 2026, pegged between $900 million and $1.2 billion, targeting fleet electrification and renewables. The company also plans to surrender 240,000 Australian carbon credits to comply with the Safeguard Mechanism, Australia’s emissions scheme for large polluters. (Argus Media)
The commodity scene isn’t moving in just one direction. Iron ore futures slipped on Friday, with the Dalian May contract closing daytime trading 0.49% lower at 812 yuan a tonne. Meanwhile, the Singapore Exchange’s benchmark February contract dropped 0.57%, settling at $106.3 a tonne, according to a Reuters report featured in Mining Weekly.
For Fortescue, a dip in ore prices can squeeze the numbers fast. Investors then shift focus from the next renewable project to how quickly it can cut unit costs at the mines.
Execution risk hangs over both paths. Wind projects in remote areas might face delays with approvals, logistics, and rising build costs. Meanwhile, iron ore demand remains vulnerable to shifts in Chinese steel margins — a market that still drives most of Fortescue’s earnings.
Traders will focus on iron ore futures early next week, looking for clues about Australian miners. They’ll also be gearing up for Fortescue’s upcoming operational results.
Fortescue’s investor calendar pins the December 2025 quarterly production report for Jan. 22, with FY26 half-year results due Feb. 25. These upcoming dates will be key to gauging shipments, costs, and any updates on spending and project timelines. (Investor Centre)
