As BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group, the port's major exporters, ramped up their operations, almost 219 million tonnes were shipped through Port Hedland. That is 49.3mt, or 29 per cent, more than in the second half of 2013. The December half export record is 26.3mt more than the ore shipped during the entire 2010-11 financial year, as iron ore prices reached their peak.

Figures released by the Pilbara Ports Authority showed Pilbara producers exported 37.8mt through Port Hedland in December, 26 per cent more than in the same month in 2013.

But the extra production came at a cost. Benchmark iron ore prices averaged about $US160/t in 2010-11, and had dropped to about $US82/t in the second half of 2014.

While falling prices battered the shares of mid-tier producers in the second half, some relief could be on the way for shareholders with unconfirmed reports China could again ramp up its infrastructure stimulus.

Dalian iron ore futures surged 2.8 per cent yesterday after a Bloomberg report said the Chinese Government planned to fast track about $US1 trillion ($1.2 trillion) in spending to support an economic growth rate of 7 per cent this year. But the claims have not yet been reported in the official Chinese press, and the government has consistently said over the past year it planned to rebalance the economy away from infrastructure-driven growth.