Handle Iron Ore with confidence

The right grab for your iron ore operations

Iron ore is the foundation of global steel production and one of the most heavily traded dry bulk commodities. It is mined in regions around the world, from Australia and Brazil to India and Africa, and shipped to steel mills where it is transformed into the building blocks of modern infrastructure. Commonly handled iron ore types include Carajás ore, Pilbara ore, Hematite-based ores, DRI (Direct Reduced Iron), and HBI (Hot Briquetted Iron), each with distinct physical characteristics. Ore from each mine differs in bulk density, moisture content, granularity, and stickiness, which directly influence how the material behaves during loading and unloading. 

Some types are coarse and free-flowing, while others are moist and cohesive, requiring powerful grabs with strong closing forces and reliable penetration to achieve full capacity. Nemag helps terminals and transshipment operators handle this variability with confidence. 

Iron ore as a material

Iron ore is a high-density, abrasive bulk commodity with properties that vary by source and processing. Bulk density, moisture content, granularity, and stickiness all influence how the ore penetrates, flows, and discharges—affecting bucket fill, cycle times, and clean-up. Selecting the right grab geometry, closing force, and wear package is essential to keep performance consistent at the quay and in transshipment.

nemax drybulk grab render
NemaX grab
Clamshell grab render
Clamshell grab

Iron ore handling challenges

The weight and abrasiveness of iron ore place exceptional loads on grabs and crane ropes. Compact, cohesive cargo demands strong closing forces and reliable penetration; coarse ore increases impact and wear. To maintain steady tons per hour, terminals need robust construction, controlled rope loads, and configurations that minimize spillage and downtime while extending service life.

nemax drybulk grab render
NemaX grab
scissors grab render
Scissors grab

Choosing the Right Grab

For iron ore, NemaX is the go-to choice: its optimized geometry delivers deep penetration and secure filling without unnecessary rope tension, supporting high productivity and reduced wear. Because ore characteristics differ widely, Nemag tailors grab configurations—closing force, lip design, liners, and capacity—to your material and crane setup for consistent fill rates and fewer maintenance intervals. 

nemax drybulk grab render
NemaX grab
Clamshell grab render
Clamshell grab
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As a family business we take pride in thinking on the long run and be the partner you can rely on. If you have any questions, please reach out. Our team is here to support you.

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Rudy Bovée ,
Account manager

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