more job losses again and again

Global miner BHP Billiton is continuing to slash costs in a subdued environment as it meets with workers in Perth this week about likely job cuts.

AAP understands about 200 workers in its iron ore division are set to be made redundant, mostly in Perth.

Redundancies in iron ore would appear to have been inevitable since the global mining giant recently scrapped plans for a $20 billion-plus Port Hedland outer harbour expansion, delaying growth beyond what was already committed.

The latest move follows the loss of thousands of jobs in Australia's resources industry, amid China-driven price falls in commodities such as iron ore and coal with Fortescue Metals particularly hard hit.