A new iron ore mine in west Africa could pose a bigger threat to Australian Government revenue than slowing Chinese economic growth.

China’s economy expanded 4.8 per cent in the year ended September 30 which, while higher than advanced economies, is slower than previous years.

Despite a faltering property sector, there is still strong Chinese demand for steel to make electric vehicles and solar panels and water infrastructure in rural areas.

The Chinese manufacturing sector is holding up is in the face of US tariffs that look set to climb to 145 per cent next month when a trade truce with the United States expires.

But a Chinese-financed iron ore project in west Africa means West Australian miners will have a new supply competitor for the first time in decades.

Rio Tinto’s Simandou mi

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