The first shipment of Fortescue Metals Group's (FMG) new higher grade iron ore left Western Australia on Monday for Hunan Valin Steel Co. Ltd in China.

The new West Pilbara Fines product comprises a mix of ore from Fortescue's Firetail mine and contains an iron content of 60.1 percent.

"For the last decade, we have delivered a range of differentiated products with a high value in use for our customers," FMG chief executive Elizabeth Gaines said.

"We continue to ensure that our quality control and product consistency are maintained at the highest levels for our customers in China, Asia and Europe."

Head of Hunan Valin Steel Co. Ltd Cao Zhiqiang welcomed the shipment.

"We are very pleased to be the first steel mill customer for West Pilbara Fines," Cao said.