THE dust has barely settled on the global financial crisis, but there are already signs the resources boom is well on track to eclipse its past highs.

Asia-bound shipments of iron ore from Port Hedland have chalked up fresh records of more than 14 million tonnes in each of the past three months, according to figures published late last week.

Shipments of iron ore from Port Hedland have hit new records. Credit:Rob Homer

Coal, the nation's top export, is also being loaded on to ships through Newcastle at the fastest pace in a year amid reports of surging demand from Asian buyers.

Economists say these increases point to a boom era in resources returning far more quickly than most expected.