Australian shares close flat as miners fill early dip

Materials and consumer staples have helped Australian shares close almost flat after an earlier dip. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Upticks in iron ore and gold prices have helped the Australian share market steady itself after a shaky start to the week.

The S&P/ASX200 overcame an early rout to close almost flat, up 1.7 points, or 0.02 per cent, to 8,663.7, as the broader All Ordinaries rose 4.9 points, or 0.05 per cent, to 8,922.