Aboriginal businesses and JVs win $100m worth of new work in the Pilbara

Approximately $100 million worth of new work has been awarded to Aboriginal businesses and joint ventures for Fortescue Metals Group’s iron ore operations in the Pilbara region, which includes $65 million in partnership with Yindjibarndi-owned businesses.

Together with this recent announcement, the total value of contracts, sub-contracts and works awarded through Fortescue’s Billion Opportunities program has reached $1.95 billion.

“The continued growth of Fortescue’s Billion Opportunities program is fundamental to our excellent, long-standing relationships with Aboriginal communities,” Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Nev Power said.

Involving Fortescue’s Traditional Owner and Native Title owned businesses, new works include:

• Non-processing infrastructure maintenance works at the Solomon Hub in partnership with the Thiess Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Enterprise (WMYE) joint venture
• Industrial services at the Solomon Hub, Port and Rail from PTW Environmental Services Pty Ltd (PTW), includes ownership by Wintawari Guruma Enterprises Pty Ltd
• Site-wide waste management by PTK Environmental Services Pty Ltd (PTK)
• Civil and earthmoving services at the Solomon Hub supplied by the NRW Eastern Guruma WMYE joint venture

“These works will provide employment and business opportunities for our Traditional Owner and Native Title groups in the Pilbara, as we continue to ensure our communities benefit from the growth and development of Fortescue.

“We are particularly proud of our ongoing partnerships with Yindjibarndi People through the Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, as they work toward a better future for their community by embracing training, jobs and business opportunities,” Mr Power said.

Source: Fortescue Metals Group and Australian Mining