Fortescue Metals Group has announced it is finalising the award of $100 million in new works to Aboriginal business and joint ventures as the company continues to create unprecedented opportunity through employment and business development. The new works include $65 million in partnership with Yindjibarndi owned businesses.
Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) has announced it is finalising the award of $100 million in new works to Aboriginal business and joint ventures as the company continues to create unprecedented opportunity through employment and business development. The new works include $65 million in partnership with Yindjibarndi owned businesses.
The announcement brings the total value of contracts, sub-contracts and works awarded through Fortescue’s Billion Opportunities program to $1.95 billion.
Involving our Traditional Owner and Native Title owned businesses, the new works include:
- Non-processing infrastructure maintenance works at the Solomon Hub in partnership with the Thiess - Wirlu-murra Yindjibarndi Enterprises (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 earth moving services at the Solomon Hub supplied by the NRW - Eastern Guruma - WMYE Joint Venture
Palyku Traditional Owner and PTK Director and shareholder Tammy O’Connor said, “The flow on effects of our work with Fortescue has huge benefits for the community by providing real opportunities for people to get a job and support their family”.
PTW Director and shareholder Geoff Stocker said he has enjoyed a growing and mutually beneficial relationship with Fortescue for more than a decade. “Fortescue is leading the pack by building long-term, sustainable partnerships with Aboriginal businesses,” Mr Stocker said.
Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Nev Power said, “The continued growth of Fortescue’s Billion Opportunities program is fundamental to our excellent, long-standing relationships with Aboriginal communities.”
“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,” Mr Power said.
“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.”
Background
Since the inception of Billion Opportunities in 2011, Fortescue has awarded 244 contracts, sub-contracts and works worth $1.95 billion to 105 Aboriginal-owned businesses and joint ventures.
Fortescue received the Outstanding Impact Award at the Supply Nation’s 2017 Supplier Diversity Awards and the Corporate Member of the Year award for its Billion Opportunities program.