Fortescue releases FY19 Corporate Social Responsibility report

Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) is pleased to release its FY19 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, detailing the Company’s progress against its three core pillars of setting high standards, safeguarding the environment and creating positive social change.

Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines said, as a proud West Australian company built on a foundation of a unique culture and values, Fortescue’s focus is to ensure communities benefit from the growth and development of its business.

“At the heart of our approach to building sustainable communities is empowerment and an emphasis on practical initiatives that create economic opportunities through training, employment, local sourcing, and the support of community programs,” Ms Gaines said.

“We are one of the largest employers of Aboriginal people and provide unprecedented opportunity for business development through our Billion Opportunities procurement program, which reached A$2.3 billion in contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses and joint ventures since 2011.

“During FY19, we welcomed the introduction of the Australian Modern Slavery Act 2019 act as an important step in harnessing the power of Australian business to eradicate modern slavery in global supply chains.”

Ms Gaines noted the significant improvement in the Company’s Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) to a record annual low of 2.8 for FY19.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of the Fortescue family is our number one priority, ensuring our people go home safely after every shift,” she said.

Key performance highlights in the FY19 report include:

• Safety – a 53 per cent reduction in the TRIFR over the past five years to a record annual low of 2.8, including a 24 per cent reduction over the last year
• Aboriginal employment – 15 per cent Aboriginal employment rate across the company’s Pilbara operations
• Diversity – an increase in the female employment rate to 19 per cent, with 26 per cent of senior leadership positions held by women 
• Economic contribution – total global contributions of A$13.1 billion, including over A$2.8 billion in taxes and royalties in Australia
• Climate Change – Reporting aligned with the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure recommendations and a landmark partnership with CSIRO to explore the use of hydrogen as a source of energy and export opportunity
• Environmental management – zero significant environmental incidents and an investment in over A$5.5 million on Fortescue Marsh biodiversity programs as part of a long term partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
• Human Rights – the release of Fortescue’s second Modern Slavery Voluntary Statement