Fortescue and Kooya forge green partnership

Fortescue has extended its partnership with West Australian First Nations business, Kooya, to help drive the Company’s mission to decarbonise its iron ore operations. 

Under the collaboration, Kooya will provide Fortescue with 110 electric Tuatara Ultra Terrain Vehicles for deployment across Fortescue’s Pilbara sites, with the first set to arrive in early 2024. The vehicles will be used to transport materials and tools around Fortescue’s iron ore operations.  

Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto, said “This collaboration with Kooya underscores our shared commitment to stepping beyond fossil fuels and providing green solutions for heavy industry. It’s a testament to Fortescue’s dedication to environmental stewardship and our pursuit of innovative solutions in the mining industry. 

“Importantly, this partnership demonstrates our commitment to First Nations businesses, where through our Billion Opportunities program, we have awarded more than A$4.6 billion in contracts and subcontracts since 2011.” 

Kooya Chief Executive Officer, Sharna Collard, said "This contract with Fortescue marks a substantial step in the right direction for our company. Our core values revolve around environmental responsibility, and we are thrilled that Fortescue is aligning with us on this journey toward sustainability. 

“This collaboration represents a collective effort to prioritise environmentally friendly practices, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our commitment to going green." 

The partnership between Fortescue and Kooya commenced in 2018 with Fortescue initially entrusting Kooya to provide leasing services for 34 assets on a single mine site. This initial engagement served as the foundation for the growing partnership.  

"Fortescue recognised the value and efficiency brought by Kooya, leading to a substantial expansion of our involvement,” said Sharna. 

Currently, Kooya manage leasing activities across three mine sites for Fortescue, including Solomon, Eliwana and Iron Bridge.