Fortescue Metals Group has awarded more than A$6 million ($4.4 million) worth of contracts to two Western Australia Aboriginal businesses, as part of the iron ore company’s Billion Opportunities programme.

Aboriginal-Noongar owned business Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions, Australia’s largest indigenous fleet management and rental company, has been awarded a three-year contract for the supply of light and commercial leased vehicles across Fortescue’s operational sites, while majority owned Aboriginal business Thuroona Services has been given a contract for maintenance work at Fortescue’s rail operations.

Since the inception of Fortescue’s Billion Opportunities in 2011, 270 contracts and sub-contracts valued at A$2 billion have been awarded to 110 Aboriginal-owned business and joint ventures, Fortescue said.

Fortescue Chief Financial Officer Ian Wells said the contracts signified the company’s continued commitment to supporting local content as part of its procurement process.

“By partnering with Aboriginal businesses to build their capability and capacity, we are opening the doors to future work with other organisations which is fundamental to their economic sustainability and prosperity,” he said.