CORE Innovation Hub and BHP are set to launch the first centre of excellence in Newman, WA, providing support for the Mining Equipment Technology and Services (METS) industry. The specialist METS business hub, co-working and education space “will support the region and the surrounding mines, demonstrating a strong commitment to investment in future skills and supply chain capabilities. The initial 12-month project will diversify the Newman regional economy by increasing the visibility of and access to local businesses working across the METS supply chain.”

The new satellite hub will allow businesses to take advantage of CORE Innovation Hub’s well-established national mining and resources ecosystem, connect with potential partners, work with industry experts and learn new skills. CORE Innovation Hub Newman, powered by BHP, “will create business connections locally and nationally, bring potential partners together, stimulate employment opportunities, and facilitate innovation and the sharing of ideas to grow sector capabilities.”

CORE National Innovation Hub Lead Renee Hakendorf said the centre would focus on future skills development to bolster the entire supply chain, as the first regional centre of its kind in Australia. “The creation of the Newman METS Hub is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses and the broader community. Newman and the surrounding Pilbara region employs more than 63,000 people and has approximately 2,085 small to medium local businesses which stand to benefit from this initiative,” Hakendorf said. “It is an investment in the future of Newman.”

“We are looking to partner with local businesses, government and academic groups to co-design the Hub. We want to engage a broad cross-section of the METS supply chain right from the start to ensure we are supporting economic growth of Newman and setting up the entire mining region for success.”

Core Innovation Hub Newman also aims to fast-track the procurement process for local businesses wanting to work with BHP. BHP General Manager, Newman Operations, Marie Bourgoin said: “We are proud that BHP funding has made the vision for a METS hub in Newman a reality. We hope the hub will provide a space for the local METS sector to meet and collaborate and create opportunities to advance our partnerships across the sector.”

To ensure CORE Innovation Hub Newman is able to meet local needs and provide the right connections, services and opportunities for regionalMETS businesses and allied services, CORE will host co-designworkshops with business, government and community leaders from late May.