The CORE Innovation Hub Newman has officially opened its doors at Parnawarri, in Western Australia, becoming the first business innovation centre in Newman to support the local mining equipment technology and services (METS) industry.

The specialist METS business hub, co-working and education space supports start-ups, small and medium businesses and industry working across the mining sector, according to BHP, with the new satellite hub allowing businesses to take advantage of CORE Innovation Hub’s  national mining and resources ecosystem, where they will be able to connect with potential partners, work with industry experts and expand their business network.

The Newman facility comes on top of the original CORE Innovation Hub in Perth and a second one in Adelaide. The plans for Newman were announced last year.

Newman Innovation Hub Lead, Natalie Jones, said: “This initiative is a huge investment into the future of Newman and the surrounding Pilbara region. The hub will help drive our local regional businesses forward in Newman, across the Pilbara and beyond.”

BHP is a major sponsor of this hub along with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and METS Ignited Australia.