Tag Archives: Heath Nelson

MinRes awards Indigenous-owned Coolingah with Wodgina worker transport contract

Energy minerals, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , , , ,

Mineral Resources (MinRes) has awarded a five-year contract to 100% Indigenous-owned business Coolingah for the dry hire of three coaches to service MinRes’ Wodgina lithium mine in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

A fleet of 57-seat coaches arrived at Wodgina during the recent NAIDOC Week and will be used to transfer MinRes’ workforce across the mine site.

Coolingah is owned and operated by Kariyarra Elder, Patricia Mason, who expressed immense pride in securing the contract, highlighting its significance in helping shape her and her family’s future.

“Thank you to MinRes for believing in me and my family, and for your support making this contract possible,” Mason said. “MinRes sees value in supporting Indigenous businesses and helping them grow and reach their potential. This contract helps open the door to future opportunities.

“I set up Coolingah to provide something to pass onto my children and grandchildren – this business is their future.”

MinRes General Manager Communities and Heritage, Heath Nelson, said the partnership underscored the company’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with Indigenous businesses and supporting their growth and development.

“We are proud of the close partnerships MinRes has formed with a range of Indigenous businesses, including Coolingah, which is owned and operated by a Traditional Owner on lands where we operate,” Heath said.

“Last financial year, MinRes significantly increased our Indigenous business spend compared to the year prior and we are committed to continuing to increase our spend by identifying Indigenous businesses to work with and support in achieving their goals.

“By collaborating with Indigenous businesses, we not only support their economic growth but also contribute to the social and cultural wellbeing of the communities.”

Coolingah has also accessed MinRes’ guaranteed finance facility, which provides additional financial support to Indigenous businesses, allowing the company to secure capital to purchase the coaches and ensure they meet operational demands at the Wodgina mine site.

“The corporate finance guarantee demonstrates MinRes’ commitment to empowering Indigenous businesses and fostering their growth and sustainability,” Nelson added.

The Wodgina mine site, 120 km south of Port Hedland in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, is one of the largest hard-rock lithium mines in the world.

MinRes awards A$24 million exploration earthworks contract to Indigenous-owned business

Mineral exploration, Mineral project development, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , ,

Mineral Resources (MinRes) has awarded a A$24 million ($15.5 million) contract to local Indigenous-owned business Djeleanna Pty Ltd as part of the flagship Onslow Iron project, in Western Australia.

The four-year contract is for exploration earthworks at the Ken’s Bore mine site, east of Onslow, including constructing access tracks, building drill pads, road maintenance and general earthworks.

At the contract signing ceremony, Djeleanna owner Bevan Wally (pictured on the right) presented traditional timber gifts to MinRes Managing Director, Chris Ellison (on the left), including boomerangs, a shield and a long stick.

“We are proud to partner with businesses such as Djeleanna that have such a strong connection to Country and this contract is an example of our commitment to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs,” Ellison said.

“Providing practical guidance and support, such as guaranteeing finance for equipment and plant, helps to build local capability and ensure Indigenous-owned businesses share in our success.”

MinRes General Manager Communities and Heritage, Heath Nelson, added: “Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses has a generational impact by building expertise and skills that can be transferred across other industries for decades to come.”

It is the first contract award for Djeleanna, a Robe River Kuruma business, as well as the largest contract that MinRes has ever awarded to an Indigenous-owned business.

The Robe River Kuruma people are the traditional owners of the land on which the Ken’s Bore mine site is located.

As part of the contract, Djeleanna will employ approximately 10 people, including a project manager, mechanics, operators and administration staff.

Wally, who grew up on Country, said the business was named after a permanent pool on the Robe River in the Pilbara.

“I grew up on stations and have spent time working as a stockman and bull rider and have a deep understanding of this beautiful, ancient country,” he said.

“The support provided by MinRes has given us the confidence and capacity to help establish and grow our business. MinRes have shown us action and given us commitments – it’s unreal for them to invest and give us a go.”

MinRes’ A$3 billion Onslow Iron project is, MinRes says, set to redefine mining in Western Australia, shipping around 35 Mt/y of iron ore from mid-2024. It is owned through the unincorporated Red Hill Iron Joint Venture, which is 40% held by MinRes, who will manage the project, with the other partners being Baowu, AMCI and POSCO.

Fortescue and Wintawari establish ‘culturally safe’ JV for Solomon Hub operations

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , ,

Fortescue Metals Group and members of the Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation, the prescribed body corporate for the Eastern Guruma People, have today announced a co-management framework to oversee the development of new mines at Fortescue’s Solomon Hub operations in Western Australia.

Under the framework, Fortescue and members of Wintawari will establish a “culturally safe” mining joint venture to mine the East and West Queens deposits on Eastern Guruma country. The 10-year mine services contract to be awarded to the new joint venture is estimated to be worth over A$500 million ($367 million), making the contract the largest ever awarded to an Aboriginal business by Fortescue.

A working group will be formed to collaboratively work together on all stages of the mine development from heritage and environmental approvals, resource drilling and definition and mine planning to operations and rehabilitation, Fortescue says. The agreement builds on the decade-long relationship between the parties, which was formalised in a Land Access Agreement in December 2009.

Wintawari Chair, Glen Camille, said: “The establishment of this new co-management joint venture represents the next step in our journey with Fortescue. We are glad to work with Andrew Forrest and Fortescue to improve the economic outcomes for Aboriginal people and thank Andrew for his demonstrated commitment.

“Working collaboratively, we will ensure that Eastern Guruma people are active participants in the future development of mines on our country, enabling deeper consultation around the protection of culturally significant sites while building a better future for our people.”

Fortescue Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, said: “Fortescue is proud of our longstanding relationship with Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation. We are confident that this new collaborative framework will strengthen our ties with the Eastern Guruma People, through the unique opportunity to have a seat at the table to share cultural knowledge and guide the growth of Fortescue’s operations on their country.”

Fortescue Senior Manager Indigenous Communities, Heath Nelson, said: “In line with our approach to ensuring our Native Title Partners benefit from our growth and development, this joint venture will also deliver significant economic opportunities through employment and contracting opportunities.”

Fortescue Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, said: “It gives me enormous pride to bear witness to this framework, which will shape a new shared direction for Fortescue and the Eastern Guruma People. Together, we will provide enduring benefit for future generations, while preserving their unique culture and heritage.”