Fortescue awards $11m in contracts to Aboriginal-owned business

The contracts are valued at $11 million and will create more than 100 jobs for people in the Pilbara, Carnarvon and Perth.

Aboriginal-owned Mallard Deemy was previously a Fortescue subcontractor for the deconstruction of the Wheatstone camp in Onslow before it was moved to Eliwana.

More than 40 per cent of the Onslow project’s workforce were Aboriginal employees.

The Eliwana mine and rail project officially commenced construction in July last year, and will further expand Fortescue’s low-cost iron ore production.

The project includes 143 kilometres of rail development and a 30 million tonnes a year dry ore processing facility.

Fortescue chief executive Elizabeth Gaines said supporting and working alongside Indigenous businesses provided Aboriginal communities with the benefits of company projects.

“Supporting and investing in sustainable Aboriginal businesses is at the heart of our approach to ensuring Aboriginal communities benefit from the growth and development of our business,” she said.

“Our Billion Opportunities Aboriginal procurement program has provided a platform to demonstrate the skills and capability of Aboriginal businesses and the chance for Aboriginal people to build a future for their communities through economic opportunity.”

According to Mallard Deemy director Donna Meyer, the new contracts display the strong expertise of Aboriginal businesses.

“These contracts are a demonstration of Mallard Deemey’s strong capabilities and will also enable us to commit to our continued training and employment of local Aboriginal people, positioning our business very well for the future,” she said.