Posted by Daniel Gleeson on 2nd August 2024
Mineral Sources (MinRes) has awarded a five-year contract to 100% Indigenous-owned enterprise Coolingah for the dry rent of three coaches to service MinRes’ Wodgina lithium mine within the Pilbara of Western Australia.
A fleet of 57-seat coaches arrived at Wodgina throughout the current NAIDOC Week and might be used to switch MinRes’ workforce throughout the mine web site.
Coolingah is owned and operated by Kariyarra Elder, Patricia Mason, who expressed immense satisfaction in securing the contract, highlighting its significance in serving to form her and her household’s future.
“Thanks to MinRes for believing in me and my household, and on your assist making this contract doable,” Mason stated. “MinRes sees worth in supporting Indigenous companies and serving to them develop and attain their potential. This contract helps open the door to future alternatives.
“I arrange Coolingah to supply one thing to go onto my youngsters and grandchildren – this enterprise is their future.”
MinRes Common Supervisor Communities and Heritage, Heath Nelson, stated the partnership underscored the corporate’s dedication to fostering sturdy relationships with Indigenous companies and supporting their progress and improvement.
“We’re pleased with the shut partnerships MinRes has shaped with a spread of Indigenous companies, together with Coolingah, which is owned and operated by a Conventional Proprietor on lands the place we function,” Heath stated.
“Final monetary 12 months, MinRes considerably elevated our Indigenous enterprise spend in comparison with the 12 months prior and we’re dedicated to persevering with to extend our spend by figuring out Indigenous companies to work with and assist in reaching their targets.
“By collaborating with Indigenous companies, we not solely assist their financial progress but additionally contribute to the social and cultural wellbeing of the communities.”
Coolingah has additionally accessed MinRes’ assured finance facility, which supplies extra monetary assist to Indigenous companies, permitting the corporate to safe capital to buy the coaches and guarantee they meet operational calls for on the Wodgina mine web site.
“The company finance assure demonstrates MinRes’ dedication to empowering Indigenous companies and fostering their progress and sustainability,” Nelson added.
The Wodgina mine web site, 120 km south of Port Hedland within the Pilbara area of Western Australia, is likely one of the largest hard-rock lithium mines on the planet.
