Aboriginal artwork-wrapped truck marks Pilbara Minerals-Qube partnership extension

Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has welcomed a new haulage truck to its Pilgangoora operation, in celebration of its extended services agreement with haulage partner, Qube.

The new truck, which will operate 24 hours a day, replaces a Qube vehicle that has been hauling for Pilbara Minerals since first production in 2018, with over two million kilometres on the clock.

The Volvo FH16 truck is part of a fleet dedicated to Pilbara Minerals and has been specifically designed to transport spodumene concentrate from the Pilgangoora operation to Port Hedland for storage and shipping.

The truck is adorned with artwork by Wiradjuri and Sydney-based artist Darren Charlwood, commissioned as part of Qube’s 2023 Reconciliation Action Plan.

Pilbara Minerals-Qube partnership

Pilbara Mineral executive general manager operations Brett McFadgen says the extension to the haulage services agreement with Qube, which is Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics and services, follows an extensive evaluation process by Pilbara Minerals.

“As a valued partner of Pilbara Minerals since 2018, Qube has been part of our growth journey and is an integral part of the concentrate and logistics supply chain, ensuring our product safely gets from our mine site to Port Hedland,” he said.

They handle our concentrate product on site, transport it to Port Hedland, manage our storage facility and load our vessels.

“The special edition truck was a welcome addition to site and it’s been great to see the artwork on the truck as it’s travelling around our operation.

“It not only brings colour and vibrancy to our site but serves as an important reminder of the land on which we operate and First Nations People’s enduring connecting to Country and culture.

“We share a strong alignment with Qube in our commitment to ensuring we continue to find meaningful ways to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure they benefit from our operation through business, employment and education opportunities.”

Qube Bulk Pilbara logistics manager Byron Messer says Qube is pleased to dedicate one of its wrapped trucks to Pilbara Minerals to mark the extended partnership.

“Qube truly values the opportunity to continue managing the haulage, stockpile, storage facilities and vessel loading for Pilbara Minerals,” he said.

“We are excited to support Pilbara Minerals’ growth and expansion projects into the future, as the world’s largest, independent hard-rock lithium operation, and are pleased to dedicate this fantastic truck to its Pilgangoora Operation, given what it represents for us.”

Artwork depicts balance and interconnectedness

Artist Darren Charlwood, who is from the yabaay wagaan (wedge tail eagle and crow) mob in Wellington, NSW, says the artwork, titled Yindyamarra, depicts the balance and interconnectedness that exists between people, the sea and Country.

“Because Qube has operations all over Australia, I thought it was important to show all of those connections from the ports dotted all around the coastline, to the inland rivers, and the roads and the rail networks that span the country,” he said.

“I also included Indigenous trade routes to show how enduring those connections are.

“The white motifs on the ocean symbolise movement, whether it be whales migrating or ships moving along the coastline, and the white lines around the coastline symbolise shipping channels.

“Along the Queensland coast, I have also used a more aqua shade to show the Great Barrier Reef and the red in the centre symbolises the desert.

“Everything exists in balance and is interconnected.”