MinRes drives economic empowerment for Indigenous communities

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) is engaging and empowering Indigenous communities with its Onslow iron project.

The project, located in WA’s Pilbara region, holds Traditional Owner-led businesses at its heart.

MinRes has attributed the success of the project, following the increase of production to 35mt annually, to the support of deep partnerships with local Indigenous suppliers.

These partnerships not only provide the project with critical services but shape its legacy through job-creation, long-term capability-building and economic empowerment.

MinRes is setting the standard for the resource sector to encourage generational change in Indigenous communities by integrating Indigenous-owned enterprises across its supply chain.

The company’s intentional and strategic approach to fostering these partnerships ensures that these relationships are so much more than just symbolic agreements.

By embedding Indigenous procurement into its broader operational strategy, MinRes actively works with Traditional Owner businesses to develop long-term and sustainable economic opportunities for the community.

MinRes managing director Chris Ellison has said that the company is committed to the economic empowerment of Indigenous Australians and offering opportunities for training, employment, procurement and business development support.

“It’s important to have Traditional Owners working on the land where they are from, to share their knowledge and capabilities, build employment opportunities within the community and provide business-critical services,” he said.

In the last financial year MinRes engaged 44 active Indigenous suppliers and spent a total of $68.4 with Indigenous owned businesses.

This was an increase of 185% for the company from the previous financial year.

This continued increase in engagement provides opportunities for Traditional Owner businesses from various sectors such as civil construction, vehicle maintenance and facilities management.

“Our success is only possible with the support of the people and businesses who provide vital services to keep our business running,” said Mr Ellison.

“We have positively impacted the local community through direct employment, skill creation and the growth in Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners.

“In turn, the Indigenous businesses that have supported our projects, such as Onslow iron, have made a huge impact on our success.”

MinRes partners with Indigenous businesses from Robe River Kuruma and Thalanyji, the Traditional owners of the lands where the project operates, to continue its venture.

The prosperity of the Onslow project demonstrates the abundant benefits that the resource sector can obtain from genuine Indigenous engagement.

These partnerships are paving the way for generational Indigenous economic empowerment.

“Working with Indigenous businesses can have a generational impact by building expertise and skills that can be transferred across other industries,” said Mr Ellison.