Rio Tinto boosts Indigenous employment

Up to 40 Indigenous People from across Perth and the Pilbara enter Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) annual Aboriginal Training and Liaison (ATAL) program for 2025.

The eight-week initiative, re-launched in 2023, has been co-designed between Rio Tinto and Traditional Owners to build job-ready skills and provide access to a range of career pathways.

The ATAL program combines training in safety, health and wellbeing, cultural awareness, workplace expectations and financial literacy, together with resume support and career planning to help prepare participants for employment within Rio Tinto and beyond.

This year, the program will run in Perth, Karratha and — for the first time — Tom Price, highlighting Rio Tinto’s commitment to the Pilbara and building thriving, resilient communities.

Yamitji Amungu man and Rio Tinto Mesa A Robe Valley trade assistant Jamahl Martin graduated from the program last year and says joining the ATAL program was a turning point for him.

“I’d never worked in mining before, but the support from the team, and being surrounded by others like me, made me feel comfortable and excited to give it a go,” he said.

“The program gave me confidence and direction — now I’m working FIFO and aiming to become an auto sparky.

“If you’re thinking about it, give it a go. It could change your life.”

Since its relaunch, the program has supported 54 Aboriginal participants, with many securing jobs at Rio Tinto and other businesses across WA.

Most of last year’s Pilbara graduates were from Traditional Owner groups where Rio Tinto operates, including Banjima, Muntulgura Guruma, Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura, Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi and Yinhawangka, with many securing traineeships and jobs at Rio Tinto.

Rio Tinto iron ore people vice president Matt Kimbal says ATAL is about more than delivering a training program.

“It’s about listening to our communities, understanding the barriers to employment and creating real pathways to sustainable jobs for Indigenous people,” he said.

“Thanks to the leadership of Traditional Owners, and in particular the members of the Regional Implementation Committee, we continue to evolve ATAL to meet community needs and expand the program’s reach across WA.”

This year, Rio Tinto has partnered with Aboriginal-owned employment support provider Impact Services to deliver the program in Perth from August to October 2025, Karratha from October to December 2025 and Tom Price in early 2026.