FORTESCUE Metals Group (ASX: FMG) has awarded contracts totalling $11m to a 100pc Aboriginal-owned business.
Mallard Deemey Pty Ltd, jointly owned and operated by Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) member Donna Meyer and Yamatji member Robby Mallard, will construct and install laboratory, storage and administrative facilities at FMG’s Eliwana mine and rail project.
This builds on FMG’s commitment to Aboriginal procurement, with the contracts expected to create over 100 jobs mainly in the Pilbara, Carnarvon and Perth.
FMG chief executive officer Elizabeth Gaines says the company supports and invests in sustainable Aboriginal businesses.
“This is the heart of our approach and ensures 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 business and the chance for Aboriginal people to build a future for their communities through economic opportunity.”
Mallard Deemey director Donna Meyer said the contracts proved the capability of Aboriginal businesses.
“It challenges the assumptions that they can only work on projects of this size as subcontractors and where time schedules are less stringent,” she said.
“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.”
Mallard Deemey was a previous subcontractor for the deconstruction of the Wheatstone camp in Onslow prior to its relocation to Eliwana.
FMG’s Billion Opportunities program has awarded over $2.5b in contracts to over 120 Aboriginal businesses since 2011.
