Mineral Resources (MinRes) has long established itself as one of Australia's leading mining and services companies.

Founded in 1993, the company has built a strong reputation for innovation, operational excellence and delivering large-scale projects that contribute to the nation's economic development.

Today, MinRes' mining services and commodities businesses are also driving Indigenous engagement and economic empowerment. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Onslow Iron project, a transformative initiative in Western Australia's Pilbara region that has placed Traditional Owner-led businesses at its core.

MinRes' Onslow Iron project underpins the company's transition to low-cost, long-life iron ore operations and harnesses in-house innovation to unlock stranded iron ore deposits in the West Pilbara region.

The project harnesses MinRes-led innovation including modular crushers, jumbo road trains and shallow-draft transhippers to transport iron ore 150 km from Ken's Bore mine site to the Port of Ashburton.

Onslow Iron successfully delivered first ore on ship in May 2024 and is now ramping up production to 35 million tonnes per year.

The success of Onslow Iron has been supported by deep partnerships with local Indigenous suppliers. These businesses are not only providing critical services, they are also shaping the project's legacy through job creation, economic empowerment and long-term capability building.

By integrating Indigenous-owned enterprises across its supply chain, MinRes is demonstrating how the resource sector can encourage generational change in Indigenous communities.

MinRes has taken a deliberate and strategic approach to fostering Indigenous business partnerships, ensuring these relationships go beyond symbolic agreements. The company has embedded Indigenous procurement into its broader operational strategy, actively working with Traditional Owner businesses to create sustainable, long-term economic opportunities.

Chris Ellison, Managing Director of MinRes, has made it clear that empowering Indigenous Australians is a corporate priority.

"We are dedicated to the economic empowerment of Indigenous Australians, offering opportunities for training, employment, procurement and business development support," Ellison says.

"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."

This commitment has led to tangible results. In FY24, MinRes engaged 44 active Indigenous suppliers, with a total Indigenous business spend of $68.4 million—a 185% increase from the previous financial year. This surge in engagement has provided opportunities for Traditional Owner businesses across a wide range of services, from civil construction to 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," says 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 proudly partners withe businesses from Robe River Kuruma and Thalanyji - the Traditional Owners of the lands where Onslow Iron operates - to drive the ongoing success of the project.

Indigenous businesses driving Onslow Iron

Onslow Iron is strengthened by the expertise and services provided by its Indigenous business partners. These businesses, owned and operated by Traditional Owners, are delivering key operational support while ensuring that the economic benefits of the project flow back into their communities.

Djeleanna

Djeleanna began by supporting the exploration team at the Ken's Bore mine site and has since transitioned into production mining, owning and operating a fleet of earthmoving equipment. The business has experienced substantial growth, enabling it to acquire a commercial yard in Roebourne which has become a hub for local employment and skills development.

"We feel like MinRes listens to us and feels like an extended family," says Managing Director Kimberley Slattery.

"It's been such a surprise to see how MinRes treats Traditional Ownerss. They gave their word and they've kept it. They changed our view of what a mining company can do when they back their promises with actions."

"Business isn't for everybody, it's challenging but it's rewarding when you get it right."

Irdiyamarnu Tyres Services

A wholly Indigenous-owned business, Irdiyamarnu Tyres Services provides essential tyre fitting services ensuring Onslow Iron's fleet of haulage trucks remain operational.

Director Frances Hayes sees the partnership as a major step toward economic self-determination.

"Working on MinRes projects provides the support needed to expand our commercial operations and create more employment opportunities and skills development programs for our people," Frances said.

Jundalya

Jundalya Human Resources was born from a business opportunity provided by MinRes and its significance lies not only in the Native Title Agreement but, more importantly, in the personal commitment of Managing Director Chris Ellison and his leadership team.

"As a Thalanyji woman, my dream has always been to run a recruitment business and thanks to MinRes, that dream has become a reality," says Director Karen Hayes.

"Even though MinRes has its own challenges, they have stood by Jundalya."

Robe River Services

By providing essential transport services, Robe River Services is playing a key role in the development of Onslow Iron.

The partnership with MinRes has helped the business establish itself in the mining sector, ensuring Traditional Owners have direct involvement in major operations.

"Direct engagement with Robe River Services, the economic development vehicle for Robe River Kuruma people, creates a vital platform to integrate cultural preservation with economic growth across all project opportunities," says Director Leanne Evans.

"The active involvement of Traditional Owners in projects like Onslow Iron is invaluable. It fosters a direct connection to community and puts us at the forefront of future opportunities."

Ngarliya Contracting

Ngarliya is one of the first majority Indigenous-owned businesses to provide fire suppression services in the Pilbara.

As Director Kelly Slattery explains, the business is focused on long-term sustainability.

"For me, as a Traditional Owner, to be able to provide opportunities for members of the community and to work on Country is a huge advantage."

Jaliyarnu Yinta

Jaliyarnu Yinta plays a critical role in maintaining the landscape at Onslow Iron, ensuring environmental and cultural considerations are respected.

"Our heritage is important to us," says Director Georgina Bobby.

"To get to go out on Country where we grew up and learnt about the land from our elders is significant. It's a great sense of pride."

Woollahra

Woollahra's involvement in Onslow Iron demonstrates a model of respectful and empowering resource development that also promotes economic growth and environmental stewardship.

"Through our collaboration with MinRes, we have successfully expanded our development initiatives with Traditional Owner businesses," says director Trudy Hayes.

"This partnership ensures a significant economic contribution to Indigenous business growth and benefits their communities."

Muguriyarra

Muguriyarra is an Indigenous earthmoving, road and civil construction contractor based in Onslow. The company was launched as a joint venture between Thalanyji man Jaiden Hayes and NTC Contracting, which has operated in Onslow for more than 70 years.

"One of the big reasons I wanted to do this was to try to get people trained-up with licences because a lot of people don't ever have the chance to learn," says Hayes.

"I want to give the younger kids that opportunity to get into work and we're working with MinRes to ensure the project delivers long-term benefits to the Traditional Owners for generations to come."

BriJarCass

A 100 per cent Indigenous-owned business, BriJarCass Security Pty Ltd was established in 2010 to provide alternative employment opportunities for Indigenous people with a primary focus on Thalanyji and local Indigenous workers.

The business has secured a four-year contract at Mineral Resources' accommodation villages, reinforcing the growing role of Indigenous enterprises in major projects.

"We are looking forward to expanding and providing more opportunities for Indigenous workers," says Project Manager Hayley Hayes.

Looking to the future

Onslow Iron is just one example of how MinRes is integrating Indigenous businesses into its operations. The success of this model demonstrates the tangible benefits of genuine Indigenous engagement.

As Ellison puts it: "Working with Indigenous businesses can have a generational impact by building expertise and skills that can be transferred across other industries."

For Onslow Iron and beyond, these partnerships are not just about today's operations. They are also laying the foundation for Indigenous economic empowerment for decades to come.