The mining sector has long been a driving force behind economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses, with companies like Fortescue actively backing Traditional Owners to build enterprises that create real, lasting impact. Like everything with business, success in this space isn't automatic - it takes the right partnerships, vision, and determination to turn opportunities into thriving businesses.

That's exactly what's happened with Syncline Haulage, a company that started from scratch in 2021 and has since grown into a significant operation.

What began as a discussion about a haul road contract at Fortescue's Eliwana mine has evolved into a business that is delivering long-term economic benefits to the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Traditional Owners.

Burchell Hayes, Director of Syncline Haulage, is proud of Syncline's growth in the last few years.

"There is no prouder moment for a Traditional Owner and a Traditional Owner business than to be working on country", says Burchell.

The business recently notched up a major milestone at Fortescue's operations by transporting more than 1 million tonnes of product. A significant achievement for a business that started only four years ago.

"The PKKP representatives are now directors of a company that has significant contracts in the Pilbara and employs dozens of people," says Allan Butson, the driving force behind the company's creation.

Four years ago, Allan Butson - who has spent decades working with Indigenous businesses - sat down with now Syncline Director Lenny Ashburton and Fortescue's Indigenous Business Manager at the time. The discussion was simple: the mining giant needed haulage and road maintenance services.

So, Syncline Haulage was born. "We started from zero. No capital, no trucks - just the right people with the right intent," Butson explains. With Fortescue's backing and ANZ finance, the company secured an initial fleet of eight haul trucks and 30 trailers.

"The support of Fortescue was just incredible. Brad Negus, who was the man driving the initial setup of this, and Martin Drage as well, just incredible to work with." said Butson reflecting how far they've come in those four short years.

From an initial handful of workers, Syncline has grown to a team of over 20 operators, four supervisors, a project manager, a general manager, and dedicated health and safety personnel. The biggest impact, though, has been on the Traditional Owners who now sit at the helm of a company that is entirely theirs.

Syncline's story isn't just about a successful Indigenous business, it's about co-operation, partnerships and ultimately the enduring economic self-determination for First Nations people. Proof that when mining companies back in hard-working Indigenous enterprises, Mob doesn't just participate, they prosper.