Three Traditional Owner and Indigenous organisations were among the seven major category winners at Rio Tinto's annual Supplier Recognition Awards on Thursday night.

The ceremony honours the global iron ore producer's valued suppliers and the contribution they make to the company, local communities and the Western Australian economy.

Outstanding performance and leadership were recognised across six categories, culminating in the WA Supplier of the Year Award.

More than 230 nominations and 18 finalists reflected the depth of talent and commitment across the state's supplier community, with the trio of First Nations winners reflective of the impact Traditional Owners have had on Rio Tinto's growth.

Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Matthew Holcz said it was impossible for the company - in its 60th year of operations in the Pilbara - to have grown into the global iron ore producer it was today without the significant contribution from Traditional Owners.

"We recognise they significantly contribute to the prosperity of Western Australia by allowing mining to occur on their Country," he said.

"Our operations in the Pilbara only exist because of this. That is not something we take for granted. It is a responsibility we carry with us every day."

Mr Holcz said it was fantastic to recognise the three Traditional Owner and Indigenous businesses, who represented a larger supply chain cohort that had helped the company become a global mining success.

"Their contribution to the Western Australian economy and to the communities where we operate is exceptional," he said. "This recognition is well deserved."

Local Engagement winner - North West Alliance (Traditional Owner business)

North West Alliance is a 50 per cent Indigenous-owned partnership between the Palyku Traditional Owner investment group Emu Nest, and global environmental services company Veolia.

The company was first established in 2013 and is now the biggest Aboriginal waste services provider in the Pilbara, operating multiple waste transfer stations and servicing major mining, oil and gas clients across WA.

NWA has more than 100 employees, many of them Indigenous and female, and has made an economic contribution to the region upwards of $100 million.

Operations blend Indigenous knowledge and modern sustainability practices, to deliver safe, reliable waste and environmental management services, grounded in a commitment to caring for Country and creating long-term community benefits.

Environmental Sustainability winner - Woollahra (Indigenous owned business), Soap Aid and Sodexo

The collaboration between Sodexo Australia, Soap Aid and the 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned Woollahra Group was honoured after its launch of the Soap Aid Camp to Community program.

The initiative tackles hygiene poverty by recycling soap from Sodexo's remote sites and redistributing it to vulnerable communities.

With more than four million Australians experiencing hygiene insecurity and business donations of hygiene products dropping by 43 per cent, the program addressed a growing national need, while diverting usable soap from landfill.

Health and Safety winner - TIAD Enterprises (Traditional Owner business)

The majority Indigenous-owned Yinhawangka company provided mining, civil and construction services across the Pilbara, specialising in earthworks, road construction, rehabilitation, heritage surveys, labour hire and plant operations.

All services were delivered with a strong focus on safety, environmental stewardship and cultural responsibility, while respecting and maintaining a deep connection to Country.

TIAD has created employment and training opportunities for Indigenous people while also supporting major mining and infrastructure projects.