Indigenous-owned Robe River Services has won a lengthy transport contract associated with one of Western Australia's biggest iron ore projects.
The five-year contract from Mineral Resources for its Onslow Iron project is for the lease of four 57-seat coaches to transport workers from the Ken's Bore mine site in the Pilbara, on Robe River Kuruma traditional lands, 150km east of Onslow.
Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation (RRKAC) chair and RRS board director Kelly Slattery hoped more agreements with other resource companies operating on Robe River Kuruma Country would follow the MinRes partnership.
"We are excited to have negotiated our first commercial arrangement under the RRS banner," Ms Slattery said.
"We look forward to identifying more opportunities to build our economic independence through business development opportunities."
Development was continuing to ramp up at the Ken's Bore mine site, after the first ore was achieved in mid-May.
MinRes in January awarded Indigenous business BriJarCass a four-year contract to initially provide utilities at its luxurious 500-room Ken's Bore Resort, industry-leading, resort-style accommodation for its employees at its flagship project in the Pilbara.
In October, a $24 million contract was agreed between MinRes and another local Indigenous-owned business, Djeleanna, for exploration earthworks at the Ken's Bore mine site.
The Onslow Iron project is set to redefine mining in WA, through world-first autonomous road trains, dust-free transport and resort-style accommodation.
It will also unlock billions of tonnes of stranded iron ore deposits, with forecast shipments of around 35 million tonnes of iron ore per year, and an expected mine life of at least 30 years.
Iron ore will be transported 150km from the mine site to the Port of Ashburton, and transported by jumbo autonomous road trains via a fenced and sealed haulage road.
MinRes communities and heritage general manager Heath Nelson said the company was thrilled to offer a significant contract to RSS, its first with the Indigenous-owned company, established by the RRKAC to help provide economic opportunities for the community.
"This agreement marks a significant milestone for Robe River Services, laying a solid foundation for their business growth," Mr Nelson said.
"This long-term contract will help advance the economic empowerment of the Robe River Kuruma people.
"We look forward to evolving our strong partnership and are committed to developing further opportunities."