Fortescue Metals : Iron Bridge project supports Aboriginal businesses

May 15, 2020

Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) is continuing its longstanding commitment to supporting local and Aboriginal businesses, with the contract for the West Canning Basin earthworks at the Iron Bridge Magnetite Project awarded to Cundaline Resources Pty Ltd (Cundaline).

Cundaline, a 100 per cent Aboriginal owned company with links to the Njamal, Tjiwari, Bunjima and Noongar Traditional Custodian groups, will carry out the earthworks, access preparation and rehabilitation services associated with the hydrogeology drilling program for the Iron Bridge project

Fortescue's Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Gaines, said 'Fortescue's Aboriginal procurement initiative, Billion Opportunities, has awarded over A$2.5 billion in contracts and sub-contracts to Aboriginal businesses and joint venture partners since the program began in 2011.

'We are committed to building on this proud track record through our growth projects, Eliwana and Iron Bridge, which have already awarded over A$60 million in contracts to Aboriginal businesses.

'Importantly, Billion Opportunities is focused on building the capability and capacity of Aboriginal businesses, and it is very pleasing to see Cundaline, a business which commenced operations as a labour hire company, now expand into earthworks and mechanical maintenance contracting areas,' Ms Gaines said.

Cundaline's Managing Director, Brenden Taylor said 'the West Canning Basin Earthworks contract is a milestone project and the first of a number of potential opportunities on the Iron Bridge Magnetite Project for Cundaline.

'We have worked hard to transition our Company from a labour hire specialist to a contracting entity managing and delivering our own projects. I am particularly proud of my team for their professionalism and 'can do' attitude and not giving up during the tough times.

'Along this journey we have worked together with other Aboriginal businesses and I especially want to acknowledge Fortescue, through the Billion Opportunities initiative, for making a real difference for a local and Aboriginal business like Cundaline to continue to grow our capacity and capability into the future, Mr Taylor said.