DRA Global, in partnership with Bravus Mining and Resources, is looking to accelerate the training and employment of First Nation people in central Queensland through its First Nations Traineeship Program.
The program will recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to critical mining roles that support the operations of the ten-million-tonnes-per-annum Carmichael mine near Clermont.
DRA provides operations and maintenance services at the Carmichael Coal Handling and Preparation Plant facility (CHPP) where the high-quality thermal coal mined from the Galilee Basin mine is crushed, washed, and prepared for transport to nations around the world.
The two-year Traineeship Program includes roles as a Coal Handling and Preparation Plant Operator, Site Administrator and Site Health, Safety and Environment Administrator, with recruitment of First Nations Peoples to be conducted regardless of age, gender, religion, or other demographic criteria.
Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer, Mick Crowe, said the new traineeship opportunities would prioritise Wangan and Jagalingou, Jangga, Birriah, and Juru Traditional Owners.
“Traditional Owner engagement and participation has been a key focus for our business since the earliest days of the Carmichael project,” Mr Crowe said.
“Programs like DRA’s First Nations Traineeship build on our Indigenous Land Use Agreements, Cultural Heritage Management Plans, and Indigenous Participation Plan to generate multigenerational benefits for Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Roles in the resources sector are often lifelong careers full of rewarding work and we’re excited about the journey these traineeships will begin for First Nations people in our community.”
DRA Senior Vice President Delivery for APAC, Michael Carretta, said the program recognised the value of cultural diversity and further increased inclusion within the mining industry.
“As a global multinational company, DRA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities where we operate, employing local people to drive better economic outcomes and striving to leave a positive impact,” Mr Carretta said.
“We are proud to partner with Bravus on this initiative to collectively strengthen our engagement with First Nations people in Australia.”
Bravus Mining and Resources said that it is committed to creating a positive impact in the communities in which it operates and prioritises local jobs and procurement for regional Queenslanders.
Under the company’s Indigenous Participation Plan, Bravus Mining and Resources requires a minimum of ten per cent of trainees and 7.5 per cent of workers to be First Nations people.
Featured image: Carmichael Mine and its team. Image credit: Bravus Mining and Resources.
