Fortescue Metals Group’s (FMG) Billion Opportunities program has awarded $4 billion in contracts to Indigenous Australian-owned businesses in a ‘significant milestone’ for the now eleven-year-old program.
The company claims the initiative promotes sustainable business development for Aboriginal people by building the capability and capacity of Indigenous Australian businesses.
PKKP Enterprises, an Aboriginal-owned business established by the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Aboriginal Corporation from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, has been awarded AU$105 million in contracts through the Billion Opportunities initiative since 2020.
The latest, an AU$19 million contract awarded in June 2022, allows for the hire of mining equipment at Fortescue’s Eliwana operations over six years.
PKKP Enterprises General Manager, Shaun Burgess, said the relationship with Fortescue has been an incredible opportunity for its members.
“PKKP Enterprises was established with a vision to create sustainable change for PKKP people, helping them to become strong, self-determined people,” Mr Burgess said.
“Being able to work with Fortescue over the past three years through the Billion Opportunities program has been incredible for PKKP Enterprises.
“These contracts have enabled us to work with Fortescue on PKKP country, building strong capacity for the Enterprise and allowing us to mature as an organisation.”
Fortescue Director Communities, Environment and Government, Warren Fish, said the program created opportunities for ‘employment and development’.
“At Fortescue, we know that strong, sustainable Aboriginal businesses create employment and development opportunities for Aboriginal Australians.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Aboriginal businesses through our industry-leading Billion Opportunities program, providing businesses with the tools to build value and sustainability, and improve their competitiveness and capability.
“Surpassing the award of AU$4 billion of contracts is a credit to our Aboriginal business partners and the Fortescue team, whose commitment has ensured the success of this initiative.”
