Milestone for Rio local procurement program

Rio Tinto’s Local Procurement Program has reached a milestone, awarding its 100th work package to a Pilbara business last week.

Karratha-based, indigenous-owned construction company Baru Group was awarded the contract for works to upgrade stackers and conveyors at the mining giant’s Brockman 2 operation, in a landmark achievement for the program which began in May, 2017.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore managing director for Pilbara mines Stefan Buys said it was an encouraging achievement for the growing initiative.

“The program is gaining momentum and we have now received more than 3000 expressions of interest from suppliers for work published on the online platform, the Local Procurement Portal,” he said.

“Rio Tinto aims to make a significant contribution to our local communities by making sure we provide opportunities for local businesses to benefit from our activities.”

Baru Group director Anne Tallon said the company was appreciative of the opportunity, which would have flow-on benefits for its employees and their families.

“Rio Tinto’s local procurement portal shows us what jobs are coming up and provides us with enough information so that we can do our own investigation into whether we can be cost-competitive as well as if the scope of works are within our capabilities,” she said.

“Being successful in these opportunities means that our businesses can grow, our employees and their families can live in the towns they chose to live in, and our communities can thrive.”

The Local Procurement Program features a web portal advertising Rio supply contracts.