Today, MinRes’ mining services and commodities businesses are also driving Indigenous engagement and economic empowerment. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Onslow Iron project, a transformative initiative in Western Australia’s Pilbara region that has placed Traditional Owner-led businesses at its core.
MinRes’ Onslow Iron project underpins the company’s transition to low-cost, long-life iron ore operations and harnesses in-house innovation to unlock stranded iron ore deposits in the West Pilbara region.
The project harnesses MinRes-led innovation, including modular crushers, jumbo road trains and shallow-draft transhippers to transport iron ore 150km from Ken’s Bore mine site to the port of Ashburton.
Onslow Iron successfully delivered its first ore on ship in May 2024 and it is now ramping up production to 35 million tonnes per year.
The success of Onslow Iron has been supported by deep partnerships with local Indigenous suppliers, which not only provide critical services but shape the project’s legacy through job-creation, long-term capability-building and economic empowerment.
By integrating Indigenous-owned enterprises across its supply chain, MinRes is demonstrating how the resource sector can encourage generational change in Indigenous communities.
MinRes has taken a deliberate and strategic approach to fostering Indigenous business partnerships, ensuring these relationships go beyond symbolic agreements.
The company has embedded Indigenous procurement into its broader operational strategy, actively working with Traditional Owner businesses to create sustainable and long-term economic opportunities.
MinRes managing director Chris Ellison has made it clear empowering Indigenous Australians is a corporate priority.
“We are dedicated to the economic empowerment of Indigenous Australians, offering opportunities for training, employment, procurement and business development support,” Ellison said.
“It’s important to have Traditional Owners working on the land where they are from, to share their knowledge and capabilities, build employment opportunities within the community and provide business-critical services.”
This commitment has led to tangible results. In FY24, MinRes engaged 44 active Indigenous suppliers and had a total Indigenous business spend of $68.4 million, a 185% increase from the previous financial year.
This surge in engagement has provided opportunities for Traditional Owner businesses across a wide range of services, from civil construction to vehicle maintenance and facilities management.
“Our success is only possible with the support of the people and businesses who provide vital services to keep our business running,” Ellison said.
“We have positively impacted the local community through direct employment, skill creation and the growth in Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners.
“In turn, the Indigenous businesses that have supported our projects, such as Onslow Iron, have made a huge impact on our success.”
MinRes proudly partners with businesses from Robe River Kuruma and Thalanyji, the Traditional Owners of the lands where Onslow Iron operates, to drive the ongoing success of the project.
Looking to the future, Onslow Iron is just one example of how MinRes is integrating Indigenous businesses into its operations. The success of this model demonstrates the tangible benefits of genuine Indigenous engagement.
“Working with Indigenous businesses can have a generational impact by building expertise and skills that can be transferred across other industries,” Ellison added.
For Onslow Iron and beyond, these partnerships are not just about today’s operations. They are also laying the foundation for Indigenous economic empowerment for decades to come.
Indigenous businesses driving Onslow Iron
Onslow Iron is strengthened by the expertise and services provided by its Indigenous business partners.
These businesses, owned and operated by Traditional Owners, are delivering key operational support while ensuring the economic benefits of the project flow back into their communities.
Djeleanna
Djeleanna began by supporting the exploration team at the Ken’s Bore mine site. It has since transitioned into production mining, owning and operating a fleet of earthmoving equipment.
The business has experienced substantial growth, enabling it to acquire a commercial yard in Roebourne that has become a hub for local employment and skills development.
“It’s been like extended family,” says managing director Kimberley Slattery.
“We feel like MinRes listens to us and feels like an extended family...they gave their word and they’ve kept it. They changed our view of what a mining company can do when they back their promises with actions.”
Muguriyarra
Muguriyarra is an Indigenous earthmoving, road and civil construction contractor based in Onslow.
The company was launched as a joint venture between Thalanyji man Jaiden Hayes and NTC Contracting.
“One of the big reasons I wanted to do this was to try to get people trained up with licences," Hayes said.
"I want to give the younger kids that opportunity to get into work and we’re working with MinRes to ensure the project delivers long-term benefits to the Traditional Owners.”
Irdiyamarnu Tyres Services
A wholly Indigenous-owned business, Irdiyamarnu Tyres Services ensures Onslow Iron’s haulage trucks remain operational.
Director Frances Hayes sees this as a major step towards economic self-determination.
“This partnership provides the support needed to expand our commercial operations and create more employment opportunities and skills development programs for our people,” she said.
Jundalya
Jundalya Human Resources was born from a business opportunity provided by MinRes.
“As a Thalanyji woman, my dream has always been to run a recruitment business and thanks to MinRes, that dream has become a reality,” said director Karen Hayes.
Robe River Services
By providing essential transport services, Robe River Services plays a key role in the development of Onslow Iron.
“Direct engagement with Robe River Services, the economic development vehicle for Robe River Kuruma people, creates a vital platform to integrate cultural preservation with economic growth,” said director Leanne Evans.
Jaliyarnu Yinta
Jaliyarnu Yinta plays a critical role in maintaining the landscape at Onslow Iron, ensuring environmental and cultural considerations are respected.
“Our heritage is important to us,” said director Georgina Bobby.
“To get to go out on Country where we grew up and learnt about the land from our Elders is significant. It’s a great sense of pride.”
Woollahra
Woollahra, which supplies cleaning chemicals, janitorial supplies, personal protective equipment, kitchen consumables and workshop essentials, demonstrates a model of respectful and empowering resource development.
“Through our collaboration with MinRes, we have successfully expanded our development initiatives with Traditional Owner businesses,” says director Trudy Hayes.
BriJarCass
A 100% Indigenous-owned business, BriJarCass Security Pty Ltd was established to provide employment opportunities for Indigenous people with a focus on Thalanyji and local Indigenous workers.
The business has secured a four-year contract at MinRes’ accommodation villages.
“We are looking forward to expanding and providing more opportunities for Indigenous workers,” says project manager Hayley Hayes.
Ngarliya Contracting
Ngarliya is one of the first majority Indigenous-owned businesses to provide fire suppression services in the Pilbara.
As director Kelly Slattery says, the business is focused on long-term sustainability: “For me, as a Traditional Owner, to be able to provide opportunities for members of the community and to work on Country is a huge advantage.”
MinRes continues to empower Indigenous Australians and communities through business development and procurement opportunities, prioritising strong relationships driving shared success.
This article was originally published in the April 2025 edition of the Indigenous Business Times.
