The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has applauded the significant achievements by Rio Tinto’s Amrun project near Weipa with diversity in its workforce and investment in supporting local suppliers.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the project is delivering on its target to develop local business opportunities as the project nears completion.
“Today we hear Rio Tinto has spent AUS$1 billion on goods and services with Queensland suppliers which has a massive multiplier effect throughout the economy with jobs and investments,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Sourcing goods and services locally reinforces the development and sustainability of regional Queensland. Rio’s relentless commitment to buy locally maintains the sectors’ social licence to operate.”
Fundamental to the ongoing operations of resource projects is to share the success across the region in which the project operates. Rio Tinto’s indigenous employments and retention programs ensure local people from the Western Cape region gain employment.
“Currently the project has 930 construction workers onsite and close to 100 are indigenous workers. These workers can develop into professional and leadership roles within the sector in the years ahead,” Mr Macfarlane said.
QRC’s most recent data showed that resource companies spent AUS$50 million with about 60 indigenous businesses last financial year, which naturally translates into further indirect employment opportunities for indigenous people.