CCIWA Corporate Member Rio Tinto has revealed the extent of its impact on the WA business community with the release of its inaugural report ‘Our Contribution to Western Australia’. 

The report shows the miner has spent $8.8 billion with 2,400 suppliers in the State in 2023. 

In the Pilbara, this includes $835 million spent with local businesses, of which $499m was spent with Pilbara-based Indigenous businesses. More than 80% of these were Traditional Owner businesses. 

“Over the next three years, we expect to invest more than $15b in new mines, infrastructure and equipment in the Pilbara, sustaining thousands of jobs – and livelihoods,” Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO Simon Trott says in the report. 

“This builds on the $10b of investment in four new mines in the Pilbara over the past three years. 

“If we work together with the communities around us and seize our opportunities, we’ll continue to generate jobs and opportunities for generations to come – creating an exciting future for us all.” 

Investing in future skills 

The report says Rio Tinto is investing in education and skills pathways to ensure WA is ready for the future, including through apprenticeship, traineeship, graduate and internship programs. 

“We make sure our people have access to industry leaders, technical experts and the latest in technology and innovation so they are empowered to develop, grow and learn,” the report states. 

“Partnering with local businesses not only helps create local jobs, it builds training opportunities and career pathways for people who live in the regions where we operate.” 

Businesses thrive when communities thrive 

The report also details community initiatives, with $53m invested in 2023.  

The company has entered the second year of its $75m 10-year partnership with the City of Karratha and Shire of Ashburton.  

This partnership, and others with local governments, delivers essential infrastructure and services for regional communities, as well as supporting social and cultural initiatives that are vital for these communities to thrive.  

Rio Tinto is also a major support of essential services, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service WA, Lifeline WA, the Telethon Kids Institute and Pilbara early childhood services.  

 

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