Georgiou Group has announced a multi-million dollar joint venture with indigenous contractor Gumala, to provide de-watering services at Fortescue Metals Group's Christmas Creek mine in the Pilbara.
The contract will provide work for 40 staff and has a 12-month duration, with options to extend. Exact commercial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Georgiou executive general manager John Galvin said the works would involve the installation and removal of bore pumps, head works, generators and control panels including all electrical components, abstraction of bore field pipework, bulk infrastructure and injection head works.
Mr Galvin said Georgiou had an established track record delivering earthworks and water infrastructure services in WA, most recently at FMG's Solomon mine.
"This experience, coupled with the expertise and vision of one of Western Australia's largest indigenous-owned and operated contracting company, Gumala, has seen the Gumala joint venture go from strength to strength," Mr Galvin said.
The Christmas Creek mine is located on Nyiyaparli land.
Gumala director and Nyiyaparli traditional owner Natalie Parker said the deal was another positive step forward for Gumala, which has delivered more than $70 million of projects in joint venture with Georgiou.
"Not only are we creating sustainable training and career opportunities for Gumala members and indigenous people, but we are also working on our traditional lands," Ms Parker said.
"In many cases, in the heat of the mining boom the spiritual connection to our country has been overlooked.
"These kinds of initiatives offer a great solution for indigenous people who feel a strong connection to country and want to work near them."
