An innovative joint venture between Njamal Services and Pilbara Resource Group (NPJV) has won another significant contract at the Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora Lithium Mine.
The $1.5M contract will see NPJV work with RCR Tomlinson (Resources) on the construction and installation of offices, crib rooms and ablutions for the project.
Following these early site establishment works, five Njamal people will be employed full time for the duration of the processing plant build, providing services such as dust suppression, servicing, refuelling, bussing and cleaning.
NPJV is already contributing to the Pilgangoora Lithium Mine project having been awarded a construction works contract to expand the existing camp with both site and access road upgrades earlier this year.
There are also 15 NPJV labour hire employees working across multiple sites for leading civil and mining contractor, NRW.
NPJV General Manager, Scott Dryland, said the contracts were a huge win for the Njamal people – the traditional owners of the land stretching east of South Hedland, past Marble Bar and out to Wandanya on the Great Sandy Desert.
“There’s nothing new about commercial ventures being established to develop opportunities for traditional owners in specific areas, but the NPJV has definitely taken this in a new direction,” he said.
“We’ve built comprehensive capability via our strategic management and technical professionals who deliver the qualifications and skillsets necessary for the business to take on larger scale projects.
“NPJV then breaks down the projects into manageable pieces which are sub-contracted directly to Njamal family businesses, or we create roles which provide gainful employment for Njamal people.”
Mr Dryland said in addition to the technical and operational expertise being invested in to the local family businesses, ongoing administration, IT and accounting support was provided to create growth and long-term sustainability.
“Jukawalyi Transport is a great example of the model in action with the newly established Njamal family business securing a 12-month contract with NRW to provide transport and logistics from Port Headland to the Pilbara Minerals and Altura Mine sites,” he said.
“LC Cranes has also secured ongoing work with the two mines providing crane and rigging services to clients including RCR Resources, Whittens Group, AirComms and NRW.
“It is exciting to see the motivation and commitment displayed by the business owners and the employees and the way in which both company and individual capability is growing,” he said.
Mr Dryland said NPJV’s status as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) affiliate was key to the success of the joint venture enabling them to deliver nationally accredited training.
Our major focus is on sourcing suitable candidates for roles when the opportunity arises and then upskilling employees for diversification within those roles, he said.
“It is allowing NPJV to give clients unrivalled local Pilbara ownership and knowledge combined with the optimum level of mining and contracting experience, all delivered within state-of-the-art technology and management systems.”
NPJV Fast Facts
- NPJV is an un-incorporated joint venture between Njamal Services Pty Ltd and the Pilbara Resource Group Pty Ltd which exists to provide greater opportunities and development for the Njamal people.
- Fourteen families form the Njamal people, with a member from each family sitting on the Njamal People’s Trust Advisory Committee. They work together through the Njamal People’s Trust to manage their country, its people and heritage.
- NPJV is a commercial enterprise delivering construction, mining and maintenance services to Western Australia’s mining and construction sector.
- NPJV has proven capabilities in:
- Civil works
- Non-process infrastructure
- Construction
- Transport and logistics
- Miscellaneous mining services
- Dewatering
- Labour hire
- Training and assessment
- Mine site rehabilitation
