Pilbara Minerals releases inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan during National Reconciliation Week

31 May 2024

Today Pilbara Minerals released its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, focused on creating enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with Traditional Owner partners and local communities surrounding the Pilgangoora Operation.

Team members from Perth and Operations formed a working group and set their sights on a common goal; delivering the Company’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan and forming the Company’s Vision for reconciliation.

A key part of this Vision is ensuring Pilbara Minerals pays respect to the local Traditional Owner groups and the land in which the Company operates on.

The Reconciliation Action Plan sets the pathway toward meaningful reconciliation which is centred on fostering respectful relationships, understanding the local context and working towards facilitating economic contributions that positively impact the well-being of First Nations Peoples.

Key highlights of the Reconciliation Action Plan include:

• Engaging with Nyamal People to identify names in language for locations at the Pilgangoora Operation including the two processing plants and village accommodation
• Cultural awareness training delivered on site and in Perth for employees and contractors
• Implementing our Indigenous Engagement Strategy which sets out our commitment to participation, procurement, employment, cultural heritage and community development, supply and procurement processes
• In calendar year 2023, the total direct expenditure with Indigenous-owned businesses was $27.4 million as part of the Company’s aim to offer business opportunities with local suppliers, contractors, and businesses owned by Traditional Owners
• Financial and in-kind community investment initiatives such as the Strelley community Renewable Energy and Lithium Battery Project, East Pilbara Earbus Program which improves access to ear health services in regional and remote communities and the three-year partnership with Shooting Stars to strengthen the program in Port Hedland.

Members of the Pilbara Minerals Reconciliation Action Plan working group visited Spinifex Hill Studio in Port Hedland which is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with Aboriginal artists from many different language groups and showcases their works through public exhibitions and programming. This visit allowed us to engage with Nyamal artist, Lorna Dawson who subsequently designed and painted the artwork that reflects the Company’s operations and connection to local Traditional Owner groups, in particular the Nyamal People.

This painting titled ‘After the Wet,’ is used throughout the Reconciliation Action Plan and will be proudly displayed in the Pilbara Minerals head office in Perth.

Pilbara Minerals’ Managing Director and CEO Dale Henderson said the Reconciliation Action Plan is an important step for the Company, as it formalises the commitment to reflect on the actions of the past and understand where our business can have the most impact.

“Pilbara Minerals remains committed to continuous learning, sharing best practices, and contributing to collective progress. Our relationships with our Traditional Owners, in particular the Nyamal and Kariyarra People, of the land in which our operation is located, are founded on respect, trust and appreciation of their cultures,” Dale said.

“Pilbara Minerals will continue to work actively to promote a society where reconciliation is a lived reality, promoting understanding, equity, and unity for generations to come.”

A copy of Pilbara Minerals’ Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan can be accessed here.