PRESS RELEASE: The partnership will support and enhance the capabilities of local businesses in the Karratha and the Pilbara inland regions. An initial 12-month programme will commence shortly with the Karratha & Districts Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KDCCI) and the Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PICCI) delivering the service locally.

A series of workshops and events are planned to engage local businesses and identify gaps in local capacity and capability. The partnership will work to strengthen capability and connect businesses to procurement and project opportunities.

It will also enhance Rio Tinto's Local Procurement Programme which was launched in 2017 to support local businesses by making it easier for them to compete for contracts.

 Ivan Vella, managing director rail, port & core services at Rio Tinto Iron Ore, said: "We're partnering with RCCIWA because of its unique understanding of local suppliers and communities in the regions where we operate. Together, we're aiming to strengthen and develop the capabilities of local businesses in the Pilbara to improve their chances of securing work from Rio Tinto.

"Rio Tinto is committed to supporting local businesses to develop sustainably and to become more competitive in key areas such as safety, risk management and commercial value. Our iron ore business is planning to spend more than US$5 billion of replacement and sustaining capital through to 2020, providing increased opportunities for local businesses to participate in these projects.

"This new partnership is also an important enhancement of our Local Procurement Programme which is designed to boost local economies and create jobs by progressively increasing spend with local suppliers across Western Australia."