Iron-ore major Fortescue Metals has inked an A$18-million agreement with the Nyamal traditional custodians to provide mining equipment for the Iron Bridge magnetite project.

The agreement, which builds on the A$331-million in contracts already awarded to Nyamal businesses since 2019, will see Nyamal Holdings initially provide five contour drill rigs, one stemming loader and two platform rigs to Fortescue. This will grow to include six additional platform rigs over the next two years to meet the Iron Bridge mine plan.

“The drill and blast programme at Iron Bridge represents one of the most crucial aspects to achieving maximum throughput in the processing plant. We are pleased that we have been able to partner with Nyamal to deliver this important capability,” Fortescue CEO Fiona Hick said.

“From the outset, Fortescue has been focused on practical initiatives that drive economic and employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians. Contracts like this support the growth of Indigenous businesses, enabling them to build capability, which, in turn, provides ongoing economic benefits to communities.”

Iron Bridge produced its first magnetite product in early May. The $3.9-billion Iron Bridge will produce 22-million tonnes a year of high-grade magnetite concentrate and signifies Fortescue’s entry into the highest grade segment of the iron-ore market, providing an enhanced product range while also increasing yearly production and shipping capacity.