Western Australia’s largest Indigenous-owned contractor has been handed a “significant maintenance package” with Hancock Iron Ore in a move described as bolstering its relationship with the iron ore heavyweight.

Warrikal has secured the three-year maintenance contract to focus on supporting the Roy Hill iron ore operations, situated in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and the wet processing plant.

The plant, located in the Chichester Range, produces up to 55 million tonnes of ore per year and is one of Australia’s largest mining projects.

Established in 2016 and employing around 1,600 employees, it’s understood Warrikal – specialist contractors in mechanical shutdowns and maintenance operations – is the largest Indigenous-owned contractor in the state.

The two companies have worked together in the past for minor works and to support shutdown operations earlier this year but have now signed a “significant” long-term contract, described by the company as consolidating their position as a contractor of choice in the Pilbara.

The contractor has previously won work from the likes of Fortescue – its biggest client – as well as BHP and Rio Tinto.

Warrikal chief executive David Williamson said the contract is a significant milestone for the business and is a “strong endorsement” of the team’s performance.

“To be awarded a three-year contract with Hancock so soon after our first engagement is a strong endorsement of our people and our performance,” he said.

“This agreement provides us with the opportunity to deepen our partnership with Hancock and demonstrates the value that can be created through collaboration, consistent delivery, and trusted relationships.”

“While we are proud to now extend our relationship with Hancock Iron Ore, we also acknowledge the long-standing partnerships we hold with other tier-one clients across Western Australia,” Williamson said.

“We do not take these relationships for granted.”

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