Employee standing safely next to HME at Gove Operations

Sustainable procurement

Local, diverse and sustainable procurement

We work hard to leave a lasting, positive legacy everywhere we work, and we are committed to fostering meaningful relationships with the communities that host us. As part of this, we strive to buy local products and engage local services.

Our mining operations are a broad ecosystem, and we need a broad and diverse range of suppliers – from Indigenous businesses to local and small enterprises – to support them.

Sustainable Procurement Principles

Our Sustainable Procurement Principles sets out the expectation we have for ourselves and guides our organisation during the procurement process. The principles help us procure goods and services that align with our commitment to impeccable ESG performance and responsible business practices.

Our impact through local and Indigenous Procurement

Our sustainable procurement efforts are reflected in our investments with local and Indigenous suppliers. In 2023, we spent $725 million with Indigenous businesses across Australia, including Traditional Owner businesses, an increase of 28% from 2022.

We also increased our spend with local and Indigenous businesses in Canada and the US. In 2023, we spent more than $190 million with Indigenous suppliers in North America.

These investments not only contribute to the local and Indigenous economies but also reinforce our commitment to creating positive, lasting impacts in the communities where we operate. As we look ahead, we remain focused on our sustainable procurement efforts, making thoughtful choices and forging strong, enduring partnerships with our suppliers.

Contributing to a shared future

But it is much more than numbers – it’s about our impact on the people in the community in which we operate. We are focused on contributing to a shared future and positive legacy by developing lasting relationships with people and learning about and supporting their goals and aspirations.

We work to maximise the benefits our company and its work delivers to the communities that host us. By partnering with local suppliers, we can stimulate local economies and help local businesses grow and prosper.

Autohaul driverless trains, Pilbara, Western Australia

Buy Local Australia

In Australia, our diverse supply chain makes operating mines and refineries across regional and remote locations possible
IOC landscape

Buy Local North America

We have a long history in North America, and we are committed to playing our part in supporting local, Indigenous and diverse businesses and contributing long-term socioeconomic benefits to many United States and Canadian communities
Employee at Kennecott smelter

Supplier portals

A comprehensive collection of external supplier resources
Indigenous and local procurement in Australia
A closer look at Indigenous and local procurement in Australia

Meet some of the local businesses behind our operations

Hicks Civil and Mining

Based in Karratha, Western Australia, Hicks Civil and Mining has family at its heart.

“Our philosophy and vision for the business remains in the Pilbara – this is where the heart and soul of our family is, and where we started,” said Caitlin Hicks, Hicks Civil and Mining Director.

The business has grown from a small equipment hire business to servicing minor and major earthworks contracts. Founded by Ngarluma man Peter, the company strives to provide sustainable employment for local people and be a leading Aboriginal business in the region.

Hicks Civil and Mining, Buy Local campaign

Supporting our suppliers

We are committed to maximising opportunities for businesses to be part of our supply chain. We want to make it easier for local suppliers to compete for contracts and, in turn, maximise local economic benefits. This includes helping strengthen the capability of local industry, so businesses can be more competitive in the procurement process.

We are part of those communities which are built on the back of local businesses. These businesses continue to innovate, adapt and grow to meet the changing needs of our operations. If we can support them to do that, then we’re doing it right and meeting our commitments.

Navah loves her job providing support to Indigenous and local suppliers in the Pilbara region.

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Working in partnership with our suppliers to manage a complex global supply chain in ways that benefit our customers, our business and our communities
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Supplier portals

A comprehensive collection of external supplier resources
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Communities

We know our operations can have far-reaching impacts on society
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Contributing to Western Australia’s economic growth

Creating opportunities for everyone
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Partnering with customers and suppliers to tackle industry challenges