Building thriving communities
Fortescue is guided by the philosophy of being welcomed by the communities that host our business activities. We work towards this goal through effective engagement with stakeholders, respect for cultural heritage and diversity, creating economic opportunities, investment in community projects and programs and fostering a strong residential workforce.
Community Grants
Local procurement
We are committed to ensuring the ongoing support and use of local businesses that in turn employ local people. We recognise the need to create vibrant and thriving communities that will attract and retain a mining workforce and their families. We seek regular feedback from our residential workforce and other stakeholders, including local governments and businesses, to ensure our initiatives and programs support and address the challenges facing these communities.
In FY23 over 95 per cent of our total procurement spend was with Australian businesses and entities, 68 per cent was within Western Australia and 1.8 per cent was in the Pilbara.
Billion Opportunities Program
The Billion Opportunities program has awarded contracts and subcontracts worth more than $4.9 billion to over 190 First Nations businesses.
The program forms a critical element of our approach to ensuring economic opportunity and growth for the Traditional
Custodians of the regions in which we operate.
ANZ funding scheme
A major barrier for Aboriginal businesses is accessing capital, with many finding it difficult to own assets due to an inability to access finance. Since 2017, we have partnered with ANZ to offer a $50 million funding scheme that allows eligible Aboriginal businesses to access finance at a competitive rate.
We strive to build a workplace that understands, supports and champions First Nations people
Social Investment
Social Investment is our commitment to investment in philanthropic, community and commercial initiatives. This investment aims to build sustainable communities, focusing on areas of health, wellness, education, regional development, environmental responsibility, arts and culture, and providing employment and training opportunities to Indigenous people.
Our programs are guided by our Social Investment Framework which is based on the following principles:
- Purposeful – Clear objectives, evaluated programs and effective outcomes for the community
- Accountable – Monitor progress and effectiveness of programs, and communicate outcomes
- Respectful - Developed and guided by communities, supporting local customs, views and priorities
- Ethical – Sound legal and moral investment in accordance with relevant laws and standards.
.jpeg?sfvrsn=522d6901_0)
Our corporate charity partners
We have five corporate charity partners, with long-term commitments in place, allowing these charities to plan the most effective use of donated funds:
- RFDS
- Lifeline WA
- MADALAH Limited (MADALAH)
- Ronald McDonald House Charities WA (RMH)
- The Salvation Army
