PKKP Enterprises becoming a prime mover in the Pilbara

With some of the world’s biggest mines operating in the Pilbara, resources companies are household names here in Western Australia.

Their success also relies on a host of other businesses, large and small, which contract services to keep the mining operations running.

One of those with a fast-growing footprint in the Pilbara is PKKP Enterprises Limited (PKKPE), the
commercial arm of PKKP Aboriginal Corporation.

The Corporation administers the traditional lands and waters of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura peoples, covering over 10,888 square kilometres of between Pannawonica and Tom Price.

PKKP Enterprises Ltd General Manager Shaun Burgess, says the company has a clear role – providing
a diverse range of quality services to clients and, in doing so, supporting the economic, education and employment aims of the PKKP people.

“Our initial focus was on equipment operation and dry hire. That is still a critical part of what we do, for example we have 23 vehicles currently operating at FMG’s Eliwana mine site,” Mr Burgess said.

The PKKPE role at Eliwana is set to expand with $14 million of new PKKPE machinery contracted to commence operating at the mine early next year.

However, the diversity of services PKKPE now offers extends to civil works, facility management, workforce
catering, recruitment and labour hire.

“Since we were established, our services and expectations have grown. Take Eliwana for example, we have machinery operating on site, but with our JV Partners, we have also prepared drill pads and manage the Kartajirri Camp,” Mr Burgess said.

PKKPE has established partnerships with complementary organisations such as a joint venture with Alfasi
Hire which offers 2,500 machines out of Karratha including tele handling solutions and cranes with carrying capacities that range from six to 300 tonnes.

“It’s not just the machinery, it’s about the people,” Mr Burgess said. “We are actively working with our
clients and partners in skilling up PKKP members for long term careers.”

So far this year, five PKKP members have passed through the Flying Emu/ FMG Vocational Training program and taken on jobs, as well as several members being place directly within FMGL‘s workforce.

“At PKKPE we are proud that we are having a positive economic impact for the Corporation and that we are also making a difference by providing training and employment opportunities for members.