Business groups in the Pilbara have called for more investment in affordable housing to help their members recruit staff and take advantage of the looming investment boom in the region.
Rio Tinto has signed an updated agreement with the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation that will result in a substantial increase in compensation payments and commercial opportunities.
The state government has awarded nearly $254 million worth of contracts to 119 Aboriginal organisations in the past year, with the total boosted by two large health contracts.
More than 200 contracts were awarded by the state government to Aboriginal-owned businesses this past financial year, with four entities earning more than half the value.
The state government awarded 4.77 per cent of its contracts to Aboriginal businesses in the 2018-19 financial year, substantially exceeding its own target, although the contribution of government agencies was highly variable.
Fortescue Metals Group's recent awarding of $179 million in contracts to Aboriginal businesses highlights two different approaches to indigenous development.
Rio Tinto has awarded $110 million in new contracts for its Pilbara operations, with the beneficiaries including indigenous contractor Yurra and global mining services firm FLSmidth.