This commitment is reflected in the joint venture (JV) between MinRes' wholly owned subsidiary CSI Mining Services (CSI) and Robe River Services (RRS), which represents the Robe River Kuruma (RRK) community.
Known as the Yardi Mining Services (Yardi) JV, this partnership places the Traditional Owners of the Onslow Iron project at the centre of sustainable economic participation and creates pathways for RRK members to gain skills across a diverse range of mining services – from operating heavy machinery such as excavators and dump trucks, to roles spanning safety and administration.
MinRes’ state-of-the-art training facilities also support Yardi team members with the expertise to excel in their chosen fields, supporting long-term career opportunities and fostering greater economic inclusion.
RRK Aboriginal Corporation and RRS Chairperson Kelly Slattery said Yardi was created to deliver more than a contractual arrangement and resets the standard for Aboriginal economic participation.
“At its core, this partnership is about genuine co-ownership, shared decision-making and long-term impact,” Slattery said.
“Unlike some approaches, which often sideline Traditional Owner groups or offer short-term roles, this model embeds the RRK community as equal partners from the outset in the JV. It’s a shift from transactional involvement to transformational change.”
Yardi operates entirely on RRK Country, a deliberate and strategic choice by MinRes and RRS.
“Doing business on RRK Country means doing it the right way — with respect, cultural alignment and local knowledge,” Slattery added.
“Operating within the RRK native title determination area ensures employment strategies, service models and governance processes reflect the community’s priorities, while creating direct economic benefit where it matters most — on Country, for Country and with Country.
“Programs are built with long-term pathways in mind, combining on-the-job experience, industry-specific training and support systems to help RRK members thrive within the JV and beyond, including opportunities within MinRes' broader operations.”
MinRes Chief Executive Mining Services Mike Grey said the relationship between MinRes and RRS has been founded on collaboration, mutual respect and shared vision.
“From the outset, MinRes has actively listened to the aspirations and goals of RRS, ensuring their voices are integral to the partnership,” Grey said.
“This model ensures the community's values and priorities are at the heart of every strategic decision, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
“By prioritising RRS and RRK-owned businesses for employment and service deliver – and providing comprehensive training programs – we are not only creating immediate economic opportunities, but laying the foundation for financial independence and generational change,” Grey added.
“The unique aspect of the joint venture lies in its holistic approach to community engagement, helping develop a skilled and capable workforce that can support the community's economic growth for years to come.”
In FY25, MinRes proudly contributed more than $70 million to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business spend, supporting communities where it operates and demonstrating the powerful progress that can be achieved through genuine partnership.
Learn more about the company’s approach to Traditional Owner engagement.
