Among the challenges for large mining companies starting projects in new and unfamiliar areas, is the identification of local suppliers capable of providing the products and services required. Regional businesses are usually keen to take advantage of the opportunities offered by large projects, but are often unsure of how to become involved. Fortunately, linking the two is precisely what ICN’s Regional Industry Link (RIL) program was designed for.

Iluka Resource’s Murray Basin Stage 2 Mineral Sands project in north-west Victoria is one such project, with an expected mine life of 2009 - 2014. Seeking assistance locating competitive and reliable suppliers from the region, Iluka, along with engineering, construction and asset support contractor Clough Limited that was engaged by Iluka for the establishment of the mine, approached ICN.

RIL, a Victorian Government-funded industry development program designed by ICN to assist regional business access opportunities, served perfectly to meet Iluka and Clough’s needs. Its comprehensive database can be used to search for business capability by industry, region or product and is proving successful in saving buyers of all sizes time and money locating suitable local suppliers.

Following two successful industry briefings jointly hosted by ICN, Iluka and Clough to raise awareness of both the project and RIL, pre-civil work on the mine site began. Seeking a local earth-moving company for earthworks relating to the development of the Ouyen accommodation facility and to form the initial ‘infrastructure corridor’, Clough approached ICN Loddon Mallee Regional Manager Noel Morton. Morton identified several capable companies from the area, of which Mildura-based Garraway Group was selected.

Garraway Group has sub-contracted local businesses from Ouyen and the Sunraysia region for work including surveying, fencing, site supervision and electrical and plumbing work. Russell Garraway expressed his gratitude to ICN for the assistance that enabled him to win the work:

“The Regional Industry Link (program) gave us a good mechanism for detailing all of our company’s capabilities and officially registering our interest in the project...This has assisted us in gaining substantial work … which has (also) meant securing steady employment for a number of Mildura and Ouyen contractors. I look forward to dealing with the ICN on future projects”.

The Kulwin deposit is the first of several to be developed as part of the project. There will be numerous further opportunities; with products and services required ranging from accommodation and catering to security, landscaping and waste disposal. David Whitehead, Clough Project Manager, comments on RIL:

“RIL has proven to be a valuable aid in organising awareness functions to local providers and in collecting and relaying to Clough data on potential providers for targeted products and services. RIL provides an excellent launch pad for evaluation of the capabilities of local industries.”

ICN will continue to work closely with both Clough and Iluka, along with local industry; utilising RIL to facilitate successful business relationships and maximise local participation in this long-term project.

“There is a wide scope of opportunities for participation and RIL will continue to be utilised in a way that is valuable to both local industry and buyers. I encourage all those who are interested to register at the Regional Industry Link website.” said ICN’s Noel Morton.