Glencore awards Airnorth five-year contract extension for chartered air services
Airnorth has successfully retained the contract to provide chartered air services to Glencore’s McArthur River Mine (MRM) in the Northern Territory.
The five-year extension was awarded following a detailed competitive tender process. The signing of the contract extension highlights Glencore’s confidence in the capability of Territorians to service large mining contracts.
MRM General Manager Sam Strohmayr said the company was proud to be able to continue its tradition of supporting local businesses.
“In 2017, we contributed $370 million to the economy with a significant proportion of that being spent here in the Territory through 500 individual companies,” Sam said.
“Airnorth is a key partner in our business, supporting not only our operation but also the community of the Gulf region.
“We’re delighted that this excellent service will continue.”
MRM is Airnorth’s largest contract charter client, requiring the most services and highest number of passengers uplifted per year.
Airnorth CEO Daniel Bowden was thrilled to announce the extension, explaining that it not only confirms MRM’s confidence in Airnorth and the state-of-the-art aircraft involved; but highlights the appreciation held for the transport services Airnorth has provided companies and local communities in Australia for many years.
“This contract extension will now mean that since the mine commenced operations in the early 90’s that Airnorth have provided air services for 24 of the 32 years they will have been operating,” he said.
“It’s a testament to Airnorth’s ability to service large mining and resource companies in some of Australia’s most challenging environments. We continue to do that, year in and year out, primarily due to the commitment and skills of our staff whom provide excellence in safety, on-time performance and outstanding customer service.
McArthur River Mine and Airnorth have grown up side by side and it remains part of Airnorth’s DNA, as it has since 1991.”
The possibility remains for an expansion of services, pending approval for the current Environmental Impact Statement for MRM.
For further information please contact:
MRM Media: Tracy Jones
m: +61 (0) 407 727 813
e: tracy@creativeterritory.com
Airnorth Media: Teyghan Stadelbauer
M: +61 (0) 439234 058
E: Teyghan.stadelbauer@airnorth.com.au
About Glencore in Australia
Glencore is a major Australian employer, with over 15,600 people working across industries that include coal, copper, cotton, grain and oilseeds, nickel, oil and zinc. In 2016 we contributed more than $12 billion to the regional, state and national economies, by employing people, sourcing from local communities, and paying taxes to our host governments. For more information, visit www.glencore.com.au
About McArthur River Mine
McArthur River Mine is located in the Northern Territory approximately 970km south-east from Darwin and 60km south-west of its closest township, Borroloola. MRM mines one of the world’s largest zinc and lead deposits. Established as an underground operation in 1995, MRM converted to open pit mining in 2006. MRM produces zinc and lead in concentrates which are primarily exported through Bing Bong loading facility on the southern coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The current mine life extends to 2036. The mine provides direct employment to about 1000 people, including contractors. In 2017, we spent $68 million on wages, $48 million on capital projects, $254 million on goods and services – much of which we sourced locally – and $1.3 million on community investment projects. For more information, visit www.mccarthurrivermine.com.au
About Airnorth
Airnorth is Australia’s second-longest running airline, celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2018. Today, Airnorth operates over 300 scheduled regular passenger transport and charter departures weekly. Airnorth flies to over 20 different destinations across three countries, carrying in excess of 330,000 passengers annually.
Whether it’s helping people to experience the true beauty and diversity of our land for leisure, or transporting hard-working locals of the region for business, Airnorth is proud to play a part in strengthening communities. From as far north as Timor-Leste to areas all across Australia, our unwavering passion and dedication will ensure that you reach your destination comfortably and safely. For more information, visit www.airnorth.com.au