Nyapiri Macro Mining, a majority Indigenous-owned contractor, has landed its inaugural $12.52 million work package under a BHP framework agreement, marking its emergence as a Tier-1 Pilbara mining services provider.
- First Work Package Instruction awarded under BHP framework
- $12.52 million contract for earthworks and rehabilitation
- 11-month project at Mt Goldsworthy
- Strengthens Indigenous employment and cultural engagement
- Establishes Nyapiri Macro as Tier-1 contractor in Pilbara
Milestone Contract Boosts Indigenous Mining Services
Nyapiri Macro Mining Pty Ltd, the majority Indigenous-owned mining services joint venture backed by Macro Metals Limited (ASX:M4M), has secured its first Work Package Instruction (WPI) under a framework agreement with BHP Iron Ore Pty Ltd. The $12.52 million contract, awarded in early June 2026, involves site establishment, civil earthworks, maintenance, and rehabilitation at BHP’s Mt Goldsworthy site over approximately 11 months.
This award formally elevates Nyapiri Macro to Tier-1 status among Indigenous mining services contractors in the Pilbara, a region where such recognition is crucial for long-term operational credibility and contract flow. The contract’s scope includes mobilising heavy machinery such as excavators, dozers, graders, and loaders, alongside a skilled workforce of project managers, supervisors, safety advisors, and operators committed to meeting BHP’s stringent safety and environmental standards.
Embedding Indigenous Leadership and Cultural Oversight
Nyapiri Macro’s ownership structure is anchored by Nyapiri Holdings Pty Ltd, representing the Kariyarra, Ngarla, and Nyamal Traditional Owners, paired with Macro Mining Services Pty Ltd, which provides operational expertise and governance. This partnership underpins a culturally informed approach to mining services that prioritises Indigenous employment, training, and local business procurement.
Integral to the project is an Aboriginal Engagement Plan that details cultural heritage protection measures and ensures Traditional Owner participation. Representatives from the Ngarla People will provide on-Country heritage and cultural oversight throughout the ground-disturbing activities, reinforcing respect for Country and community involvement.
Strategic Implications for Macro Metals and Nyapiri Macro
For Macro Metals, the contract provides immediate revenue and a critical performance benchmark under the BHP Framework Agreement announced earlier this year. Macro’s Managing Director Simon Rushton highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting the collaborative effort with BHP over the past year and the company’s readiness bolstered by ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications across its group.
This initial WPI lays the groundwork for future contract awards under the BHP agreement, potentially expanding the footprint of Macro and Nyapiri Macro across the Pilbara. It also dovetails with Macro’s broader mining services strategy, which recently saw the company secure an exclusive East Pilbara contract with Metal Logic, supporting innovative smelting technology deployment and Indigenous subcontractor engagement.
Operational Excellence and Safety Focus
Nyapiri Macro’s delivery model is underpinned by a robust Health, Safety, Environment, Quality and Training (HSEQT) framework aligned with Macro’s ISO-certified management system. This ensures that all works are executed safely, compliantly, and reliably, meeting the expectations of Tier-1 mining clients. Continuous improvement is driven by audits, workforce feedback, and incident reviews, reflecting a mature approach to risk management and operational discipline.
Bottom Line?
Nyapiri Macro’s inaugural BHP work package signals a pivotal step in establishing Indigenous-led mining services as a competitive force in the Pilbara, with future contract awards poised to test its operational and cultural integration capabilities.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Nyapiri Macro scale operations to secure additional work packages under the BHP framework?
- What impact will this contract have on Indigenous employment and local business participation in the Pilbara?
- Can Macro Metals leverage this milestone to accelerate its broader mining services growth strategy?