RIO TINTO EXPANDS INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS THROUGH WORK-READY INITIATIVE

Yamatji Amungu man and Rio Tinto Mesa A Robe Valley Trade Assistant, Jamahl Martin (Supplied)

BY ASAD KHAN

Building Careers Through ATAL

Up to 40 Indigenous people from Perth and the Pilbara will participate in Rio Tinto’s Aboriginal Training and Liaison (ATAL) program this month. The eight-week initiative, co-designed with Traditional Owners, aims to build job-ready skills and open pathways to a range of careers.

Re-launched in 2023 with guidance from the Regional Implementation Committee, comprising Pilbara Traditional Owners and Rio Tinto representatives, the program blends training in safety, health, wellbeing, cultural awareness, workplace expectations, and financial literacy. 

Participants also receive résumé support and career planning to prepare for work within Rio Tinto and other industries.

Expanding Into Tom Price

For the first time, the ATAL program will be delivered in Tom Price, alongside existing programs in Perth and Karratha. The expansion reflects Rio Tinto’s commitment to the Pilbara and to building thriving, resilient communities.

Yamatji Amungu man and Rio Tinto Mesa A Robe Valley Trade Assistant, Jamahl Martin, a 2024 graduate, described the experience as life-changing.

“Joining the ATAL program was a turning point for me. I’d never worked in mining before, but the support from the team and being surrounded by others like me made me feel comfortable and excited to give it a go,” he said.

“The program gave me confidence and direction, now I’m working FIFO and aiming to become an auto sparky. If you’re thinking about it, give it a go. It could change your life.”

Employment Outcomes Since 2023

Since its relaunch, ATAL has supported 54 Aboriginal participants, many of whom have secured jobs with Rio Tinto and other Western Australian businesses. 

Most graduates from the Pilbara came from Traditional Owner groups where Rio Tinto operates, including Banjima, Muntulgura Guruma, Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura, Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, and Yinhawangka.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Vice President, People, Matt Kimball ( Matt Kimbal/Linkedin)

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Vice President, People, Matt Kimball, said the program’s strength lies in its community-led approach.

“ATAL is about more than delivering a training program—it’s about listening to our communities, understanding the barriers to employment, and creating real pathways to sustainable jobs for Indigenous people,” he said.

New Partnerships to Broaden Reach

This year, Rio Tinto is partnering with Aboriginal-owned employment support provider Impact Services to deliver the program in Perth (August to October 2025), Karratha (October to December 2025), and Tom Price (early 2026).

Expressions of interest for the Karratha program remain open, with the Tom Price intake launching in September. More information is available via Rio Tinto’s website.