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.