Goldfields business will enjoy increased opportunities to connect and collaborate with mining companies and contractors, thanks to the introduction of new online local business register.
Development of the free portal – known as the GE Business Register - has been led by the Chamber of Minerals Energy WA, the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission (GEDC) and local mining companies, and the register was launched today in Kalgoorlie-Boulder as part of the annual Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum.
WA Premier Mark McGowan, who was the keynote speaker for Diggers & Dealers, praised the initiative, which will enable local businesses to highlight their core products, services, capabilities and capacity.
This information will then flow through to mining companies and contractors via the register.
"The GE Business Register will create opportunities for local businesses and jobs for local workers," Mr McGowan said.
"There are many high quality and innovative service providers within our State and it is more important than ever to promote opportunities for these businesses, as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is a prime example of the Goldfields-Esperance mining and business community coming together with the State Government to support an initiative that will benefit many local regional small and medium businesses."
Importantly the GE Business Register will be supported for at least three years by an on-the-ground resource employed by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KBCCI), who will promote, support and advocate for local businesses to register their details online, and work in partnership with local businesses to identify and further develop the capabilities and capacities of these local businesses."
The register is a collaborative project involving the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, KBCCI and the GEDC.
CME Chief Executive Officer Paul Everingham said local partnerships were crucial to the success of resources operations across the State.
"This portal is the next step in our Goldfields members working even more closely with local businesses, assisting companies to increase local spend and better plan for future tenders and procurements." Mr Everingham said.
"The register will also help local businesses better connect and collaborate with each other.
"I'd like to thank the following members for their financial support, which has helped make the register possible: AngloGold Ashanti, BHP Nickel West, Evolution Mining, Gold Fields Australia, Northern Star Resources, Norton Goldfields, Saracen Minerals and St Barbara.
"We are also very appreciative of the funding provided by the GEDC and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
"Small and medium-sized businesses are at the heart of any community and it's vital they are supported at all times, but particularly through some of the challenges presented by COVID-19."
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Simone de Been said the portal addressed a clear need for the Goldfields business community.
"A number of businesses have been waiting for a capacity register for some time," Ms de Been said.
"It is fantastic to be able to assist the businesses and help them make connections to grow their business.
"It will be a huge benefit to the Goldfields business community and an important project to be working in collaboration with the CME, GEDC and mining companies to achieve a common goal."
GEDC Local Content Adviser Peter Rampellini said both local and State governments would use the register on future major projects, assisting head contractors to connect with local businesses and ensuring ongoing local employment outcomes.
The portal will be open for business in coming weeks.
