Pilbara region connect with Indigenous culture thanks to Fortescue

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24 November, 2020

A track construction machine has been welcomed by Fortescue Metals Group featuring Indigenous art. The machine is statioed at Eliwana iron ore mine and rail project in Western Australia via a $130 million contract with John Holland. As part of John Holland’s contract with Fortescue, the machine will lay 143 kilometres of track at Eliwana.

The indigenous artwork was designed by Yamatji-Whadjuk-Ballardong woman Marcia McGuire. McGuire was influenced by a past and present connection to the land, when creating the five pieces of artwork.

“I was inspired by the foundational importance of the machine and its impact for our community,” she said.

“The paintings visually explain how the tracklayer lays down the track across our country and different landscapes, connecting communities and businesses throughout (Western Australia).

“It mirrors how the Rainbow Serpent of the Dreamtime created waterholes uniting our lands together. The (new track construction) machine connects us through trackwork and therefore inspired me to design the serpent.”

Construction is estimated to be completed in December, and will connect the Eliwana rail line with the Fortescue Hamersley line to Port Hedland. It will join Fortescue’s 620 kilometres of Hedland track as the fastest heavy haul line in the world.

Article from Australian Mining