Northwest Branch Summary
Luke McPartland | North West Branch Manager
Cyclone Zelia Recovery Efforts
Operations in the Northwest have now returned to normal following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which crossed the coast just 40 km north of Port Hedland as a Category 4 system.
Employees sheltered in place for two days while the cyclone passed, and the De Grey River catchment recorded rainfall that eclipsed all historical data. While Port Hedland avoided major wind or flood damage, several sites to the southeast were directly impacted. Both MGM and client assets sustained significant damage during the event.
During the recovery phase, the Northwest Workshop crew rose to the challenge, replacing over 160 individual windows and windscreens and repairing mudguards, headlights, tarps, beacons, and other critical components affected by the cyclone. At the same time, crews from MRWA, local government, Atlas Iron, and MGM worked closely to safely restore road and site access after widespread flood damage to crossings and infrastructure.
Thank you to all Northwest employees for your patience, resilience, and professionalism during the emergency response and recovery phase. Most importantly, we are incredibly grateful that no injuries were sustained and no lives were lost. Thanks to your efforts, we’ve rapidly returned to business as usual.
New Contract Award – Mineral Resources Limited (MRL)
In a major win for the Northwest branch, we’re pleased to announce that MGM has been awarded a significant bulk haulage contract with Mineral Resources Limited (MRL).
MRL is a leading ASX200-listed iron ore and lithium miner and a prominent mining services provider with a long and successful history of mineral exports from Port Hedland since commissioning the Utah facility in 2010.
Under the new agreement, MGM will commence bulk haulage services from MRL’s Wonmunna and Iron Valley iron ore sites to Utah Point BHF, beginning Tuesday, 22 April 2025.
This partnership marks an exciting step forward for our haulage operations, and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with MRL.
MGM Lodge - Building a home away from home
Another exciting development in the Northwest is the progress of MGM Lodge, our brand-new, purpose-built accommodation precinct designed to support our growing FIFO workforce.
The first concrete living modules were recently installed on-site, marking a major milestone in bringing MGM Lodge to life. Once completed, the facility will deliver 220 private rooms with modern, high-quality features — including double beds, smart TVs, private ensuites, and more space and comfort than conventional FIFO camps.
This project is about more than just accommodation — it’s about investing in our people building a connected environment that supports well-being, productivity, and a better experience for our team in the Pilbara.
MGM Lodge stands as a symbol of our long-term commitment to the Northwest and creating industry-leading facilities for our workforce.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to all of our employees—your ongoing efforts, diligence, and commitment to quality continue to position MGM as a trusted leader in the bulk haulage industry.
Together, we look forward to growing the Northwest operation sustainably and successfully.
Northwest Workshop Summary
Cyclone Zelia Puts Workshop to the Test
The Northwest Branch Workshop was fortunate to avoid major impact when Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia crossed the Pilbara coast on 14 February 2025 as a Category 5 system, passing just 50 km north of Port Hedland.
Despite widespread wind damage throughout the region—including fallen trees and structural damage to homes and sheds—our new workshop came through unscathed. However, a large portion of our fleet was stationed at the A2 stockyard, approximately 100 km from Hedland, and sustained varying levels of damage from sandblasting and airborne debris.
Among the more significant repairs, the team had to source 66 replacement passenger-side door windows broken during the storm. With support from our trusted suppliers, we airfreighted parts from Melbourne and quickly got the fleet back on the road.
This was a true test of our workshop capacity, and the response was exceptional—an outstanding result reflecting the resilience and dedication of the entire Northwest team.
Upskilling & Training Initiatives
We’re proud to report that several of our service team members have begun their pathway toward becoming qualified tradespeople. Their commitment to quality and pride in their work is evident, and they consistently meet or exceed MGM’s standards.
In addition, all six of our tyre fitters have commenced Certificate II training, taking the next step in their professional development. Congratulations to each of them—we look forward to supporting you on your training journey.
Parts Store Team Expansion
We’re excited to welcome Joe as the newest member of our store team, joining Leah and Holly. With the continued growth of our operations, we’re also adding a fourth team member to support the day-to-day management of the store.
This new role will help streamline operations and ensure our stores function efficiently as we continue to scale.
Doug Forrest | Workshop Supervisor
Southwest Branch Summary
It feels like Christmas was only yesterday, but here we are, powering through to the end of April — and thankfully, the weather has been on our side. This has allowed our team to deliver on customer commitments efficiently, safely, and on time.
So far this year, we've completed over 61,000 tonnes of copper concentrate haulage and loaded out more than 85,000 tonnes for Covalent, with additional shipments for Doral, Newmont, and Covalent planned in the coming months.
People & Team Growth
Our HR and Operations teams have been working closely to onboard new employees and strengthen our Southwest workforce to support growing demand.
We welcome Peter Draper to the team as our new Regional Manager. Peter has hit the ground running with a positive, solutions-focused approach and has been a great cultural fit, already leaving a strong impression across the branch.
In Operations, we also welcome Andrew Quick as our new Fleet Supervisor, stepping in for Clinton Bryant, who has chosen to return to the driver's seat to spend more time with his family, with a baby on the way. We thank Clinton for his valuable contribution to the Ops team — and he'll continue to assist when supervisor coverage is needed.
What's Ahead – Projects on the Move
Looking ahead into winter, the Southwest branch is gearing up for several new contracts:
Wormall Civil – supply and delivery of fill sand and topsoil for the new South Bunbury Aged Care Facility
Busselton Airport Expansion – commencement of 200,000 tonnes of fill sand for Wormall in the coming weeks
WA Salt Haul Road – delivery of 10,000 tonnes of road base scheduled for May
These projects reflect strong local engagement and ongoing trust in MGM's delivery and service standards.
A Quick Word on Safety
As we head into the second quarter, we remind all staff to be extra vigilant on the roads, particularly as weather conditions shift.
Please remember to:
Drive to conditions
Take regular fatigue breaks
Use your Take 5 booklets
If you are in doubt, speak up and check in with your supervisor or team.
Everyone has a role to play in making sure we stay safe and get home at the end of the day.
Russell Lilly | South West Senior Fleet Supervisor
It’s been a busy and productive start to the year for the South West Workshop, with several key developments taking place across the team and fleet.
We’re pleased to welcome Paul Anderson back to the team as a Leading Hand after some time away. Paul brings valuable experience and leadership to the workshop, and it’s great to have him back on board supporting the management group.
System Improvements in Motion
A major focus recently has been getting our maintenance system fully operational. A big thanks to Alan McGregor for his work in labelling, organising, and entering stock into the system—helping ensure that parts can now be scanned out efficiently and accurately. This work is laying strong foundations for better inventory control and workshop productivity.
Fleet Milestone: 1 Million Kilometres
Our PBS units 148 to 150 have recently surpassed the 1 million kilometre mark since their introduction three years ago. To support ongoing performance and safety, each set underwent significant servicing—including three days in the workshop for bearing repacks, followed by a week at Bruce Rock Engineering for welding and tub lining repairs.
School Visit – Community Engagement
We were pleased to host Year 10 students from Australind Senior High School for a brief visit to the workshop as part of their Work Inspiration Program. The students received an overview of our operational requirements, watched a live tyre fitting demonstration, and met several of our team members—including apprentices who shared their experiences in completing or currently undertaking their apprenticeships.
It was a great opportunity to give young people a firsthand look at what we do and introduce them to potential career pathways in the industry.
Looking Ahead
With our systems improving and key maintenance milestones completed, we’re well-placed for the months ahead.
Thank you to the entire South West team for their continued effort and support.
Southwest Workshop Summary
Leon Vadaro | Workshop Supervisor
Quarry Summary
Brendan Hart | Quarries Supervisor
Bushfire Response & Start to 2025
The year kicked off with extreme temperatures and a bushfire incident that required the evacuation of our Lowrie Road Quarry. On advice from FESA, we ceased operations and ensured all staff were safely reunited with their families. We’d like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the FESA volunteers and aerial waterbombing crews who worked tirelessly to protect the community—your support was truly appreciated.
Safety & Training Remains a Core Focus
Safety continues to be front and centre across our quarry operations. Over the past few months, our teams have participated in ongoing training, including First Aid, Dogging, and Safety Representative Courses, to ensure we’re operating to the highest standards.
Team News & Welcomes
We were pleased to welcome Peter Dawson to the team as our dedicated Tree Waterer just before the holiday break. Peter has played a key role in supporting our site rehabilitation and ensuring high tree survival rates through summer. He’s already made a significant impact and is a respected addition to the team.
In February, Tremaine Carr commenced an apprenticeship in Civil Construction under the guidance of long-serving operator and leading hand, Ray Marlow. We’re excited to have Tremaine on board and wish him all the best in his development.
Support for Covalent Shipping
During this period, the quarry team continued to support Covalent Shipping with experienced loader operators. A strong safety focus was maintained around pre-start checks and JHAs. A sincere thank you to Sean Buck, Stuart Carbone, Terry Baruffi, Ray Marlow, Tremaine Carr, Greg Boon, and our newest casual operator, Danny Clarke—welcome to the team, Danny.
Production & Future Growth
Production tonnages for sand and gravel exceeded those of the previous period, with sales tracking well against the forecast.
Significant planning has also gone into ensuring compliance and readiness for our upcoming sites—Payton’s Limestone Quarry in Binningup and Oates Gravel Quarry in Ludlow. Both sites are progressing through approvals, with crushing licences recently submitted. Once operational, the Limestone Quarry is expected to increase sales and transition us into a seven-day operation with complete dust suppression and environmental compliance.
A sincere thank you to the entire team for your hard work and continued dedication. I’m looking forward to the next period as we continue to grow and deliver on our commitments.
Hope Valley Branch Summary
Andrew Daniels | Branch Manager
As we move into the cooler months, demand for SALT—particularly pool salt heading to the East Coast—remains steady. I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone for the huge effort over the busy period and through Christmas.
The past few months have been challenging, with increased loads to Kemerton and WA Salt due to higher-than-usual customer demand. Encouragingly, we anticipate further growth in salt cartage this year across all major customers.
We’ve also welcomed six new trucks into the fleet. It’s been great to see our drivers taking pride in these vehicles—keeping them clean, presentable, and turning heads on the road. The feedback has been positive, and it’s a strong reflection of our brand and team culture. With the salt cartage contract now secured for another 10 years, it’s a great result all round. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making that happen.
Celebrating 10-Year Milestones
It is a huge credit to these 3 drivers who get up early and on the road by 1am along their co-workers to keep salt cartage to our regular customers daily.
Welcoming our new comers
I would also like to welcome Steve-Pat-Dilpreet-Harjeet-Cameron and Dean to the team and great to see they have slotted in nicely and all working well as a team and meeting high expectations.
Let’s all stay alert going into winter and looking forward in what the next 10 years brings.
Maddington Branch Summary
Firstly, I’d like to commend the Maddington team for their dedication and consistency throughout Christmas and early 2025.
Your efforts have been instrumental in maintaining momentum across our operations.
Key Highlights
Parker Range Road Extension Nearing Completion
After a challenging 24-month period marked by increased cycle times, the Parker Range Road extension is now in its final stages and is on track for completion by 31 March 2025.
Operator Upskilling
Operators have continued to grow their capabilities, gaining experience across WA Salt and Tronox projects in addition to their work on Covalent Lithium.
Workshop Support Strengthened
The addition of a new mechanic to the Maddington team has improved asset availability, helping support haulage targets and reduce downtime.
Overcoming Challenges
Q3 2025 brought unique challenges, including road closures, bushfires, wet weather events, and reduced product availability. The team’s professionalism and patience were key to recovering lost production and maintaining service continuity.
Consistency Is Key
The introduction of a new rostering system, fleet allocation improvements, and cross-training initiatives has contributed to stronger haulage performance:
March 2025 average: 1,089 tonnes per day (7-day rolling average)
New daily record: 1,100 tonnes during the third week of March
This is a testament to the consistent efforts and adaptability of the entire team.
Looking Ahead
Haulage operations will temporarily shift due to the Bunbury Port closure from 22 March to 18 April for scheduled maintenance. During this time, deliveries will be redirected to QUBE Rockingham to support continued throughput and additional storage requirements.
Stephen Winsor | Senior Fleet Supervisor