Haul truck an ideal canvas for WA students

A group of 10 secondary school art students from Roebourne District High School in Western Australia have completed an Indigenous Australian mural on the rear tray of an autonomous haul truck. Why? To develop their skills and glean a valuable insight into life at a mine site, while fostering community spirit.

CIMIC Group's global mining services provider, Thiess, in collaboration with Fortescue Metals Group, welcomed the students to Fortescue's Solomon operation last week to complete the large mural, which depicts Roebourne's Mount Welcome lookout and the rivers and streams running through the town.

Roebourne was a non-indigenous town until the 1960s; in the years since it's endured an unfortunate history of struggle between Indigenous Australians and the police. Many Indigenous Australians were confined to outlying camps, but as mining companies began to exploit the region's iron ore they began to move out of the camps and into the main town. Today Roebourne is home to the Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi and Banyjima People.

Considering the traditional owners' strong connection with the land, the mural seems like a fitting piece to help inspire a new generation.

"We're proud to be partnering with Fortescue and the local community to deliver this incredible piece of moveable art," says Thiess General Manager, Australia & Pacific, Spencer Jose.

"The murals on the truck work together to represent the past, present and future generations of Roebourne. This innovative initiative is enhancing student's studies, allowing them to apply their research, technical skills and creative ideas to a real-life project."

Indeed, Fortescue CEO Nev Power has said the company is committed to investing in local communities by supporting initiatives that generate significant value for those communities.

The painted haul truck will re-enter operations on Friday, August 11, 2017.