Qube has welcomed a new truck to the fleet, celebrating a partnership extension with Pilbara Minerals.
The new truck, which will operate 24 hours a day, replaces a Qube vehicle that has been hauling for Pilbara Minerals since first production in 2018, with more than two million kilometres on the clock.
The Volvo FH16 truck is part of a fleet dedicated to Pilbara Minerals and has been specifically designed to transport spodumene concentrate from the Pilgangoora Operation to Port Hedland for storage and shipping.
The truck is adorned with artwork by Wiradjuri and Sydney-based artist Darren Charlwood, commissioned as part of Qube’s 2023 Reconciliation Action Plan.
Pilbara Minerals’ Executive General Manager Operations Brett McFadgen said the extension to the haulage services agreement with Qube, which is Australia’s largest integrated provider of import and export logistics and services, followed an extensive evaluation process by Pilbara Minerals.
“As a valued partner of Pilbara Minerals since 2018, Qube has been part of our growth journey and is an integral part of the concentrate and logistics supply chain, ensuring our product safely gets from our mine site to Port Hedland. They handle our concentrate product on site, transport it to Port Hedland, manage our storage facility and load our vessels,” Mr McFadgen said.
“The special edition truck was a welcome addition to site, and it’s been great to see the artwork on the truck as it is travelling around our operation.
“It not only brings colour and vibrancy to our site but serves as an important reminder of the land on which we operate and First Nations people’s enduring connection to Country and culture.”
Qube Bulk Pilbara Logistics Manager Byron Messer said Qube was pleased to dedicate one of its wrapped trucks to Pilbara Minerals to mark the extended partnership.
“Qube truly values the opportunity to continue managing the haulage, stockpile, storage facilities and vessel loading for Pilbara Minerals,” Mr Messer said.
“We are excited to support Pilbara Minerals’ growth and expansion projects into the future, as the world’s largest, independent hard-rock lithium operation, and are pleased to dedicate this fantastic truck to its Pilgangoora Operation, given what it represents for us.”
Artist Darren Charlwood, who is from the yabaay wagaan (wedge tail eagle and crow) mob in Wellington, New South Wales, said the artwork, titled Yindyamarra, depicts the balance and interconnectedness that exists between people, the sea, and Country.