PRM Wins Operational Excellence Award at Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Gala

• Karratha-based rail industry leader PRM recognised for operational excellence in rail maintenance.
• PRM’s Smart Track Laying System and innovative methodologies are significantly improving safety and productivity across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara rail network.
• PRM employs a 300+ local workforce, with training and career development programs driving greater diversity in the rail industry.

PRM has been awarded the Operational Excellence Award at the 2025 Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Gala, held in Perth.
PRM was selected as one of 18 finalists from a pool of more than 200 nominations, ultimately winning the operational excellence category.
The awards recognise businesses that go above and beyond to tackle obstacles, deliver results safely, enhance productivity for Rio Tinto and set the benchmark for leading industry practices and performance.

Based in Karratha, PRM has cemented its reputation as an industry leader in rail construction and maintenance for the mining sector, adopting innovative technology across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations.

Among PRM’s innovations is its Smart Track Laying System, a custom-engineered sleeper laying attachment integrated with a hi-rail excavator and GPS machine-controlled guidance system. This system allows a single operator to lift and place steel sleepers precisely, removing the need for ground staff to work near potentially hazardous machinery. The result is faster project delivery, enhanced safety outcomes and significantly reduced manual handling.

PRM has also invested in a Vacuum Panel Lifter System; first taking a standard VacuWorx vacuum system and customising it for rail works, in an Australian first. This wirelessly operated lifting equipment is mounted to a hi-rail excavator, eliminating the need for traditional hooks, slings, chains and – most importantly – prevents personnel from having to perform manual tasks in the exclusion zone. This system has seen PRM achieve both increased operational efficiencies and the mitigation of numerous safety risks.

These innovations are just some examples of PRM’s focus on operational safety, productivity and the continual improvement of rail infrastructure outcomes.

A Local Pilbara Success Story 

PRM Managing Director and Founder Chris Prior expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement. 

“We are incredibly proud to receive the Rio Tinto Operational Excellence Award. It’s a powerful recognition of the ingenuity, resilience and hard work of our entire team. Our people are out there in some of the toughest conditions in the country, delivering results that keep Rio Tinto’s operations moving. This award not only highlights our technical capabilities but also our commitment to safety, innovation and building local capacity right here in the Pilbara.” 

“We’re grateful to Rio Tinto for their continued trust and support. Their backing allows businesses like ours to invest in technology, people and innovative solutions that create real value for the industry and our communities,” said Mr Prior.