PRM Named Innovation Finalist at Inaugural Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Awards

• PRM named ‘innovation’ finalist at the inaugural Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition gala in Perth held last week
• Over 5000 suppliers vied for awards, which recognise excellence in supplier performance across Rio Tinto’s operations.
• PRM’s ground-breaking hi-rail sleeper placement technology has transformed track maintenance, minimising manual handling while increasing precision and delivery time.

Karratha-based Pilbara Rail Maintenance (PRM) was a finalist for an Innovation Award at the Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Program, recognising the Company’s outstanding contribution to Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore projects.

The award ceremony was held at Crown Towers in Perth on Thursday 16 March, with over 5000 suppliers vying for recognition of their excellence in supplier performance across Rio Tinto’s operations. PRM was among 20 finalists, and the nomination was a nod to its investment in transformational track maintenance technology that minimises manual handling while increasing safety, precision and delivery time.

PRM is utilising its smart track laying system to deliver the rail component of the Rio Tinto track renewal campaign.

This innovative system involves a custom engineered sleeper laying attachment integrated with a high rail excavator and machine-controlled guidance system. Operated from the track, the machine facilitates simultaneous lifting and placement of steel sleepers by a single operator; a task previously requiring rail surveyors and multiple rail technicians. This allows for a significantly safer sleeper laying process by removing the requirement for ground staff to be operating near potentially dangerous plant.

“We are proud to have been nominated for this prestigious award. It is a recognition of our continual investment in ingenuity, as well as the hard work and dedication of our people who consistently deliver exceptional service in extreme conditions to keep Rio Tinto’s ore moving,” said PRM Managing Director Chris Prior.

PRM optimises Rio Tinto’s heavy haul rail operations in the Pilbara, which includes managing network performance and ongoing replacement and maintenance of rail infrastructure. PRM’s expertise and commitment to safety and quality are key to the operations’ viability and supply chain.

The Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Awards recognise suppliers who demonstrate excellence in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. PRM’s nomination reflects the company’s commitment to these core values, which has earned the company a reputation as a trusted partner in the mining industry.

PRM is a major employer in the Pilbara region, with a team of more than 200 people delivering specialist rail infrastructure services vital to the mining industry and the WA economy. With a local-first approach, PRM offers career pathways and training in a sector that has significant skills shortages globally. The company works hard to create an inclusive workforce, investing in employment, training, and development programs to increase the participation of women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the industry.