The mining sector is an important contributor to Australia’s economy. They are complex enterprises that are supported by a myriad of industries and built around numerous communities critical for their operation.
To celebrate the enormous contribution of suppliers to Rio Tinto and the local community, the company hosted an inaugural awards gala as part of its Supplier Recognition Program. The Supplier Recognition Awards recognise performance and the contributions to Rio Tinto’s business and the local community.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott, said, “In the communities where we operate, we work hard to partner with and develop local businesses so they can share in our success and create jobs for local people”. He also explained, “The nine award winners are excellent suppliers that help contribute to the success of the local communities in which we operate.”
Coregas was humbled to be among the 180 suppliers nominated for the 2023 awards. Having only commenced supply to Rio Tinto in 2021, this nomination carried enormous weight. We were very pleased to be nominated as a Finalist for the Care, Courage and Curiosity award and even more surprised and happy to accept the Vice President’s award. This award recognises a business that is highly aligned with Rio Tinto’s corporate values and have demonstrated remarkable performance and delivered excellent social outcomes.
Coregas’ was selected for this award due to our involvement in initiative by Rio to supply much needed medical oxygen to Indian communities hard hit by COVID 19 and medical oxygen shortages in the country. Coregas swiftly responded to the call. Our already stretched teams re-organised and prepared two containers full of much needed oxygen for transport by Rio to India. This activity is a clear demonstration of Rio’s commitment to care and courage and Coregas’ pursuit to change lives and a great demonstration of corporate responsibility.
Executive General Manager, Alan Watkins and General Manager, Tarun Changrani accepted the award on behalf of Coregas. Alan spoke to “the Coregas team had clear purpose. We considered ourselves an extension of the healthcare industry and shared vision of changing gases, changing lives.”
At Coregas we always try to help our customers achieve amazing things. Together, since 2021, Coregas has implemented an effective yet complex transition across Rio Tinto’s operations. This was a meticulously managed operation involving thousands of cylinder assets across multiple remote sites across Australia and New Zealand. All this occurred under the veil of COVID restrictions. Despite these challenges, when Rio requested further support to provide life saving medical oxygen to the communities Coregas’ teams rallied to support this opportunity to help change lives.
This award is recognition of the great people in our team that we rely on to deliver on these challenges. Coregas would also like to recognise and congratulate all the businesses that were nominated. There are some extraordinary businesses serving the needs of Rio Tinto’s operations, staff, and communities. We are so proud to be among such professional businesses.