Mining giant BHP is partnering with local First Nation communities in Saskatchewan to award three new contracts worth more than C$260 million ($187.8m) at its Jansen potash project. The contracts, which cover camp management, site services, and raw ore/handling foundation, include representation from six First Nations surrounding the Jansen site. The new contracts also mark a significant milestone for the company, as over 50% of the jobs will be Indigenous. The First Nations have opportunity agreements with BHP, which were established in 2012 to create local employment, business opportunities, and build the skills and capabilities of local residents.

BHP's chief commercial officer, Vandita Pant, stated that the company aims to create long-term relationships with Indigenous peoples based on trust and mutual benefit. “By integrating local suppliers and Indigenous businesses into our supply chain, we are working hand-in-hand with First Nation partners to build long-term positive outcomes for communities and for BHP.”

The three-and-a-half-year contracts awarded to Indigenous companies will create more than 400 local jobs. Since the sanctioning of Jansen Stage 1 in August 2021, the company has awarded more than C$470 ($339.5m) million in contracts to Indigenous businesses in the region.

Wicehtowak Frontec Services, a joint venture between ATCO Frontec Ltd. and George Gordon Developments Ltd., was awarded the camp management contract. The joint venture was created in 2011 as a 50-50 partnership to support the construction of the Jansen Discovery Lodge and has evolved into a majority Indigenous-owned company.

The site services and raw ore/handling foundation contracts have been awarded to 2Nations Bird, a new partnership between Bird Construction Inc., Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation’s Willow Cree Developments General Partner Inc., and Fishing Lake First Nation’s development corporation, FLFN Ventures. 2Nations Bird will work with KDM Constructors, who represent Kawakatoose, Day Star, and Muskowekwan Nations, as well as George Gordon Developments Ltd., the economic development arm of the George Gordon First Nation.

Indigenous and industry partnerships, such as these, create economic and employment opportunities for local communities. “It also allows us to develop capacity, learn from one another, and grow in tandem. More importantly, these types of relationships are critical to advance economic reconciliation, which allows us to develop long-term, meaningful, and sustainable outcomes,” said Chief Ananas of Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation.

BHP anticipates operations at Jansen will begin in late 2026. In the meantime, the company is working with other Indigenous groups to identify jobs and skillsets, and partnering with local organizations in Saskatchewan to provide pre-apprenticeship programs to help build awareness of opportunities in the trades and prepare individuals for the skills necessary to enter the mining industry. Through these programs, the company hopes to attract more people, particularly women and Indigenous people in the region, who may not have considered a career in mining.