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Sodexo awarded contract to manage Rio Tinto’s Pilbara facilities

Sodexo has been awarded a new contract to provide facilities management for Rio Tinto’s fly-in fly out (FIFO)

Sodexo has been awarded a new contract to provide facilities management for Rio Tinto’s fly-in fly out (FIFO) accommodation villages, residential houses and operational sites in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The seven-year contract, with an option to extend for an additional three years, commences in June 2026. It was awarded after a thorough global partner selection process. The new contract has been co-designed by the two partners and comes at the conclusion of a previous 10-year contract between Rio Tinto and Sodexo. 

Keith Weston, Sodexo Australia Managing Director said, 

Sodexo’s strategic and singular focus on the Australian energy and resources sector has allowed us to hone our offerings and deliver integrated facilities management services that create a supportive environment for those working away from home. 

We are proud to extend our partnership with Rio Tinto, reaffirming our commitment to industry-first innovations and delivering the best resident experience in the sector. Every aspect of our operation, from the warm welcome at check-in to the meals we serve and the facilities we care for, is purposefully designed to meet the unique challenges of remote, resource-based environments.

Focus on Indigenous Employment and Local Procurement

The agreement includes a strong focus on the use of local suppliers and supports Indigenous employment, which will provide economic opportunities for Pilbara Traditional Owners, local business and communities. 

The contract - with safety and employee experience sitting at the heart of the agreement - will deliver a range of essential services across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara facilities and villages, including accommodation, catering, retail, access to health and wellness programs, cleaning, transport, aerodrome management and grounds and building maintenance. 

Chris Osborn, Rio Tinto Iron Ore Managing Director Rail, Port and Services said,

Ensuring the more than 10,000 people who stay in our villages each night, as well as the thousands in Rio Tinto housing across the Pilbara, feel safe, have access to all the amenities they need and can sleep soundly at night, is vital to our operations.

Importantly, employee experience and local procurement are embedded into the contract, ensuring this partnership delivers shared benefits for our people and for local and Indigenous businesses, as well as communities across the Pilbara.

Comprehensive Maintenance of Pilbara Housing and Facilities

The contract also includes the maintenance and refurbishment of Rio Tinto’s 2,900 houses and more than 19,000 FIFO accommodation rooms across 25 Pilbara villages. 

Sodexo also manages community facilities across Pannawonica, Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Dampier and Wickham such as local swimming pools, sporting ovals, parks and shops. The contract will continue to support about 2,500 Sodexo jobs in Western Australia, including about 2,250 jobs in the Pilbara.