Qube has unveiled a new Volvo FH16 adorned with artwork by Wiradjuri and Sydney-based artist Darren Charlwood.
The new truck, which will operate 24 hours a day, replaces a Qube vehicle that has been hauling for Pilbara Minerals since 2018, clocking up over two million kilometres.
This colourful Volvo FH16 is part of Qube’s dedicated Pilbara Minerals fleet and has been specifically designed to transport spodumene concentrate from the Pilgangoora Operation to Port Hedland, for storage and shipping.
Qube and Pilbara Minerals have partnered since 2018, with Qube handling the spodumene concentrate product on site, bringing it to port, managing the Pilbara Minerals storage facility and loading its vessels.
Commenting on the Volvo FH16, Pilbara Minerals’ executive general manager operations, Brett McFadgen, said: “The special edition truck was a welcome addition to site and it’s been great to see the artwork on the truck as it’s travelling around our operation.
“It not only brings colour and vibrancy to our site but serves as an important reminder of the land on which we operate and First Nations People’s enduring connecting to Country and culture.
“We share a strong alignment with Qube in our commitment to ensuring we continue to find meaningful ways to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure they benefit from our operation through business, employment and education opportunities.”
The truck was commissioned as part of Qube’s 2023 Reconciliation Action Plan.
Qube Bulk Pilbara Logistics manager Byron Messer said the company was pleased to dedicate one of its wrapped trucks to Pilbara Minerals to celebrate an extension of partnership between the companies.
“We are excited to support Pilbara Minerals’ growth and expansion projects into the future, as the world’s largest, independent hard-rock lithium operation, and are pleased to dedicate this fantastic truck to its Pilgangoora Operation, given what it represents for us,” Byron said.
The artist behind the impressive artwork, Darren Charlwood, is from the yabaay wagaan (wedge tail eagle and crow) mob in Wellington, New South Wales. He says the artwork, titled Yindyamarra, depicts the balance and interconnectedness that exists between people, the sea, and Country.
“Because Qube has operations all over Australia, I thought it was important to show all of those connections from the ports dotted all around the coastline, to the inland rivers, and the roads and the rail networks that span the country,” Darren said.
“I also included Indigenous trade routes to show how enduring those connections are.
“The white motifs on the ocean symbolise movement, whether it be whales migrating or ships moving along the coastline, and the white lines around the coastline symbolise shipping channels.
“Along the Queensland coast, I have also used a more aqua shade to show the Great Barrier Reef and the red in the centre symbolises the desert.
“Everything exists in balance and is interconnected.”