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MinRes and Ear Science hear the call of remote Pilbara communities

Mineral Resources Limited

Key Facts:

• MinRes commits £600,000 to extend partnership with Ear Science Institute Australia for three years, supporting the Healthy Hearing Outback program in Western Australia
• The program provides on-Country ear and hearing assessments to Nyiyaparli and Martu communities in the East Pilbara
• Dedicated Ear Health Coordinator role has helped achieve 62% increase in ENT surgeries and 15% rise in surgery attendance rates up to June 2025
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• Partnership enables specialist ear care without patients having to leave Country, family or culture, serving remote communities near MinRes' mining operations

Critical ear and hearing care will continue reaching some of Western Australia’s most remote communities, with Mineral Resources (MinRes) committing to a further three years of partnership with Ear Science Institute Australia.

The $600,000 partnership extension bolsters support for the Healthy Hearing Outback program, which delivers on-Country assessments and consultations to diagnose and treat ear disease and hearing loss.

The life-changing program provides care to the Nyiyaparli and Martu people in communities across the East Pilbara, including Newman, Jigalong, Punmu, Kunawarritji and Parnngurr.

Crucially, a dedicated Ear Health Coordinator – funded through the partnership – guides and supports patients through every stage of their ear health journey within the health system.

That initiative has already delivered remarkable results. In the year to June 2025, there was a 62 per cent increase in ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeries and a 15 per cent rise in the surgery attendance rate.

A collaborative Telehealth ENT pathway, developed between Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, Perth Children’s Hospital and Ear Science, has also significantly expanded access to on‑Country specialist care.

Since launching in 2024, the service – made possible by the dedicated Ear Health Coordinator role – has delivered more than 100 consultations and facilitated 24 surgical referrals.

“I work closely with patients, their families and the Aboriginal Medical Service and other healthcare providers to ensure patients get the care that they need,” Ear Health Coordinator Lucy Mitchell said.

“A big part of my role is to support patients to navigate this system in a culturally appropriate way and in a way that works best for them. It’s only successful with strong relationships and trust, which isn’t forged overnight – it takes time to develop.”

Ear Science Chief Executive Officer Sandra Bellekom said the renewed partnership with MinRes would continue to drive life-changing outcomes in the East Pilbara.

“Streamlining access to excellent hearing care for children and families on country is something we here at Ear Science are so proud to have achieved with the power of our partnership with MinRes,” Sandra said.

“Back in the lab, Ear Science is devoted to creating treatments and solutions that are informed by the needs of our communities. The impact we are making on children’s lives accelerates by having this partnership.”

MinRes Manager Communities and Stakeholder Engagement Daniel Barker said MinRes was committed to meaningful partnerships that build happier and healthier communities.

“That philosophy rings true for our partnership with Ear Science – their dedication and commitment continue to impress us and deliver significant outcomes for regional communities,” Daniel said.

“This program is breaking down barriers to healthcare access in some of Australia’s most remote communities. By working with Ear Science, we’re helping shape lasting change and ensuring specialist care is accessible without having to leave Country, family or culture.”

MinRes operates the Iron Valley, Lamb Creek and Wonmunna mine sites in the East Pilbara, with iron ore from the three sites transported to Port Hedland for export through Utah Point. In 2024, MinRes’ flagship Onslow Iron project opened a new iron ore province in the West Pilbara.

Contact details:

MinRes Media Manager Peter Law: 0428 925 422 / [email protected]