Yurra, majority owned by the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) which is the appointed representative of the Yindjibarndi people, will provide civil maintenance services on and around Rio's Pilbara rail network in Western Australia.

The five-year contract is the largest in Yurra's history and will provide jobs for 20 people while growing the company's capabilities.

"We are delighted to have awarded Yurra its most significant contract to date and look forward to strengthening our relationship with the Yindjibarndi People, a highly valued and important partner for Rio Tinto in the Pilbara," Rio Tinto Iron Ore managing director Rail, Port & Core Services Ivan Vella said.

"We are proud to have worked with Yurra since their inception over six years ago. Along the journey, they have demonstrated a strong ability to deliver a range of services. They bring a high level of capability in the contracted areas and do this on very competitive terms. Yurra's ability to maintain high levels of efficiency and low overheads despite their continued growth is a credit to their management and leadership team.

"This contract is one of the first of its kind for Rio Tinto Iron Ore and one which we hope will prove a catalyst for many others like it in the future. We're committed to local jobs for local people and are excited about the opportunities this partnership provides."

Rio also awarded a contract to another majority-owned YAC business, GSBC Yurra, valued at almost $10 million, to refurbish the Rocklea Palms Accommodation Village in Paraburdoo.

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation CEO Michael Woodley said the company was proud of its partnership with Rio.

"Through ongoing contract opportunities we will continue to push the boundaries to improve and raise the living standards of Indigenous peoples of the region," he said.

"This opportunity shows that we are collectively looking to the future and that Yurra has become a trusted contracting partner."