Published: November 5, 2026 |

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Sandvik in Australia has marked ten years of its formal reconciliation journey by launching its 2026-2028 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), setting new commitments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, supplier participation, cultural capability, and organizational accountability.

The two-year plan includes a minimum target of 3.5 percent First Nations representation, with a stretch target of 4 percent, increased procurement with First Nations suppliers and a new First Nations advisory committee.

Sandvik began its formal reconciliation journey with the Together Towards Tomorrow (T3) project in 2016, followed by a Reflect RAP and Innovate RAPs covering 2020–2022 and 2023–2025. The new plan builds on that work with measurable commitments for the next two years.

Craig Johnston, Vice President - Sales Area Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea at Sandvik Mining, said the milestone must be reflected in continued action.

“Ten years is an important milestone, but reconciliation is ultimately measured by what we do,” said Johnston.

“Our new RAP sets clear expectations for strengthening cultural understanding, employment and development opportunities, relationships with First Nations businesses and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These commitments belong to the whole organization. Every employee has a role in creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace and ensuring reconciliation is reflected in the way we work,” added Johnston.

TURNING COMMITMENTS INTO ACTION

The RAP focuses on action under relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance.

Under relationships, Sandvik will strengthen engagement with traditional custodians, Elders, First Nations organizations, customers, and community partners, including through initiatives that support First Nations communities.

Under respect, Sandvik will expand cultural learning and on country experiences. Senior leaders will participate in immersive experiences with local traditional owners, while anti-racism training will continue across the organization.

Sandvik will also review policies and practices to support a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.

Under opportunities, Sandvik will continue developing its First Nations pathways program to create employment and development opportunities and strengthen pathways into mining and engineering.

Sandvik will also seek to expand sustainable commercial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses that meet its commercial and customer requirements.

The new First Nations advisory committee will provide culturally informed advice to the Reconciliation Steering Committee, strengthening governance and accountability.

Mununjahli Yugambeh woman Alice Currie, Social Performance Lead, Sales Area Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea at Sandvik Mining, is leading the RAP’s delivery.

“After ten years, we have a much clearer understanding of where Sandvik can make a practical difference,” said Currie.

“This RAP translates that experience into specific actions. The priority now is delivery. These commitments need to be reflected in everyday decisions across the organization. That means considering reconciliation in our workplaces, recruitment, supplier relationships, and community engagement if we are to create lasting outcomes,” added Currie.

WALKING FORWARD TOGETHER

The launch also unveiled Sandvik’s new RAP artwork, Walking Forward Together, created by proud Wakka Wakka man David Williams, Executive Director and founder of Gilimbaa.

The artwork depicts reconciliation as a shared journey. Its central meeting place symbolizes people, teams and communities coming together, while pathways represent Sandvik’s relationships across Australia. It also acknowledges that Sandvik workplaces operate on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Country and reflects the company’s commitment to cultural respect and positive outcomes for people and Country.

Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. They are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing customers processes. Their world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation, and rock processing.

Sandvik Mining is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling, ground support, and quarrying.

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