South32 Cannington is seeking expressions of interest from community groups in McKinlay or Cloncurry shires to put an old work bus to good use.

The 10-year-old Mitsubishi 25-seater was previously used to transport members of Cannington’s workforce from the mine’s accommodation village to operational areas.

The mine recently purchased a new bus, which opened up an opportunity to donate the retired vehicle, South32 Cannington vice-president operations Joe Russell said.

“We would love to see the bus go to a good home where it can really be put to good use and benefit one of our local communities,” Mr Russell said.

“It’s a great opportunity for a local charity, volunteer organisation or any other group that does great work for the benefit of people in McKinlay or Cloncurry shires.”

Applicants are being invited to outline their proposed use for the bus and how that use would benefit the local community.

For more information or to submit an expression of interest please contact Leah.Morgan@south32.net. The closing date for expressions of interest is close of business on April 5.

South32 Cannington would welcome joint expressions of interest from two or more community groups, where the intended outcome is to share the bus to meet transportation needs.

The Cannington mine, 200km south-east of Mount Isa near the township of McKinlay, is one of the world’s largest producers of silver and lead.