We are grateful for the impetus, and financial and logistical support for this study provided by Jeff Wilkie and Bruce Larson of Pilbara Iron. Together with their colleagues at ATAL in Dampier (Mark Simpson in particular), they ensured that no stone was left unturned in the pursuit of essential data. Others who assisted in this process are too numerous to list by department but included Jim Codde, Vivien Gee, Peter Somerford, John Harris, Judith Uren, Luke Drozdowski, Mark Jessop, Robin Wood, Roger Holding, Tom Mulholland, Stephen Smythe, Bob Hay, and Mark Hewitt from key Western Australian government agencies, along with Julie Kirkby of Centrelink and Mohammed Shahidullah and Maria Meere from the ABS. Other invaluable assistance was provided by Ian Satchwell of ACIL Tasman, John Fernandez at the University of Western Australia, Tony Meagher at Monash University, Anne Larson of the Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health in Geraldton, Louis Warren at BHP Billiton, and Brian Hughey and Charmain Tullock from Ngarda Civil and Mining. Simon Hawkins and Adrian Murphy of the Yamatji Marlpa Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation were also helpful in their support. At the ANU, Yohannes Kinfu assisted in the preparation of population projections, while Kay Dancey drafted the maps. Finally, we are grateful for the constructive comments on initial drafts from two referees as well as many CAEPR colleagues (notably David Martin). Geoff Buchanan of CAEPR meticulously weeded out any errors, and Frances Morphy spent long hours copy editing the manuscript for publication. Brendon McKinley of ANU E Press was responsible for the layout and design. Last, but not least, we are greatly indebted to the many Indigenous men and women of the Pilbara who volunteered their thoughts, opinions, and life experiences in a manner that greatly enhances our understanding of the raw statistics. We hope this study does justice to their interests.