BHP has announced it is establishing a $50 million Vital Resources Fund to help support regional Australian communities in areas of its operations, including the Pilbara and Goldfields regions, facing challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement from BHP said it would work with relevant leaders and groups to distribute funding according to local needs in coming weeks and months.
BHP anticipates funding will be used for: local and regional health networks; essential community services; community mental health and resilience; social partners and community leaders to support indigenous communities; and to increase resources and training available to job seekers over the long term.
BHP chief executive Mike Henry said BHP stood with the regional communities it operated in.
“With those communities facing significant challenges, we are stepping up in establishing the Vital Resources Fund, which will provide support in a range of areas such as health services and resilience building during this difficult time,” he said.
“We know COVID-19 will require a significant collective response from governments, businesses, communities and individuals across Australia.
“We are determined to play our part as we work through this challenge together.”
Other communities receiving money will be in the Bowen Basin in Queensland, the Hunter Valley in NSW and Roxby Downs and the Upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia.
The establishment of the fund follows BHP’s announcement on Thursday that it would deliver about $100 million to small businesses by accelerating payments and reducing payment terms from seven days to 30 days.
On Friday, BHP announced it would employ an additional 1,500 staff nationally.