BHP passes indigenous contracts milestone

Mining giant BHP Billiton has taken its total commitment to indigenous-owned businesses to $115 million.

BHP said it had awarded a total of 23 direct contracts to 15 different indigenous businesses, covering earthworks and construction to mining and landscaping.

BHP Billiton Iron Ore senior manager – communities and indigenous affairs, Chris Cottier, said the global miner’s strategy was to establish long-term, collaborative relationships with indigenous businesses.

Mr Cottier said most contracts comprised 5 year terms, and ranged from $300,000 to $350 million.

“At BHP Billiton we are committed to reducing disadvantage among Indigenous members of our community.” Mr Cottier said.

“Stimulating growth in Indigenous businesses is a critical piece of the puzzle and just one of the ways we seek to achieve this goal.

“We are extremely encouraged by the success of our indigenous contracting program to date and will continue to expand it in coming years.”

Pilbara Logistics managing director Geoff Stocker said his business had grown steadily since winning a range of contracts with BHP Billiton Iron Ore.

“With roughly fifty per cent of our staff being local Indigenous residents in the Pilbara, it makes a big impact; not just on the local economy, but also on the community,” Mr Stocker said.

“The flexible approach taken by BHP Billiton in awarding contracts gave us the chance to work on larger projects and build our business.”