BHP has released its 2023 Western Australia iron ore community development report, revealing a year targeting local investment.
The major outlined a year of growth with 48 new apprentices and 252 new trainees, with initiatives underway that aim to help other Pilbara businesses attract and retain employees in the region.
“We want to create enduring, collaborative, and mutually beneficial partnerships which improve outcomes for the West Australian community,” BHP said.“Each year, we are investing in community development initiatives across Western Australia that make a real difference to people.
“In FY2023, our total community development expenditure in WA was $518.1 million and while the numbers are significant, it’s the outcomes to our community that matter most.”
BHP’s Western Australian iron ore (WAIO) partnered with 321 local businesses, including 243 small Indigenous businesses.
“We’re committed to working hard to create more opportunities like these for other non-Indigenous and Indigenous businesses, and while we have a lot more work to do, we’re on the right track,” BHP asset president Brandon Craig said.
“This past year, we increased our spend with Indigenous businesses by 70 per cent on the previous year to $275.7 million, and we are on target to achieve $300 million annual spend by 2024.”
With over $70 million awarded to land rehabilitation projects across the state, Craig emphasised the BHP strategy as creating and accelerating social value, with a strong focus on future business planning.
“We look forward to another year ahead, partnering with communities, local businesses and government stakeholders to share in our success and most importantly, making a real, positive difference to thousands of people living in the communities in which we operate, and our great state.”
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