BHP is reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Pilbara, with Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) asset president Tim Day announcing more than $1 billion in new investment for Port Hedland at the 2025 Hedland Economic Forum.
Day said BHP’s plans include the delivery of a sixth car dumper at Nelson Point, which will support sustained production of more than 305 million tonnes a year over the medium term.
“We’re investing more than $1 billion to deliver a sixth car dumper at Nelson Point,” Day said. “This will enable at least five car dumpers to run around 90 per cent of the time. It’ll generate some massive opportunities to create jobs and drive the economy here in Hedland too.”
He said the project reflects BHP’s broader focus on “writing the next big chapter” for the region through collaboration between miners, government, traditional owners, businesses and the community.
“The Pilbara is the engine room of Australia,” he said. “We need to focus on how we can unlock new projects and growth opportunities, improve liveability through better housing, healthcare and education, and create more opportunities for local industry to thrive.”
Day said local partnerships remain crucial, noting that last year BHP spent more than $730 million with nearly 300 Western Australian businesses, including $50 million through its Local Buying Program.
BHP is also collaborating with the WA Government and Core Innovation Hub to deliver the Made in the Pilbara grants program, which aims to help local businesses innovate and grow.
Decarbonisation remains a key focus for the miner. Day outlined BHP’s progress in trialling battery-electric haul trucks at the Jimblebar mine and preparing for the arrival of Australia’s first battery-electric locomotives in Port Hedland next month through its partnership with Wabtec.
“Replacing diesel isn’t just a fuel switch; it’s a transformation in how we operate, power our sites and train our people,” he said. “Electrifying our fleet isn’t just about lower emissions, it’s about smarter logistics, safer operations and a more resilient future.”
Day said BHP’s collaboration with Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and Komatsu on trialling battery-electric haul trucks in the Pilbara.
“Port Hedland isn’t just a gateway,” he said. “It’s a launchpad for the future of our industry.”
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