According to the report, most of this year’s investment went to local suppliers, with AU$737 million spent. Of this, AU$529 million was allocated to indigenous businesses.
In terms of BHP’s total contribution to training and development programs in the region, the amount since 2014 now stands at AU$6.6 billion.
More than 16,000 employees and contractors have been supported by the mining giant’s Western Australian iron ore operations, which have contributed 290 million tonnes of production.
Pilbara, Goldfields and Kwinana remain the regions primarily supported by BHP’s efforts.
“We know real change happens when communities, industry and government work together,” says Tim Day, president of the Western Australian Iron Ore operation.
BHP special programs
Among his community projects, Day cited BHP’s participation Pilbara Safe Spaces Programa government-initiated partnership program for unsupervised youth in Port Hedland and Newman that aims to provide adult supervision and support services through various facilities, activities and even skills training.
“(It) is an example of collaboration in action – ensuring at-risk youth have a place where they feel safe, supported and connected to services that can make a difference,” he said.
The program also aims to address family support, life skills development and pathways to education and employment.
In addition, BHP partnered with Women’s Legal Service WA (WLSWA), a free, trauma-informed legal service available to women in Port Hedland and Newman.
The service was initially launched as a pilot program in 2020 and grew into a multi-year initiative aimed at improving the safety, health and well-being of Indigenous and non-Indigenous women experiencing or at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence.
“Family and domestic violence services are vital in regions like the Pilbara, as distance often prevents women from accessing appropriate legal support and advice,” said Jennie Gray, CEO of WLWSA.
Another partnership that began in 2020 is BHP’s collaboration with the Newman Community Center (NCC), a hub that aims to provide a safe space for new mothers, provide mental health support and host a range of training, community and inclusive events.
BHP primarily provides funding for these activities and has also initiated the inclusion of a Community Health nurse who will provide early intervention support and education.
In terms of community project financing, BHP also maintains its support Community Grant Program in Western Australia.
Since 2020, the program has provided funding for grassroots initiatives such as water fountain and sunshade installations, CCTV system upgrades, and fitness and career development programs.
It is reported that more than 70 funding grants have been awarded this year.
Australia’s workforce forecast highlights WA
A Forecast of resources and energy for the period 2025 to 2030. The workforce published by the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) ranks Western Australia as the region with the highest number of upcoming projects.
Of the 96 projects expected, 42 are from the region, representing increased demand for workers in the area.
“In May 2025, Western Australia’s resources and energy industry directly employed 165,300 people,” the report said.
This supports BHP’s position on investing in the region’s workforce, adding that the company has made a AU$5 million contribution to the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development to support apprenticeships and training in Goldfields.
“By supporting the next generation of local traders through this program, we can address the skilled workforce shortage and ensure the industry has the right skills it needs to grow and prosper,” said Annabelle Blom, BHP’s Vice President of Western Australia Nickel.
“It’s also about keeping talent in the region, giving people from the Goldfields the opportunity to learn, work and grow their careers close to home,” she said.
The report added that the investment builds on the company’s commitment to the region, including the AU$20 million WA Nickel Community Fund established in late 2024 to support Goldfields communities through BHP’s nickel operations in Western Australia, a transition to a temporary suspension of BHP’s nickel operations in Western Australia.
At least 88 jobs were also created through BHP’s talent pool.
It is important to note that in July, BHP was reportedly ordered to pay each of Central Queensland’s 2,200 coal workers an extra AU$30,000 on average, following a ruling by the Fair Work Commission.
The ruling stems from a case brought by the Mining and Energy Union and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union against BHP. It focused on the 2024 Same Job, Same Pay reforms.
BHP has not yet released a statement in response to the reports, but a spokesperson has told NewsWire that it takes note of the ruling and studies the ruling; it will fulfill all orders made.
“It is clear that this will have an impact on our business,” the spokesperson said.
BHP’s upcoming WA projects
BHP iron ore projects in Western Australia are expected in the coming years, including the Western Ridge iron ore project in Newman, the Ministers North iron ore deposit in the Pilbara and the NeoSmelt pilot plant in Kwinana.
According to AREEA’s outlook, Western Ridge has an estimated 200 employees and is expected to start operating in 2027.
Ministers North will follow in 2028 with an estimated production of 20 million tonnes of iron ore per year, while the NeoSmelt plant in partnership with Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) is expected to deliver 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes of low-carbon molten iron in 2028.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, have no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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