Prior to the LBP commencing in the Nickel West regions, businesses often encountered difficulty engaging with BHP and accessing work opportunities, especially for small start-up Traditional Owner businesses like Yonga Djena. The procurement process is complex with mining companies in the region and often leaves small local businesses with an experience less than positive.
The Local Buying Program was introduced to the region in July, and soon after numerous BHP Buyers and a variety of suppliers began registering. William from Yonga Djena first heard about the Local Buying Program during a C-Res presentation at a Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber event. From there he registered his business, has received notifications of current work opportunities with BHP Nickel West, and recently completed landscaping and gardening works on site.
Traditional Owner and Indigenous businesses registered with the Local Buying Program can broaden their customer base and build greater visibility across BHP assets in the Nickel West regions. Engagements via the Local Buying Program build on existing business capabilities of small, local and Indigenous businesses and support business growth opportunities.
BHP and C-Res are actively identifying and supporting local Indigenous businesses. Additionally, securing the services of these local businesses contributes to the sustainability of the regional community in which BHP operates.
The LBP portal is being used by BHP Buyers to identify Traditional Owner and Indigenous Businesses in the region capable of delivering quality goods and services to site. As a result of the engagement, positive working relationships are being built between BHP and local Indigenous businesses in the Goldfields region.
“The overall experience dealing with C Res and the Local Buying Program has been very easy and positive. Yonga Djena were engaged for gardening and landscaping work around the admin building which has been overgrown and not been maintained for years. William has been pleasant to deal with since the start. They replied to emails promptly and were keen to engage. The team were all professional with good work ethics. They welcome feedback and are very easy to work with. We received lots of positive comments on how tidy the garden is. Lots of smiles, lifting spirits and creating a nice work place.” Ruj Limprasert, Mine Services Superintendent, Nickel West – Cliffs, Northern Operations.