BHP Mt Arthur are continually seeking to provide greater opportunities for local Indigenous suppliers who have the capacity and capability to provide goods and services to site in a timely and cost efficient manner.

With the assistance of BHP, C-Res is identifying Indigenous businesses eligible to register with the Local Buying Program and embracing the opportunity to establish meaningful business relationships. This has seen the number of Traditional Owner and Indigenous Business suppliers registered in NSW grow by 40% during FY22.

As a result, there has been a significant increase in engagement between Indigenous Businesses and BHP MAC during the last financial year, with 42 separate Work Instructions issued to seven (50%) of the available Indigenous Businesses on the program in NSW.

There is a range of LBP registered local Indigenous businesses for MAC to engage with through the program, providing goods and services in traditional mining related fields as well as diversifying into agricultural, technological and land rehabilitation services.

By registering as a supplier with the Local Buying Program, Indigenous Businesses can broaden their customer base while also ensuring greater visibility across the wider Upper Hunter region.

Additionally, securing the services of small, local businesses contributes to the sustainability of the regional community in which BHP operates.

“This increased engagement via the LBP has seen $700,000 approved spend directed to Indigenous Businesses in FY22, with another $550 thousand approved spend to proceed. This activity has lifted awareness of buyers on site to engage with Indigenous Businesses and achieve cost benefits and efficiencies gained by purchasing via the Local Buying Program” said John Aurisch, C-Res Business Development and Communications Manager.