BHP has announced the establishment of a $50 million Vital Resources Fund to support regional Australian communities in its areas of operation, which are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move follows the announcement that it would deliver $100 million into small, local and Indigenous businesses by accelerating payments and reducing payment terms to seven days (from 30 days).
BHP CEO Mike Henry said the spending will be focused on the regions surrounding BHP’s Australian operations, including the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland, the Hunter Valley in NSW, Roxby Downs and the Upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia, and the Pilbara and Goldfields regions in Western Australia.
“BHP stands with the regional communities we operate in,” Mr Henry said.
“With those communities facing significant challenges, we are stepping up in establishing the Vital Resources Fund, which will provide support in a range of areas such as health services and resilience building during this difficult time.
“We know COVID-19 will require a significant collective response from governments, businesses, communities and individuals across Australia. We are determined to play our part as we work through this challenge together.”
