Indigenous suppliers can expect a healthy continuation of project work with BHP after the miner detailed more than $1 billion in new investment for Port Hedland on Thursday.
Western Australia Iron Ore asset president Tim Day made the announcement at the 2025 Hedland Economic Forum, with plans including 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.
"This will enable at least five car dumpers to run around 90 per cent of the time ... and generate some massive opportunities to create jobs and drive the economy here in Hedland too," Mr Day said.
The investment reflected BHP's broader focus for the region through collaboration between miners, government, Traditional Owners, businesses and the community.
"The Pilbara is the engine room of Australia," Mr Day 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."
BHP was also collaborating with the WA Government and Core Innovation Hub to grants through its Made in the Pilbara program, which aims to help local businesses innovate and grow.
Decarbonisation remained central, with BHP trialling battery-electric haul trucks at the Jimblebar mine and expecting Australia's first battery-electric locomotives in Port Hedland next month.
Mr Day said BHP's collaboration with Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and Komatsu trialling battery-electric haul trucks in the Pilbara was a transformation in how it operated, powered its sites and trained its people.
"Electrifying our fleet isn't just about lower emissions, it's about smarter logistics, safer operations and a more resilient future," he said.
"Port Hedland isn't just a gateway ... it's a launchpad for the future of our industry,.
The billion-dollar investment followed the miner posting a record spend last week for community investment in WA, with a record $944 million on regional development, Indigenous partnerships and social programs in the 2024-25 financial year.
"BHP is successful when we make a positive difference for our employees, partners, local communities, the environment and the economy," the FY25 report said.
The mining giant contributed $2.8b in royalties and payments to government, $12b to suppliers and supported more than 16,000 employees and contractors across its WAIO operations.
A major focus was building local capability, with $737m spent with local suppliers, including $529m with Indigenous businesses ($312m of which with local Traditional Owner businesses), marking a 14 per cent rise from FY24.
Mr Day said the company's investment was about driving long-term social impact.
"We know that real change happens when communities, industry and government work together," he said.
"The Pilbara Safe Spaces Program is an example of collaboration in action, ensuring at-risk young people have a place where they feel safe, supported and connected to services that can make a difference."
BHP also invested $101.2m in community infrastructure, including a $45m housing project in South Hedland, and provided more than 70 community grants across regional WA.
Company vice president (WA nickel) Annabelle Blom said the new WA Nickel Community Fund showed the company's enduring commitment to regional wellbeing.
"This is more than bricks and mortar. It's the first step in a long-term commitment to investing in the social and cultural fabric of Kalgoorlie-Boulder," she said.
