Our history

1851

A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island

A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island (Belitung) in the Dutch East Indies. The party is led by Vincent Gildemeester Baron van Tuyll van Serooskerken and John Francis Loudon. Their discovery is in a tropical region, surpassing Cornwall in England as the world's largest producer of tin.

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1860

NV Billiton Maatschappij is established

NV Billiton Maatschappij is established and the company’s articles of association are signed at the Groot Keizerhof Hotel in The Hague, Netherlands. Two months later, the Billiton Company acquires mineral rights to the Billiton and Bangka Islands. It will mine tin on Billiton Island until 1958.

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1883

Charles Rasp discovers silver and lead at Broken Hill

Charles Rasp is a boundary rider on a remote Australian sheep station in the Barrier Ranges in New South Wales. While at work he discovers rich silver and lead and pays for one of the biggest mining leases ever taken out on a payable ore body in Australia at that time.

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1885

Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd is floated

Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd is floated, with its head office in Melbourne. The Company’s directors resolve to hire the best mining experts from around the world. This early emphasis on expertise is the basis of a hiring policy that continues to this day.

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1902

Invention of the flotation vessel

Inspired partly by brewing techniques, the Potter-Delprat Process is developed by BHP to extract huge tonnages of zinc that were not previously commercially viable. Modern versions of this flotation process are used around the world to extract a wide variety of minerals. Its invention is a high point in the history of metallurgy.

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1906

Fire breaks out at BHP underground mine

Fire breaks out in BHP’s underground mine at Broken Hill, resulting in the loss of several lives and emphasising the risks associated with mining. Rescue efforts by courageous miners are hampered by poisonous gas. More awards are conferred for acts of bravery than for any previous event in Australian history.

1915

Newcastle Steelworks opened

Newcastle Steelworks completed. The first large-scale steelworks in the nation, it will run for the next 84 years. In the next half century, the company’s expanding steelworks, at Newcastle and Port Kembla, attract scores of new businesses and help to industrialise the nation.

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1930

Billiton establishes a peoples fund

Billiton establishes a peoples fund to provide educational, medical and social services to its workforce. Strong ties and a commitment to communities continue to this day with BHP Billiton.

1934

Australian built military aircraft at Port Melbourne begin

BHP’s Managing Director Essington Lewis returns from Japan, convinced it is preparing for war. He forms an Australian syndicate to build military aircraft. During the war, Lewis is the most powerful civilian in the nation and heads the munitions and aircraft industries. He refuses to be paid for his work.

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1935

Establishment of first bauxite mine on Bintan Island

Billiton expands its business activities, establishing the first bauxite mine on Bintan Island in Indonesia. Six years later, Billiton mines bauxite in Suriname, South America. Bauxite is the raw material for aluminium, the lightweight metal for which demand soars during World War II.

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1939

The BHP fighter planes against the Japanese

The BHP-led syndicate, Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, flies their first planes - the Wirraway – which make up most of the front line fighters when Japan enters the war in 1941. The Wirraways, effectively training planes, are followed by the faster and stronger Boomerangs, Beauforts and Beaufighters.

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1941

Ship building for the navy at Whyalla

Ship building for the navy begins at Whyalla, South Australia – the site of a new BHP blast furnace. The first corvette, HMAS Whyalla, is launched on 12 May. BHP’s willingness to diversify into a range of activities makes it the nation’s greatest manufacturing company as well as the largest private shipowner.

1957

BHP opens Central Research Laboratories at Shortland, Newcastle

To tackle a wide span of challenges, BHP opens Central Research Laboratories at Shortland, Newcastle. The facility is used to research and develop new techniques in ore smelting, refining and steel-making, as well as research new methods and technologies to aid in the discovery and development of natural resources.

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1963

BHP and Esso collaborate in search for oil

Spearheaded by BHP’s Chief General Manager Ian McLennan and American geologist Dr. Lewis Weeks, BHP and Esso collaborate in the successful search for oil beneath Bass Strait, Victoria. The discovery of crude oil in 1967 and subsequent production insulates Australia against the global oil crisis of 1973-1974.

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1968

Rich iron ore is developed at Mt. Newman

Huge deposits of rich iron ore are developed at Mt. Newman in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. A long railway is built to the Indian Ocean. Eventually, Port Hedland in Western Australia becomes Australia’s largest port and today, is one of the world’s main bulk-cargo ports.

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1970

Royal/Dutch Shell Group purchases Billiton

Royal/Dutch Shell Group purchases Billiton on 25 July. In the following two decades, Billiton becomes a mining empire with works extending from Australia to South America. The Company intensifies its exploration, research and development of new mines. It is also at the forefront of sustainable mining practices.

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1984

BHP acquires Utah International from General Electric

BHP acquires Utah International from General Electric. The purchase makes BHP a major coal exporter in Queensland and extends the Company’s operations into the United States, Brazil, Canada and Chile. The deal transforms BHP into a worldwide minerals company.

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1990

Escondida in Chile begins producing copper

The huge mine at Escondida in Chile – located in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth – begins producing copper. BHP’s controlling interest in Escondida makes it one of the world’s leading copper miners.

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1991

BHP discovers diamonds in Canada

The discovery of diamonds in Canada was kept secret for four months, but when news broke it sparks the largest staking rush in North American history. 40 million acres are staked over 18 months from Yellowknife to the Arctic Ocean. EKATI would become Canada's first diamond mine officially opening 14 October 1998.

1994

Billiton is acquired by Gencor

A major portion of Billiton, including its stakes in mining and metals in 15 countries, is acquired by South African mining company, Gencor. Billiton prospers. It is to be divested from Gencor in 1997 and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

2000

BHP formally becomes BHP Limited

BHP formally becomes BHP Limited. It retains the ‘Broken Hill’ in its name even though the ‘Big Mine’ at Broken Hill closed in 1940. Not surprisingly, many Australians continue to believe mistakenly that BHP Billiton still operates at Broken Hill.

2001

BHP and Billiton reach agreement to merge

BHP and Billiton reaches an agreement with shareholders to merge on 18 March 2001. The merger receives Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval in June 2001 under the conditions that BHP Billiton Group continue a strong Australian focus with headquarters remaining in Melbourne. European Commission approval follows on 15 June 2001.

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2001

BHP Billiton's Typhoon Oilfield commences production

Oil and gas production begins at the Typhoon oilfield in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Typhoon was an import step in the delivery of BHP Billiton’s deepwater exploration strategy.

2001

Antamina Copper-Zinc project achieves commercial production

BHP Billiton’s Antamina Copper-Zinc mine in northern Peru achieves commercial production more than four months ahead of the original schedule. The mine is among the largest and lowest cost copper-zinc producers in the world.

2001

Significant oil discovery made offshore Trinidad

BHP Billiton announces a significant oil discovery offshore Trinidad. This is the first new oil reservoir discovered in 33 years in the country.

2002

Demerger of BHP Steel

In July 2002, BHP Billiton announces the demerger of BHP Steel. The demerger is an important milestone in the history of BHP Billiton and the future of BHP Steel.

2004

BHP Billiton approves Spence Copper Project

BHP Billiton announces the US$990 million Spence Copper Project in northern Chile. At the time, it is the best undeveloped copper orebody known in the world. Its large reserves, low operating cost structure, high return potential, and close proximity to critical infrastructure, enables it to be one of the world’s top tier mines.

2004

BHP Billiton enters joint venture with China and Japan

BHP Billiton announces its intention to form a joint venture with Japan’s JFE Steel Corporation, a recently merged entity of Kawasaki Steel Corporation and NKK. This partnership would be BHP Billiton’s first iron ore joint venture with a Japanese steelmaker.

2005

BHP Billiton acquires Western Mining Corporation

BHP Billiton acquires Western Mining Corporation (WMC), an Australian mining and fertiliser company. At takeover, BHP Billiton acquires Nickel West in WA - a fully integrated mine-to-market nickel business - and Olympic Dam in SA – one of the world’s largest deposits of copper, gold, uranium, and a significant deposit of silver.

2005

First oil production from the Greater Angostura Field

BHP Billiton announces the first production from the Angostura field in Trinidad and Tobago. Start-up from Angostura represented the first oil production from the northeast coast of Trinidad.

2009

First oil and natural gas production from Shenzi

In March 2009, BHP Billiton announces the first oil and natural gas production from the Shenzi development in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Boasting the second deepest tension leg platform in the world, the development comes in on time and budget, and is an important milestone for Petroleum.

2010

First oil production commences from Pyrenees project

The first oil production commences ahead of schedule from BHP Billiton operated Pyrenees project, offshore Western Australia. The project is very technically challenging, yet is executed extremely well, making significant contributions to Petroleum’s worldwide operations and production volumes for years to come.

2010

Athabasca Potash in Canada acquired

BHP Billiton acquires Athabasca Potash in March 2010. This provides BHP Billiton with 100% control of the Burr project and various additional potash exploration properties in Saskatchewan, Canada. This gives BHP Billiton access to a total of more than 14,000 km2 of exploration ground in the Saskatchewan potash basin.

2011

First gas commences from the Angostura Gas Project

BHP Billiton commences its first gas production from the Angostura Gas Project, offshore Trinidad and Tobago. Delivered on schedule and budget, the project is an important addition to BHP Billiton’s portfolio, potentially tripling production at the Trinidad and Tobago business over the following year.

2011

EKATI Spirit discovered

In 2011, BHP announces the discovery of the most significant gem-quality diamond to be discovered at EKATI Diamond Mine and in Canada. The 78 carat EKATI Spirit, is presented for auction in Antwerp, Belgium, and is a breathtaking example of the stunning gem-quality diamonds produced at EKATI.

2012

BHP Billiton consolidates operations

BHP consolidates its operations, selling EKATI Diamond Mine in Canada, Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa, and the Teerlittie Uranium Deposit in Western Australia. This allows BHP Billiton to focus on their core portfolio, supporting the strategy to operate large, long-life, low cost, expandable, upstream assets diversified by commodity, geography and market.

2013

BHP Billiton invests in Jansen Potash Project

BHP Billiton invests in the Jansen Potash project, the world’s best undeveloped potash resource, to finish the excavation and lining of the production and service shafts and to the installation of essential surface infrastructure and utilities.

2013

Daunia Metallurgical Coal Mine opens in central Queensland

In September 2013, BHP Billiton celebrates the opening of the new Daunia mine, the company’s ninth operating metallurgical coal mine in central Queensland. The project started construction in 2011, and came in under budget, as well as opening four months ahead of schedule.

2013

First gas at Macedon gas project

BHP Billiton celebrates its first gas production at Macedon. Building on their strong oil and gas operations in WA, it's BHP Billiton’s largest operated Australian gas project and is expected to supply domestic gas for the wholesale market in WA until at least 2033, as well at 20% of the state’s domestic gas for consumers and industry.

2013

BHP Billiton moves into new global headquarters

BHP Billiton officially opens its new head office at 171 Collins Street, a new Melbourne landmark building. The sustainable building has environmental targets which will ensure it operates sustainably for the long term. It achieves Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star 6 Star Office Design and targets 5 Star National Australian Built Environment Rating System.

2015

Demerger of South32

On 19 August 2014, BHP announces plans to simplify its portfolio by creating an independent global metals and mining company, South32, based on a selection of its high quality alumina, aluminum, coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc assets. In May 2015, following a successful shareholder vote, South32 is founded.

2016

BHP launches Prospects

BHP launches Prospects, a blog series, to provide insights on global trends relevant to their business and our stakeholders.

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2017

BHP approves extending life of Spence copper mine

BHP announces approval of capital expenditure of US$2.46 billion for the Spence Growth Option which will extend the mine life by more than 50 years.

2017

BHP launches Think Big brand campaign

BHP launches the Think Big brand campaign in Australia, their first advertising campaign in over 30 years.

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2017

BHP and PEMEX sign agreement for oil discovery

BHP advances its deep-water oil exploration and production interests in the Gulf of Mexico with PEMEX.

2017

Yandi achieves one billion tonnes

Yandi achieves an historic milestone - one billion tonnes Ore For Rail produced in the mine’s lifetime.

2018

BHP approves South Flank project

BHP approves US$2.9 billion in capital expenditure for the South Flank project in the central Pilbara, Western Australia.

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The history of BHP and Billiton

A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island

NV Billiton Maatschappij is established

Charles Rasp discovers silver and lead at Broken Hill

Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd is floated

Invention of the flotation vessel

Fire breaks out at BHP underground mine

Newcastle Steelworks opened

Billiton establishes a peoples fund

Australian built military aircraft at Port Melbourne begin

Establishment of first bauxite mine on Bintan Island

The BHP fighter planes against the Japanese

Ship building for the navy at Whyalla

BHP opens Central Research Laboratories at Shortland, Newcastle

BHP and Esso collaborate in search for oil

Rich iron ore is developed at Mt. Newman

Royal/Dutch Shell Group purchases Billiton

BHP acquires Utah International from General Electric

Escondida in Chile begins producing copper

BHP discovers diamonds in Canada

Billiton is acquired by Gencor

BHP formally becomes BHP Limited

BHP and Billiton reach agreement to merge

BHP Billiton's Typhoon Oilfield commences production

Antamina Copper-Zinc project achieves commercial production

Significant oil discovery made offshore Trinidad

Demerger of BHP Steel

BHP Billiton approves Spence Copper Project

BHP Billiton enters joint venture with China and Japan

BHP Billiton acquires Western Mining Corporation

First oil production from the Greater Angostura Field

First oil and natural gas production from Shenzi

First oil production commences from Pyrenees project

Athabasca Potash in Canada acquired

First gas commences from the Angostura Gas Project

EKATI Spirit discovered

BHP Billiton consolidates operations

BHP Billiton invests in Jansen Potash Project

Daunia Metallurgical Coal Mine opens in central Queensland

First gas at Macedon gas project

BHP Billiton moves into new global headquarters

Demerger of South32

BHP launches Prospects

BHP approves extending life of Spence copper mine

BHP launches Think Big brand campaign

BHP and PEMEX sign agreement for oil discovery

Yandi achieves one billion tonnes

BHP approves South Flank project

Beyond the Surface: The History of BHP

The history of BHP

Explore a selection of publications and videos from our archives

A Souvenir from Broken Hill (1912)

Broken Hill Proprietary Recreation Review (1922)

A Souvenir of Broken Hill (1935)

The BHP Review: Jubilee Edition (1935)

100 Years of Growing with Australia (1985)

Australians in Company (1985)

The Iron Ships (1992)

In 3 Minutes (1992)

Professor Geoffrey Blainey on the history of BHP