Our history

140 years ago, BHP offered an opportunity to share in an extraordinary resource discovered by seven ordinary, yet pioneering, men. From small beginnings, their adventure has grown to benefit millions more across the world.
Providing products to develop our world and investments that help build communities around it. Delivering jobs that provide for families and dividends that help secure retirements.
Like many of their generation, the founders tried their luck on the new frontier of minerals exploration in the outback of Australia. They were not geologists. They were not even miners. They were pastoralists, farm hands and bookkeepers.
What they lacked in practical experience, they more than made up for in pioneering spirit.
At their heart, they were problem solvers

The history of BHP

1883

Charles Rasp discovers silver and lead at Broken Hill

Pastoralists, farm hands and bookkeepers all tried their luck on the new frontier of minerals exploration at Broken Hill. Amongst these groups is Charles Rasp, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 frontline fighters when Japan enters the war in 1941. The Wirraways, effectively training planes, are followed by the faster and stronger Boomerangs, Beauforts and Beaufighters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Forty 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.

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 still operates at Broken Hill.

2001

BHP and Billiton reach agreement to merge

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

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.

2002

First Reconciliation Action Plan

BHP Billiton was the first corporate partner of Reconciliation Australia in 2002 and released its initial Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) five years later. BHP’s current RAP (2023–2027), its sixth, was co-developed with more than 1000 stakeholders, consulting intensively with Traditional Owners and Indigenous partners across Australia.

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 Western Australia - a fully integrated mine-to-market nickel business - and Olympic Dam in South Australia – 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 the Petroleum business.

2010

First oil production commences from Pyrenees project

The first oil production commences ahead of schedule from the 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 Billiton 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 Billiton 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 its 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 for 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 (steelmaking) 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 strong oil and gas operations in Western Australia, Macedon becomes BHP Billiton’s largest operated Australian gas project with an expectation to supply domestic gas for the wholesale market in Western Australia until at least 2033, as well as 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 building sets environmental targets to enable it to operate more 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.

2013

The BHP Foundation

The BHP Foundation is established in 2013 to help address some of the world’s most critical sustainable development challenges. It is created as an charitable foundation funded by BHP Billiton but operating independently to complement BHP’s broader social value efforts by supporting transformational partnerships that deliver long-term, systemic change.

2014

One billionth tonne of iron ore to China

BHP Billiton celebrates the shipment of its one billionth tonne of iron ore to China on 12 December 2014. This milestone marked a significant achievement in the long-standing trade relationship between BHP Billiton and China, which began with the first shipment in 1973.

2015

Demerger of South32

On 19 August 2014, BHP Billiton 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, aluminium, coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc assets. In May 2015, following a successful shareholder vote, South32 is founded.

2015

Banjima Agreement

In November 2015, BHP Billiton signs a new native title agreement with the Banjima People in Western Australia. The agreement was believed to be one of the most significant of its kind in Australia at the time and highlighted BHP Billiton’s transparent and innovative approach to engaging Indigenous communities.

2017

BHP Billiton approves extending life of Spence copper mine

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

2017

BHP Billiton and PEMEX sign agreement for oil discovery

BHP Billiton 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.

2017

Rebranding to BHP

The company simplifies its name from BHP Billiton to BHP, reinforcing its identity and focus on core assets. This was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations, divest non-core assets, and strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

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.

2019

Uluru Statement from the Heart

In 2019, BHP becomes one of the first major Australian companies to endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart - a landmark call from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for Voice, Treaty and Truth. The company’s endorsement was built on engagement with Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities and in line with BHP’s longstanding commitment to reconciliation.

2021

BHP approves investment in Jansen Stage 1 potash project

BHP approves capital expenditure for Jansen Stage 1 aligned with its strategy of growing exposure to future-facing commodities in world class assets, which are large, low cost and expandable.

2022

BHP unifies its corporate structure

On 31 January 2022, BHP unifies its corporate structure under BHP Group Limited. Unification was implemented to provide a corporate structure that makes BHP simpler and more agile, with the strategic flexibility to shape our portfolio for the future.

2022

BHP merged Petroleum business with Woodside

On 1 June 2022, we merge BHP’s Petroleum business with Woodside to create a global top 10 independent energy company by production.

2022

BHP holds first annual Traditional Owners Forum

Held on an annual basis, the Traditional Owners’ Forum has strong representation from BHP’s partner Traditional Owner groups from around Australia. Input is sought from Traditional Owners to co-create the agenda, and the themes of discussion provide an opportunity to reflect and speak honestly on BHP’s performance and delivery in the context of Traditional Owner experiences.

2023

BHP completes acquisition of OZ Minerals

BHP announces the completion of the OZ Minerals acquisition and implementation of the scheme of arrangement to acquire 100% of the shares in OZ Minerals. This acquisition strengthens BHP’s portfolio in copper and nickel and is in line with our strategy to meet increasing demand for the critical minerals needed for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels to support the energy transition.

2023

BHP approves investment in Jansen Stage 2 potash project

In a further important milestone underscoring confidence in potash and the next phase of the company’s growth in Canada, BHP approves investment in Stage 2 of the Jansen Potash Project. The investment advances BHP’s strategy to increase its exposure to commodities positively leveraged to the global megatrends of population growth, urbanisation, rising living standards and decarbonisation, with potash, used in fertilisers, viewed as essential for food security and more sustainable farming. The Jansen site is located approximately 140 kilometres east of Saskatoon.

2024

Historic Native Title Project Agreement

In October 2024, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation (BBAC), on behalf of the Barada Barna people, enter into a Native Title Project Agreement, paving a new pathway for future generations. Barada Barna are the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways around the Bowen Basin in Queensland, Australia where BMA operates its Broadmeadow, Caval Ridge, Goonyella, Peak Downs and Saraji steelmaking coal mines. The agreement reached set a new way forward in the relationship between BHP, BMA and the Barada Barna people, providing for intergenerational benefit.

2025

Acquisition of Filo Corp. and formation of the Vicuña Joint Venture

BHP completed the acquisition of Filo Corp. on 15 January 2025, in partnership with Lundin Mining, as part of a strategic move to jointly develop the Filo del Sol and Josemaria copper projects in the Vicuña district of Argentina and Chile.

2025

Gender balance milestone

In early 2025, BHP achieves a significant milestone: 40 per cent gender balance within its global employee workforce, with gender balance defined as a minimum 40 per cent women and 40 per cent men, in line with definitions used by entities such as the International Labour Organization. This wasn't just about hitting a number; it was the payoff from a bold vision set in 2016, when women made up only 17.6 per cent of the company.

2025

BHP 140-year anniversary

In 2025, BHP marks its 140-year anniversary, commemorating its incorporation in 1885 as the Broken Hill Proprietary Company. This milestone honours BHP’s transformation from a silver, lead, and zinc miner in Broken Hill into one of the world’s leading diversified resource companies.

Explore a selection of publications and videos from our archives

Our history

Our history

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)

140 years of building a future together