As part of BHP’s 140-year celebrations, second-generation BHP employee, Equipment Monitoring Controller for Red Crew, Luke Anderson, shared some great stories about his father, Mark ‘Ando’ Anderson, who retired in 2016 after more than 38 years with Mt Arthur.

When Ando started in the industry, he would use the old school machinery that was in use before safety regulations and operator comfort became primary design factors. Back in the day, Ando operated the old twin stick trucks, old Wabcos, and the open-cab scrapers and dozers, and to this day says his scariest moment on the job was driving a Liebherr truck for the very first time.

But despite the physically demanding nature of his role, Ando had plenty of good memories. He enjoyed working with his A crew mates and the banter and comradery between them. In fact, even now, after 40+ years, the crew still have social get togethers every few months. And in true ‘stick it to your mates’ style, Ando’s most cherished memory was being number 1 on the seniority list for a short time, beating ‘Ducie’ to number 1 by just 45 minutes.

Luke said everyone on site will tell you about the friendships built over months, years and decades. To this day, Luke said there are ex-Bayswater Coal Company and MAC employees that he has known for 40+ years that he still only knows by their nicknames.

As Luke and his father reflect on the pending closure, Luke said they would like to see continued job opportunities for the locals that live and raise family here and make Upper Hunter their home.