Our approach to PFAS management 

BHP is committed to managing historical and potential future impacts of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) associated with its operations.

Historical use of PFAS products was predominantly in fire-fighting foam, used to protect our people in the event of a fire.

Our approach to PFAS management across our operations is based on identification, assessment, and proactive management.

We will continue to work closely with government, industry and the community to understand, identify and manage the impacts of PFAS in the environment - associated with historical use.

What are we doing?

Irrespective of there not being a regulatory requirement to do so in Western Australia, BHP is transitioning to the use of PFAS free fire-fighting foams across operational sites and expects to complete this transition across the WA Iron Ore business during 2023.  To progress this transition, BHP has implemented a number of proactive projects for the phase out including: 

• Replacing fire foams in locomotives with a PFAS free alternative.
• Piloting a project at the Port operations in Port Hedland which will test the effectiveness of injecting carbon into potentially impacted areas to create a temporary barrier to reduce migration. 
• Piloting a groundwater treatment plant at Newman operations to remediate small areas of legacy impact.