Newman, Western Australia

Located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia on the traditional lands of the Nyiyaparli People, Newman Operations is part of our Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) business. The operation comprises two mining sites, Newman East and Newman West (formerly Mount Whaleback), and is part of an 85:15 joint venture between BHP, Mitsui and ITOCHU.

Operations at Newman date back to 1968 and continue to play an important role in our integrated mine, rail and port network. Iron ore from Newman is transported by rail to Port Hedland for export to customers around the world. Together with our other Pilbara operations, Newman helps supply the iron ore used to make steel for infrastructure, housing, transport and renewable energy development.

Iron ore is the primary raw material used to make steel, which is essential for modern life. As the steel industry works to reduce emissions, high-quality iron ore can help improve efficiency and support lower-emissions steelmaking.

Newman continues to invest in infrastructure and technology to support the future of our iron ore business. In 2024, we approved the Western Ridge Crusher Project, a US$943 million investment located on Nyiyaparli Country near Newman. The project is expected to sustain production by replacing tonnes from depleting orebodies and is designed to deliver around 25 million tonnes per annum over an expected 12-year mine life.

Technology and innovation continue to improve safety and operational performance across the operation. Teams are also trialling the use of drone-based thermal imagery to monitor the condition of critical mining equipment, helping identify potential issues earlier and improve reliability.

We work to create value beyond our operations by supporting local employment, businesses and communities across the Pilbara. The Western Ridge Crusher Project is expected to create opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses, with more than US$45 million in contracts anticipated through direct and indirect engagements.