BHP

In 1851, a tin mine was established on Billiton (Belitung) island in Indonesia, laying the foundation for the future global leader in the metals and mining sector, Billiton.

Charles Rasp, a boundary rider, believed he had found tin on 'Broken Hill', leading to the establishment of the 'Broken Hill' mining company.

Charles Rasp, along with contractors David James and James Poole, pegged out a 40-acre claim at Broken Hill, leading to the formation of the Broken Hill Company.

On 13 August 1885, the Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited was established. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of BHP.

BHP started mining silver, lead, and zinc deposits, leading to the dissolution of the Brocken Hill company and its incorporation into Brocken Hill Proprietary.

On January 1, 1891, BHP made its first export of lead to China, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.

BHP initiated steelworks operations in Newcastle, New South Wales on June 2, 1915.

Billiton expands its business activities by establishing the first bauxite mine on Bintan Island in Indonesia.

In 1932, BHP Billiton provided steel for the construction of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, a significant infrastructure project in Australia.

In 1936, BHP Billiton was part of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation which produced the first military aircraft in Australia, showcasing technical expertise and innovation.

During World War II, BHP's fighter planes were involved in combat against the Japanese.

During the war, Essington Lewis became the most powerful civilian in Australia, heading the munitions and aircraft industries. His leadership was crucial for the nation's wartime efforts.

The first corvette, HMAS Whyalla, is launched at Whyalla, South Australia. This event marks the beginning of ship building for the navy at Whyalla.

In 1957, BHP inaugurated the Central Research Laboratories in Shortland, Newcastle, enhancing their research and development capabilities.

In 1963, BHP and Esso joined forces to explore for oil in Bass Strait, Victoria, led by BHP's Chief General Manager Ian McLennan and American geologist Dr. Lewis Weeks. This collaboration eventually led to the discovery of crude oil in 1967, providing Australia with a valuable domestic resource.

In 1967, crude oil was discovered beneath Bass Strait, Victoria, as a result of the collaboration between BHP and Esso. This discovery played a crucial role in insulating Australia from the effects of the global oil crisis of 1973-1974.

In 1970, Royal/Dutch Shell Group acquired Billiton. Over the next twenty years, Billiton expanded its mining operations globally, focusing on exploration, research, and sustainable mining practices.

In 1984, BHP acquired Utah International from General Electric, making BHP a significant coal exporter in Queensland and expanding its operations to the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Chile. This acquisition marked a transformation for BHP into a global minerals company.

A special tribute to mark 100 years of achievement of the Big Australian.

A maritime history of BHP from 1885 to 1992.

In 1996, BHP Billiton announced the US$990 million Spence Copper Project in northern Chile, which was considered the best undeveloped copper orebody known in the world. The project boasted large reserves, low operating costs, high return potential, and strategic proximity to critical infrastructure.

In 1997, Billiton was divested from Gencor and listed on the London Stock Exchange after being acquired by South African mining company, Gencor.

In the year 2000, Gencor acquired Billiton, a significant event in the mining industry.

On March 18, 2001, BHP and Billiton reached an agreement with shareholders to merge, forming BHP Billiton Group.

In July 2002, BHP Billiton announces the demerger of BHP Steel, marking a significant event in the history of BHP Billiton and the future of BHP Steel.

In 2004, BHP Billiton entered into a joint venture with China and Japan, forming a strategic partnership in the mining industry.

In March 2005, BHP Billiton announced a US$7.3 billion agreed bid for WMC Resources, owners of the Olympic Dam copper, gold and uranium mine in South Australia.

On 8 November 2007, BHP Billiton announced it was seeking to purchase rival mining group Rio Tinto Group in an all-share deal.

A formal hostile bid of 3.4 BHP Billiton shares for each Rio Tinto share was announced on 6 February 2008.

As global nickel prices fell, on 25 November 2008, Billiton announced that it would drop its A$66 billion takeover of rival Rio Tinto Group.

As the nickel market became saturated, on 9 December 2009, BHP Billiton sold its Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine to Vancouver-based First Quantum Minerals for US$340 million.

In March 2010, BHP Billiton acquired Athabasca Potash, gaining 100% control of the Burr project and other potash exploration properties in Saskatchewan, Canada. This acquisition provided BHP Billiton access to over 14,000 km2 of exploration ground in the Saskatchewan potash basin.

In August 2010, BHP Billiton made a hostile takeover bid worth US$40 billion for PotashCorp.

In May 2015, South32, an independent global metals and mining company, is established following a successful shareholder vote.

In August 2016, BHP Billiton reported its worst annual loss of $6.4 billion.

In 2018, BHP approved the South Flank project, a significant development in their mining operations.

BHP consolidates its operations by selling off EKATI Diamond Mine in Canada, Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa, and the Teerlittie Uranium Deposit in Western Australia. This move allows BHP Billiton to concentrate on their primary portfolio.

In 2021, BHP made a strategic decision to invest in the Jansen Stage 1 potash project, expanding its portfolio.

On January 31, 2022, BHP unified its corporate structure under BHP Group Limited to create a simpler and more agile organization with strategic flexibility.

On June 1, 2022, BHP merged its Petroleum business with Woodside, forming a global top 10 independent energy company based on production.

In 2023, BHP successfully completed the acquisition of OZ Minerals, enhancing its presence in the mining industry.