BHP : Local Buying Program supports small business in Chile

BHP's Minerals Americas Local Buying Program has approved more than US$30 million in spend with local businesses over the past nine months.

Our small, local and indigenous businesses are extremely important to us and play a critical role in supporting our operations and our people.

We established our Local Buying Program to help small and medium-sized businesses in the Antofagasta and Tarapacá regions to supply goods and services to our Chilean operations.

Since July 2019, over 900 local businesses have registered through the program, culminating in more than 1,200 purchase orders, with payment taking place within an average of 15 days from the date of invoice.

Danny Malchuk, President Operations, Minerals Americas, said the program has not only benefitted BHP but also suppliers across our value chain and local economies.

'The program encourages better relationships between our operations and local small businesses', he said.

'It has helped us build capacity across the supply chain while boosting economic development in our host communities.

'The program has exceeded all expectations, and in the face of the challenges posed by COVID-19, it's probably more important now than ever'.

The program is operated through a partnership between BHP and SAWU and mirrors the successful Local Buying Program that has been operating in Australia since 2012.