BHP Supplier Innovation Program Update: 24 November 2021

Momentum is building with the BHP Supplier Innovation Program, with short-listed suppliers pitching for two live Challenges, and two more Challenges being launched.  

Short-listed Suppliers are preparing to pitch for Challenges being run at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) metallurgical coal operations in central Queensland’s Bowen Basin: 1. Tyre Handling line-of-fire hazard elimination, and 2. Dozer hoisting technology improvements.  

Participating businesses will pitch detailed proposals during the week commencing on Monday 29 November.
 

New Challenges

Meanwhile, BHP and Austmine are launching two new Challenges at BHP’s Western Australian Iron Ore port operations.

Inspections and Maintenance of Conveyor Skirt Liners
We are seeking tooling and process solutions to develop maintenance inspection, adjusting and replacement strategies to eliminate manual handling during maintenance of conveyor belts and skirt liners, and to maximise the availability of equipment through condition monitoring. 

Conveyor Belt Condition and Thickness Monitoring 
Solutions are sought for online continuous condition monitoring systems and protection technologies of conveyor belts that will improve damage detection, wear measurements and internal & cover damage mapping.

FY21 Supplier Innovation Program Challenge Update

• Filter Press Maintenance Improvement – BMA Caval Ridge Mine - Jord International engaged to pilot the ‘Raptor’ self-contained filter press belt maintainer.
• Pressure Blasting Alternative – BMA Hay Point Coal Terminal – Laser Technologies engaged to pilot 1kW fibre laser cleaner as alternative to high-pressure sand blasting for asset integrity maintenance.
• Reclaim Tunnel Dust Mitigation – Olympic Dam – EnviroMist engaged to pilot dust suppression spray system.
• Safe Mooring System – WAIO Port Hedland -   CPS engaged to conduct harbour tidal study as part of first phase of pilot.
• Oversize Rock Detection in ROM Stockpile – WAIO Eastern Ridge – Challenge still under assessment.
• Conveyor Roller Handling Improvement – WAIO Operations – Challenge to be awarded. 
  
  

Fatality Elimination Program

BHP is developing an internal catalogue of hazard reduction proposals submitted by suppliers to the global safety improvement initiative, the Fatality Elimination Program. The catalogue will be distributed throughout BHP in early 2022 and showcase the many ideas, products, and services that suppliers suggested to address challenges in 10 key safety areas.