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BHP launches new challenges for METS companies

BHP Komatsu 930E-5 haul truck

BHP has released its latest Challenges from the Supplier Innovation Program to Australia’s mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector, to encourage out-of-the-box thinking for improved safety and operations. 

To help solve the latest challenges, METS businesses are being asked how visibility can be improved on tyre handling machines, and how the jacks used with dozers in maintenance workshops can be modernised to make the process of raising the 100+ tonne machines safer and more efficient. 

“The Supplier Innovation Program encourages entrepreneurial thinking, fosters originality and builds capability in the local community,” BHP group procurement officer James Agar said. 

“We are reimagining the traditional METS business models and relationships, which enables innovative solutions to be designed, tested and implemented, fast-tracking the adoption of new technology.” 

The new challenges are the latest to be released from the program, which was launched with industry partner Austmine in May 2020.  

The Supplier Innovation Program closely follows the model first established by the procurement team supporting BHP’s Minerals America operations a decade ago. 

“The different approach taken from traditional tender methods allows BHP to crowd-source a broader range of unique and innovative solutions to business challenges,” Agar said. 

“It also makes it easier for the METS sector to access opportunities for ongoing work with BHP while retaining their intellectual property.” 

There have been 10 Supplier Innovation Program challenges launched from Minerals Australia Assets, with pilot solutions running at operations at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), Western Australia Iron Ore and Olympic Dam. 

The challenges are running in parallel with broader global innovation initiatives including the Fatality Elimination Program and tailings waste re-use program.

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