Material Stewardship
Our Supply Operations seek to ensure that the contracting of services, the purchase, hire or lease of equipment and materials, and activities with partners are carried out so as to minimise any adverse HSEC consequences.
Read more: Our Approach>Supply.
We are also, wherever possible, collaborating with our suppliers to optimise the use of consumables. BHP Billiton and Caterpillar formed a Strategic Alliance in 2003. From its inception, the alliance has enabled the two companies to align their interests and work towards common sustainability goals. In particular, the alliance is investing in opportunities to better understand technologies that could address the long-term needs of our Company and other users of Caterpillar machinery through an increasingly integrated research and development program.
Read more: Safety Case Studies>Safety in the Supply Chain.
Australian Government’s Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program
In 2005/06, BHP Billiton supported the Australian Government’s Leading Practice Sustainable Development Program through representation on the Steering Committee for the revision of the Sustainable Minerals series booklets. First produced in 1995 to provide guidance on environmentally sound management in the mining industry, the booklets are now being reviewed and the scope broadened to provide a sustainable development focus, without losing sight of the environmental objectives of the original booklets. The series will include an overview of 14 publications including topics such as mine rehabilitation, water management, community engagement and stewardship.
The process is being facilitated in conjunction with the Minerals Council of Australia, industry representatives and non-government organisations. The first draft of the Stewardship handbook in leading sustainability practices in the Mining Industry series has been finalised, and final draft was released for stakeholder comment in May 2006.
