core sector communique

BHP Billiton : Supporting the Illawarra Community

August 23, 2011

Following the announcement by BlueScope Steel on Monday regarding the restructure of its Australian operations including the Port Kembla Steelworks, BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal announced today an initiative to provide support to some of those people directly affected by the decision.

Illawarra Coal will establish an on-line job centre to take applications from people affected by the BlueScope Steel announcement as well as other local people who are interested in joining the coal industry.

BHP Billiton’s President Illawarra Coal, Colin Bloomfield, said the Company had recently employed a number of people without experience in the mining industry and will look to employ up to 50 more people in a range of roles across its Illawarra coal operations.

“The company will also take applications from anyone willing to work in its Queensland coal operations where more than 750 job vacancies currently exist, or in our Iron Ore operations in Western Australia where 600 vacancies exist.

“This commitment reflects Illawarra Coal’s 80-year history in the Illawarra region and its long standing relationship with BlueScope Steel.

“We recognise the impact the BlueScope decision will have on the Illawarra community, and as a member of that community and substantial employer in the region, we want to do what we can to support the BlueScope employees and others seeking employment in our industry,” he said.

More information regarding these employment opportunities will be advertised in local newspapers in coming days.

Illawarra Coal has operated in the Illawarra region for 80 years, producing premium quality coking coal. The company currently operates three underground longwall mines; Appin, West Cliff and Dendrobium and two associated coal preparation plants.