Jobs to go as BHP ‘significantly’ scales back Pilbara iron ore mine that sustains about 800 employees
Scores of jobs are set to go after BHP decided to “significantly scale back” activity at an iron ore mine that employs about 800 people and is a key union target, according to multiple sources.
Senior managers at BHP’s Yandi iron ore operation in the Pilbara are believed to have told workers on Tuesday morning that the ageing mine’s workforce will be substantially reduced over the coming months.
The site employs about 600 direct workers and up to 200 contractors, the latter mainly via ESS who run the catering and accommodation on site.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A BHP spokesman confirmed the changes at Yandi.
“Yandi’s production profile has steadily ramped down in recent years, and we now need to adjust the mine plan to meet current and future operational requirements,” he said.
“Ensuring our teams are safe, informed and supported throughout the process is our number one priority.”
It is unclear how many jobs will be lost, with some workers set to be redeployed at BHP’s other WA iron ore mines.
BHP first flagged Yandi’s wind-down in 2017 but strong demand for the mine’s low-impurity iron ore led to multiple life-of-mine extensions.
In August, the Fair Work Commission paved the way for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and Electrical Workers Union to seek a majority-support collective bargaining agreement for about 180 maintenance workers at the mine.
Unions, which have been emboldened by the Albanese Government’s sweeping changes to industrial relations laws, have been ramping up their efforts in recent years to infiltrate BHP and Rio Tinto’s lucrative Pilbara iron ore mines.
The West Australian understands the scaling back of Yandi will not impact BHP’s WA iron ore production guidance for the 2026 financial year.
BHP has pencilled in iron ore production of between 284 million tonnes and 296 million tonnes for the financial year.
Yandi’s depleting tonnes have been progressively substituted by the ramp up of the massive South Flank operation to nameplate capacity and the planned Ministers North deposit, which is located approximately 13 km from the existing Yandi iron ore mine.
Development of Ministers North is subject to a potential final investment decision by June next year.
