BHP Billiton celebrated the shipping of one billion tonnes (1Gt) of iron ore to China with customers, industrial associations, joint venture partners, suppliers and employees in Shanghai.
BHP Billitonâs CEO Andrew Mackenzie was joined by President Iron Ore Jimmy Wilson, President HSE, Marketing and Technology Mike Henry, President Coal Dean Dalla Valle and guests to reveal the commemorative plaque to mark the milestone.
Mackenzie said that BHP Billiton was proud to contribute to the important trading relationship between China and Australia and to the countryâs steel industry. âChina is of immense importance to BHP Billiton and to Australia”, he said. âBHP Billiton is very proud of the role it has helped play in Chinaâs remarkable economic and urban growth through the trade in iron ore and other commodities.â?
BHP Billitonâs iron ore journey with China started more than 40 years ago with the first shipment of iron ore from Port Hedland to China in 1973. âWe are grateful for our long-term and mutually beneficial partnership with China. Our iron ore has played a part in the countryâs development, and in turn Chinaâs rapid growth has transformed the Pilbara iron ore mining industry to the benefit of Australia”, added Wilson.