BHP has sacked dozens of contractors amid an investigation into allegations of corruption.
It is understood that 26 workers have been dismissed at the mining giant’s coal operations in Queensland’s Bowen Basin so far.
Concerns centre on contractors being employed from within BHP-owned BMA for non-existent work or for jobs where the extent of the work was greatly exaggerated.
It is believed that many of the roles in question were not full-time or had yet to commence work.
BHP is now looking into the extent of the allegations and the possible financial impact. In the meantime, recruiter Hays has stopped work for 26 roles because they are no longer required.
A BMA spokesman said the company has “robust measures in place to prevent and detect fraud and misconduct, and where it takes place, we investigate and take necessary action”.
“We encourage anyone to speak up if they have concerns any conduct is inconsistent with Our Code, internal requirements, or conduct that may be illegal or improper.”
A source told the Courier Mail concerns had also been raised about mining equipment suppliers.
They said multiple people had made complaints through BHP’s internal whistleblower system, but believed they wouldn’t go anywhere.
They said they had been personally offered money under the table by a senior BHP employee for turning a blind eye to incorrect invoices in the Bowen Basin.
“I was offered money in a pub one night. I was told if I play ball we would all win,” he is reported as saying.
BMA is the largest producer and supplier of seaborne metallurgical coal and is a 50:50 joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi Development.
BMA operates five Bowen Basin mines: Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Peak Downs, Saraji and Caval Ridge, and owns and operates the Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay.
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