BHP supports small Moranbah businesses with $6.1 billion investments in 2021

A small Moranbah business credits a mining giant in the region for its continued survival, with the major company investing billions of dollars in the local economy.

A small Moranbah business has credited its survival on the presence of a major mining company’s operation in the area.

Moranbah Furniture and Electrical has been supplying BHP and other companies in the mining industry.

The business offers residents in the region household furnishings and light fittings, but the mining giant also uses Moranbah Furniture and Electrical to fit out its living quarters on-site.

Business owner Christopher Tilbrook said the company relied heavily on mining companies to make major purchases.

Bi-Rite Home Appliances staff Ben Cain, Leanne Halpin and Tanya Thomson with display stock. Photo: Daryl Wright

“Having a customer like BHP, not only creates local jobs but let’s people get things they need in town without having to drive hours,” he said.

“Without the support of BHP, the business would have closed years ago because it couldn’t survive just trying to service a town this size.”

BHP recently released its economic contribution figures for the 2021 financial year, with data showing $6.1 billion spent on local suppliers, with businesses like Moranbah Furniture and Electrical benefiting.

Another local business that benefits from BHP’s presence in Moranbah is MC Butchery.

MC Butchery owner Jessica Mulcahy said the mining giant was buying more than 7000 sausages a year from the business.

“Sometimes we have quiet weeks, but barbecue packs never stop, it is always good to have that work,” she said.

MC Butchery employees Lync Gilmore, Jasmine Oats and Derek Cidorious display product examples. Picture: Daryl Wright

“It’s really good to see BHP put money back into the community, it helps us employ local people.

“The support has a ripple effect, it means we can then help sporting and community groups, it’s good to be able to work together.”