Energy Logistix wins $100m in transport and logistics contracts with BHP

A family-owned SA trucking company has outbid major transport operators to secure $100m in new contracts with mining giant BHP.

An Energy Logistix truck at the company’s new depot at Largs North.

Family-owned Energy Logistix (ELX) has outbid major transport operators to secure $100m in new transport and logistics contracts to support BHP’s South Australian copper operations.

The contracts, which run over five years, will create at least 40 new jobs and will involve ELX providing trucking services to BHP’s copper sites across the state, and a 24/7 urgent freight response service providing nationwide collection and delivery services.

The company has invested around $10m in a new custom-built distribution and receipting depot adjacent to its headquarters at Largs North, and a further $25m into new trucks, to support the BHP contracts.

Shaun Williamson from Energy Logistix. Picture: Brenton Edwards

ELX managing director Shaun Williamson described the contracts win as a “defining milestone” for the company, and the largest deal it’s signed since the business was established by his mother Jo in 2010.

“These significant agreements highlight our growing capabilities and deep commitment to South Australia’s economic growth,” he said.

“Our strategy prioritises a 95 per cent local spend, with a strong focus on reinvesting through local employment and suppliers.

“All major suppliers are locally owned and sourced, reinforcing our commitment to the South Australian economy. Our equipment is also built in Australia using Australian-made components, supporting national industry.”

Energy Logistix has worked with industrial, mining and energy giants including Schlumberger Australia, Santos and Halliburton, and was previously engaged by OZ Minerals – acquired by BHP in 2023 – to provide freight services to the Carrapateena and Prominent Hill copper mines.

The company uses remote-monitoring technology to check movement of trucks and tracks driver fatigue, as well as providing safe working environments for its crew on the road.

An early focus on oil and gas companies has since diversified to include defence, mining, renewables and power-generation transportation services.

The company has a fleet of 80 trucks and is approaching 200 staff.

Energy Logistix will service BHP’s copper operations, including its Olympic Dam mine site.

BHP Copper SA asset president Anna Wiley said ELX shared the mining giant’s commitment to “safety, sustainability and regional growth”.

“This partnership with Energy Logistix marks another important step in building our world-class copper business in South Australia,” she said.

“We’re proud to partner with a family-owned, South Australian business that’s helping us move critical freight efficiently and responsibly, while creating opportunities for local communities.”

The new contracts with ELX follow a recent $1.5bn “road-to-rail conversion” deal between BHP and transport giant Aurizon, involving copper from BHP’s Olympic Dam, Carrapateena and Prominent Hill mines being transported via rail between Pimba and Port Adelaide.

More than 11,000 truck movements each year, spanning about 13 million kilometres, will be replaced with rail services provided by Aurizon.

Originally published as Energy Logistix wins $100m in transport and logistics contracts with BHP