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The 1500 jobs will be offered as six-month contracts and cover a range of skills needed by BHP operations in the short-term.

It comes as the company moves to introduce small teams across its operations to increase social distancing.

The roles include machinery and production operators, truck and ancillary equipment drivers, excavator operators, diesel mechanics, boiler makers, trades assistants, electricians, cleaners, and warehousing roles.

They will be across BHP's coal, iron ore and copper operations in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia.

The jobs will be offered through existing labour hire partners and BHP contracts in each state.

Some of those roles may become permanent after the six-month contract term.

BHP acting minerals Australia president Edgar Basto hinted the number of jobs available may rise.
He said supporting its people, communities and partners was BHP's highest priority.

"As part of BHP's social distancing measures we are introducing more small teams with critical skills to work dynamically across different shifts," Basto said.

"The government has said that the resources industry is vital in Australia's response to the global pandemic.

"We are stepping up and providing jobs and contracts.

"Our suppliers, large and small, play a critical role in supporting our operations."

On March 19 BHP CEO Mike Henry announced it would help its small business and regional suppliers by accelerating payments of outstanding invoices and reducing payment terms from 30 days to seven days.

"BHP supply chains are still open and we currently have adequate supplies to operate and maintain critical equipment, although we are seeing pockets of disruption for some items such as disinfectant," Henry said.

Well, BHP is no orphan there.

Basto said BHP's suppliers, large and small, played a critical role in supporting its operations.

"It is tough time for our communities and the economy," he said.

"We must look out for each other as we manage through this together."