BHP group president of carbon steel materials Chris Lynch said the combination would further strengthen BHP’s commitment to improving and enhancing its coal operations in Australia, South Africa, Colombia, the US and Indonesia.
“This combination will allow us to maximise the operating synergies between our coal businesses and facilitate the transfer of skills and systems between countries and operations. It confirms our commitment to further improve the coal business in each of the countries where we operate," Lynch said.
The new coal division will be managed by new president of coal Dave Murray, who has extensive experience in the coal industry and specifically in South Africa.
The restructure will include management for thermal coal being moved from South Africa to Melbourne, the Australian reported.
BHP said while it remained committed to its South African coal business, there could be additional job losses at the corporate office in Johannesburg.
