Those suppliers include more than 1600 small, local and Indigenous businesses across Australia that have become part of BHP's supply chain, thanks to its local buying program.

Since launching in 2012, the program has handed out more than 67,000 work packages worth a total $1 billion.

The program was initially started to support local businesses surrounding the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance site in Queensland, however the program's success saw it expand to all of BHP's sites in Australia.

BHP minerals Australia president Geraldine Slattery said spending more than $1 billion was a huge milestone.

"BHP depends on the capability and talent of the many small, local and Indigenous businesses who support our operations across Australia [and] it's been wonderful to see them flourish as we forge new and deeper partnerships together," she said.

"Small, local and Indigenous businesses have a wonderful opportunity to be at the forefront of modern sustainable mining, helping to drive their regional economies forward and produce the critical minerals needed for the energy transition."

Since 2017 in Western Australia, BHP's iron ore arm has spent $199.5 million on small, local and Indigenous businesses.

Its Nickel West division has spent $3.4 million since 2022.

Indigenous business Minga Milku was awarded work through BHP's local buying program late in 2022.

That contract involves the fit-out of Mt Keith operation's new accommodation rooms with televisions, signage, rugs and bespoke Tjiwarl artwork created by Minga Milku director Jamie Hunt's sister, Nikita.

Hunt said the partnership meant a lot to him.

"It's given me the opportunity to work on country and to support the people around me," he said.

"I've been able to involve family and to really develop as a business and a team."

BHP chief commercial officer Vandita Pant said BHP worked with thousands of supply partners every day to deliver great outcomes.

"A milestone such as this is a testament to our commitment to building relationships based on mutual benefit and one that will continue to grow for many years to come," she said.