A new Komatsu 930E-5 haul truck at BMA’s Goonyella Riverside Mine in Queensland stands out from the rest – with its tray painted turquoise in celebration of BHP’s LGBT+ ally community, Jasper.
The group’s name was inspired by the gemstone jasper – an opaque and fine-grained variety of quartz known for its unique multi-coloured patterns – reflecting the rich diversity of BHP’S lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and others (LGBT+) staff and allies.
BHP said the LGBT+ ally network focused on strengthening the company’s inclusion culture by providing advice on ways to mitigate bias and ensuring that LGBT+ people were respected, valued and free from discrimination.
Diana Sanchez, Superintendent Mods and Ops Projects from the BMA Asset Engineering team, identified an opportunity to work with the haul truck suppliers, Komatsu and DTHiload, to implement the initiative.
She said she believed that symbols like this sent a powerful message to employees.
“The Jasper truck might look different, but it does exactly the same job as all the other trucks in the pit, it carries the same amount of dirt. Just because it is different, doesn’t mean that it is any less important,” Ms Sanchez said.
Formally endorsed by the BHP Executive Leadership Team and Global Inclusion and Diversity Council in 2017, Jasper’s aim is to drive a safe and inclusive work environment for everyone by providing advice on ways to reduce bias and ensure LGBT+ people are respected and valued no matter their sexual or gender identity.
Jasper is open to all employees whether they be LGBT+ identifying or an ally.
