BHP confirmed the cuts in a statement but did not specify how many jobs would go. A spokesperson said the miner was making changes to ensure the business could continue to "make a significant contribution" to the region and the state, and that it would seek to redeploy people into other roles wherever possible.
The cuts have drawn sharp criticism from union leaders. WA Electrical Trades Union state secretary Adam Woodage called the decision a "senseless attack" and "another sad reflect of a once-great Australian mining company that has lost its way and forgotten its values." He said the announcement flouts the requirement to consult workers and their representatives before taking such action, and that the union will require proof that every redundancy is genuinely required. Mr Woodage suggested BHP could instead cut costs within executive bonuses and corporate lobbying.
The Western Mine Workers Alliance, a Pilbara-based partnership of the Australian Workers Union and the Mining and Energy Union, flagged the cuts on social media, stating the miner had begun "major structural changes."
The job losses come amid an ongoing dispute between BHP and unions over pay and conditions at its Port Hedland operations, which has included a series of recent strikes.