Moving from license to value

At BHP, we define our contribution to society as social value. For our partners, shareholders, local communities, the economy and environment, creating social value is critical and aligns with our new purpose, which is “to bring people and resources together to build a better world”. Our approach with external stakeholders and rights holders is not new, but there is a marked shift globally in how the resources industry views this work. It’s beyond providing shortterm license to operate. It’s now seen as creating value in addition to health and safety, operating excellence and environmental stewardship.

Across BHP, our people are always working to support local communities, and for us at BHP, that means supporting the communities and First Nations that surround our Jansen Project in south-central Saskatchewan.

If we plan to prosper over time then we must deliver financial performance, but we also must show how we make a broader contribution to the communities and jurisdictions near our operations. Across BHP, our people are always working to sup-

port local communities, and for us at potash, that means supporting the communities and First Nations that surround our Jansen Project in south-central Saskatchewan, about 140-kilometres east of Saskatoon. It is crucial that we establish working partnerships with communities, governments, and Indigenous groups for our business to succeed.

As a company and industry, we must evolve from social license to social value – from acceptance to partnership and trust. In order to move forward into social value, we must continue to work to achieve long-term positive outcomes. It is vital that we listen and use our global voice to advance meaningful and long-lasting change beyond our operations. To put it simply – social value creation drives our competitive advantage in every way.

Embedding social value in our business helps us to not only understand and assist communities, but it also secures the best talent and partners and obtain access to the best resources. To do these things, a positive impact from our operations and projects is not just expected, it is required.

At potash and locally, BHP has been working with communities and Indigenous nations that surround the Jansen Project in Saskatchewan for over 10 years now. We find the most value in working with local residents to enhance quality of life. Some notable projects and initiatives include a recent housing project and lowpressure water system at the Day Star First Nation, an innovative housing project called the Pimacihowin Project on the Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation, continued support for STARS Air Ambulance in Saskatchewan, the Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour that supports the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation and Saskatoon City Hospital Foundations, creation of a Habitat Compensation Program near the Jansen Project and new hockey rink facilities in LeRoy and Wynyard.

Ken Smith, manager corporate affairs at BHP Potash said, “I am proud of the work we have done and continue do in partnership with communities and Indigenous people in Saskatchewan. On a global scale, BHP has worked to create social value through various programs such as the new US$400 million Climate Investment Program, a Global Water Stewardship Program, and continuous efforts around Indigenous advocacy, local buying programs, and social investment through the BHP Foundation. Our company advocacy on issues such as gender parity, climate change and Indigenous peoples is aligning to a world that is changing rapidly and demands more of industry and government.

When we consider social impacts in our decision-making and build respectful and mutually beneficial relationships based on openness and trust, we create social value. Focusing on social value and not simply social license is the way forward and we are happy to be a part of the evolution.