BHP donates extra $10m for Queensland flood relief

Business Day Jan 24--BHP Billiton has increased its donation to the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal to $11 million.

The mining giant tipped in a further $10 million yesterday, on top of the $1 million announced by the company earlier this month.

It adds to the volunteer efforts of BHP staff based in regional Queensland.

Advertisement: Story continues below ''As a major employer in Queensland and given our large contribution to the Queensland economy, we want to play a leading role in the recovery efforts,'' BHP Billiton chief executive Marius Kloppers said yesterday.

''We have increased our donation to demonstrate our support for the state in which so many of our people live and work, and hope that others will also be able to do so.''

BHP Billiton metallurgical coal president Hubie van Dalsen also noted the role played by the company's staff in recovery efforts.

''Our workforce will continue their direct on-the-ground recovery work and rebuilding efforts in central Queensland, in the months ahead, '' he said.

BHP Billiton has nearly 12,000 employees and contractors in Queensland, including at eight major metallurgical coal operations in the Bowen Basin and a major silver, lead and zinc mine at Cannington.

Nearly 800 BHP Billiton staff work in Brisbane.

The Queensland Premier's flood appeal stood at $135 million as of Saturday night.