Home About Our history Since 1851, we've been developing and contributing to industry, communities and economies around the world. Formed from a merger between BHP and Billiton, we value our heritage and the strong foundations on which our company is built. From two small mining companies founded in the mid-1800s, we are now a world leader in the diversified resources industry. Broken Hill Proprietary’s rich history began in a silver, lead and zinc mine in Broken Hill, Australia. Incorporated in 1885, BHP engaged in the discovery, development, production and marketing of iron ore, copper, oil and gas, diamonds, silver, lead, zinc and a range of other natural resources. BHP was also a market leader in value-added flat steel products. Billiton’s roots trace back to 1851 and a tin mine on a little known island in Indonesia, Billiton (Belitung) island. Billiton became a global leader in the metals and mining sector and a major producer of aluminium and alumina, chrome and manganese ores and alloys, steaming coal, nickel and titanium minerals. Billiton also developed a substantial and growing copper portfolio. The history of BHP and Billiton Event: 1851 - A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island 1851 A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island A Dutch party discovers tin at Billiton Island (Belitung) in the Dutch East Indies. The party is led by Vincent Gildemeester Baron van Tuyll van Serooskerken and John Francis Loudon. Their discovery is in a tropical region, surpassing Cornwall in England as the world's largest producer of tin. Watch the video Beyond the Surface: The History of BHP 30:17 Beyond the Surface: The History of BHP The history of BHP On 13 August 1885, the Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited was formed. To celebrate the anniversary of this momentous occasion Beyond the Surface looks back at the milestone events and people that have shaped our Company. Explore a selection of publications and videos from our archives A Souvenir from Broken Hill (1912) Published in 1912, A Souvenir from Broken Hill is a collection of images from the early days of BHP by E. A. Archbald. Broken Hill Proprietary Recreation Review (1922) Read the first edition of BHP's newsletter, "Broken Hill Proprietary Recreation Review" from 1922. A Souvenir of Broken Hill (1935) Published in 1935, A Souvenir of Broken Hill is a collection of etchings from BHP by J.C. Goodhart. The BHP Review: Jubilee Edition (1935) In 1935, BHP published the jubilee edition of The BHP Review covering fifty years of industry and enterprise with a forward by Managing Director, Essington Lewis. 100 Years of Growing with Australia (1985) A special tribute to mark 100 years of achievement of the Big Australian. Australians in Company (1985) In 1985, published Australians in Company celebrating one hundred years of achievements with a forward by Chairman James Balderstone. The Iron Ships (1992) A maritime history of BHP (1885 - 1992). In 3 Minutes (1992) In 1973, an employee had a great idea, figuring out what we could produce in three minutes. In 1992, we repeated the work and saw just how much the company had grown. Professor Geoffrey Blainey on the history of BHP Listen to Australian historian and academic, Professor Geoffrey Blainey, speak about the history of BHP and Billiton. © BHP 2021 About What we do Investors Sustainability Careers News Suppliers Contact us Keep in touch Follow BHP to stay up to date https://www.facebook.com/BHP https://www.linkedin.com/company/bhp/ https://www.twitter.com/BHP https://www.youtube.com/BHP Privacy Policy Modern Slavery Act Statement Terms of use Some cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of our website. We also use cookies to monitor your use of our website, compile aggregate data and provide you with a good experience when you browse our website. You can choose to accept or reject cookies, or manage your specific cookie options. For more detailed information on what cookies are and how they work, please read our Cookies Policy. Manage cookies Decline All Accept Cookie Preferences