OREANDA-NEWS. December 18, 2014. Tonight BHP Billiton, through Company charity BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities, announced a AUD1.65 million contribution over three years to the Australian Science Olympiads, the flagship program of Australian Science Innovations.

This support will help fund the addition of the Earth and Environmental Science Olympiad and see the development of a suite of online training programs that will improve equity of access for students and schools who are preparing for the Olympiad selection exams.

Speaking at a launch event in Melbourne, BHP Billiton’s President - Corporate Affairs Tony  Cudmore said the Company was delighted to help grow the Australian Science Olympiad.
“As a global resources Company with 130 operations across 21 countries, scientists are vital members of our 123,000 strong workforce. We have geologists, chemists, physicists, hydrologists, metallurgists, engineers and environmental scientists who are all critical to our day to day operations,” he said.

“The Science Olympiads encourage young students to pursue science and gives them the encouragement and training they need to reach their potential.

“BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities is delighted to support the program through a AUD1.65 million contribution until the end of 2016. It forms part of our contribution to the communities where we operate, which last financial year totalled more than USD240 million.

“This supports programs which contribute to outcomes in health, economic development, cultural support and very importantly, education and training.”

Mr Cudmore said he was particularly pleased that Earth and Environmental Sciences would be incorporated into future Olympiads.

“BHP Billiton’s first value is Sustainability, and the Earth and Environmental Scientists who work for us play a critical role in ensuring we minimise the impact on the environment, rehabilitate impacted areas and analyse and reduce emissions from our operations,” he said.

“These innovative, ambitious, critical thinkers are invaluable to the resources industry, which continues to fuel the Australian economy through taxation, employment and supporting secondary industry.”

Mr Cudmore thanked Australian Science Innovations for the valuable contribution the  organisation makes to science education.