Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd metal tray

Maker Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (Australian, founded 1885)

Date1974-1979

Object number00007253

NameTray

MediumElectro - plated nickle silver ( EPNS )

DimensionsOverall: 25 x 350 x 350 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis metal tray features the Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited's (BHP) initials. Since the 1920s BHP have operated a shipping fleet of bulk carriers which services its mining operations.HistoryBroken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP) began its operations at the lead, silver and zinc mine in Broken Hill, New South Wales in 1885. It leased an iron ore mine in South Australia in 1899 and in 1915, commissioned its first steelworks in Newcastle, New South Wales. During the 1920s, BHP formed a shipping fleet and since then has been a major Australian shipowner. During the 1940s and 1950s it was also a major shipbuilder at Whyalla, South Australia. Until the 1970s its shipping operations serviced only its own coastal requirements to carry materials for its steelmaking industry, but it then expanded into overseas trade. Its bulk carriers operate on regular national and international routes.SignificanceThis souvenir milk jug highlights the history of BHP as a major Australian shipowner.