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How we work

We find people with the best technology solutions to support BHP's ambitions in delivering resources the world needs in innovative ways. We help innovators develop their technology and ideas, accelerating the creation of new options. Using a systems approach, TAD ensures a continuous flow of new technologies and capabilities to meet today's needs and build a roadmap for future value.

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Who we work with

We work with broad innovator segments including startups, research institutions, original equipment manufacturers, engineering companies and other mining companies.

We invite innovators and creative minds from diverse industries to bring their ideas to us and explore how they could be applied to our industry. 
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Watch the video to meet some of the TAD team

Watch TAD Video

Learn about Think & Act Differently

Joint Ventures

Think & Act Differently has established an industry-first, industry-led collaboration to co-fund trials and demonstrations that gain insight into technologies facilitating lower footprint operations.

Current JV partners include Rio Tinto, Boliden, South 32 and IGO and we welcome approaches from other companies keen to work in a collaborative way to promote and support innovation in our industry.

Meet the TAD team

Paul Perry

Vice President Innovation

Hi, I’m Paul. I joined BHP in 2005. I have a deep passion and enthusiasm for disruptive innovation and technological change, and the opportunities these changes generate to make the world a better place. Today, I am the VP of Innovation, allowing me to pursue that passion. The team is focused on reimagining the way we discover, mine, and process the valuable minerals the world needs to transition to a zero-emissions future.

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Katie Hulmes

Head of Innovation Ecosystem

Hi, I’m Katie. With a 20-year career in engineering and mining, I’ve held various roles from Field Engineer and Environmental Scientist to Head of Technical Services. Currently, I lead the innovator Ecosystem at Think & Act Differently. I’m committed to exploring new paths for the industry, emphasizing that partnerships and transparency can create valuable opportunities. My goal is to generate positive impact for community groups, traditional owners, conservation organizations, research bodies, technology companies, and start-ups.

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Maki Ikeda

Head of Innovation Product

Hi, I’m Maki. I am passionate about technology innovation and challenging our ecosystem to think differently about sustainability and the future of our industries. I have spent a large part of my career driving business value creation in the Energy sector, in operational, technology, innovation and strategy roles, and expanded my reach later in my career in the broader industrial space. My goal is to accelerate the deployment of novel technologies and approaches, creating the pathways required to build modern lower impact mines to support the needs of today and tomorrow.

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Michelle Thomas

Head of Innovation Delivery

Hi, I’m Michelle. As the head of innovation delivery at TAD, I drive innovation and leadership across BHP's global value chain. I joined the mining sector, initially as BHP's Global Practice Lead for geophysics, following a 22-year career in the petroleum industry, where I held key roles such as Head of Gulf of Mexico Exploration and Head of Petroleum Innovation. My experience in international exploration, technology and innovation, coupled with my understanding of industry challenges, enables me to leverage strengths from both petroleum and mining sectors, fostering a forward-thinking approach to business and technological excellence.

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Soledad Barbera

Head of Innovation Delivery
Hi, I’m Soledad, Head of Innovation Delivery for Minerals Americas, based in Chile. With an MBA and Business Engineering degree, I bring 14 years of international mining experience. My career spans business development, operations, asset optimisation, and innovation leadership. I've managed roles from strategy to delivery, focusing on sustainability and positive impact. After starting with BHP, I rejoined last year to lead TAD in the Americas. I'm passionate about empowering people to Think & Act Differently, preparing our operations for future success
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Andrew Scott

Lead Principal Innovation

Hi, I’m Andrew. I help people connect—with each other, with business challenges, with complementary ideas, and with potential pathways. I believe deeply in the power of collaborative advantage: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. With over 35 years of innovation experience in exploration, mining, and the alternative use of reclaimed mine sites, I enable test mines, facilitate partnerships, and provide access to samples. I'm here to help you leverage these connections to achieve meaningful and sustainable progress.

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Jess Doherty

Practice Lead Experience
Hi, I'm Jess. I create inclusive and connected spaces where people can have fun and do their best work together. I believe that how we achieve things is as important as what we deliver. I focus on designing experiences that unlock mutual and sustainable value amidst complexity. Using a human-to-human approach, I encourage experimentation and creativity to shift the system, ensuring we leave the world a better place than when we arrived.
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Constanza Davidovich

Principal Ecosystem
Hi Constanza. I'm a chemical engineer with over 15 years of diverse experience in the mining industry. My career has taken me through roles in operations, environmental, sustainability, continuous improvement, technology, and innovation. I am passionate about sustainability and promoting the future of sustainable mining that positively impacts our communities while driving innovation across the industry. I believe in the power of fostering collaboration, building strong partnerships, and working together to create a more sustainable future.
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