BHP By Donkeys Jan 1, 1883 Tin discovered on the 'broken hill' charles rasp believes he found tin in the brarrier ranges in western NSW. Jan 1, 1885 BHP establishment BHP was established in 1885. australias first major mining and steel production company. Jan 1, 1890 Smelting commences at port pirie South Australia Jan 1, 1891 First export of lead to china by BHP Jan 1, 1899 Leases are obtained over iron knob and iron baron iron-ore desposits in South Autralia. Jan 1, 1900 BHP commences iron-ore mining at iron knob Jun 2, 1915 BHP begins steelworks operation at newcastle, NSW