# Blockchain-based Rock Sample Movement Tracking in Mining

> BHP utilizes blockchain technology to record movements of wellbore rock and fluid samples to secure real-time data during delivery. The system enables complete traceability of valuable samples throughout the supply chain and ensures data integrity and authenticity. This solution addresses the critical challenge of sample management in the complex mining industry, where secure and verifiable handling of material samples is crucial for quality and compliance requirements.

**Sector:** Primary sector · **Industry:** Mining and raw materials · **Organisation:** Wipro, BHP · **Maturity level:** Pilot

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/wipro-rohstoffketten-global-vernetzen

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Pilot
- **Evidence:** Evidence medium
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

BHP, one of the world's largest mining companies (copper, nickel, iron ore, coal), operates blockchain pilots to trace three raw material types: nickel (Western Australia → Tesla Gigafactory Shanghai via Circulor), iron ore (Pilbara → China Baowu) and copper concentrate (via MineHub, pilot with China Minmetals). BHP's Chief Commercial Officer Vandita Pant: "Customers are increasingly interested in where products come from — their environmental and ethical footprint, but also the efficiency and transparency of supply chains."

BHP operates several parallel blockchain pilots: (1) Nickel pilot: BHP tracked nickel deliveries from its Nickel West operation in Western Australia to Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai via the Circulor platform. The pilot documented CO₂ emissions along the supply chain and checked for "raw material dilution." Result: the world's first CO₂-neutral copper freight by combining with carbon offsets and credits. (2) Iron ore pilot: Two blockchain trials with China Baowu — the first for paperless handling of iron ore deliveries from the Pilbara region, the second for CO₂ reporting along the iron ore value chain. (3) Copper pilot: MineHub blockchain, pilot with China Minmetals for copper concentrates — digital handling of post-trade processes: contract fulfilment, payment notifications, document exchange, assay data, CO₂ data. (4) Tyre pilot: BHP procures over 6,000 giant tyres annually; internal tracking pilot for tyre rubber (modern slavery and illegal deforestation) — external supplier trials planned. BHP is listed on Forbes Blockchain 50 (2021).

## Benefits

- Improved compliance fulfilment and reduced legal risks through seamless documentation.
- Seamless and tamper-proof documentation of all sample movements through blockchain technology.
- Real-time availability of sample information for all authorised stakeholders in the supply chain.
- Significant reduction of sample losses and mix-ups through automated tracking.
- Less manual documentation work and higher efficiency through automated sample tracking.

## Challenges

- High initial investments for implementing blockchain infrastructure and corresponding IT systems.
- Integration of blockchain technology with existing sample management systems requires technical expertise.
- Training of all involved employees in the new digital technology and adjustment of established workflows.
- Transition from familiar manual processes to digital blockchain-based workflows requires adaptation time.

## Technology foundation

The system is based on blockchain technology, which acts as a decentralized ledger and records every movement of rock and fluid samples immutably. This technology is particularly suitable for the mining industry as it enables tamper-proof documentation of sample transfers and provides real-time data to all involved parties.

## Sources

- [How will blockchain technology change the mining industry](https://www.wipro.com/content/dam/nexus/en/industries/natural-resources/latest-thinking/how-will-blockchain-technology-change-the-mining-industry.pdf)