Directorate

Broken Hill Proprietary Co Ld
22 November 1999


                 BHP SENIOR EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT - JIM LEWIS                  

The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP) today announced Jim Lewis
President Non-Ferrous and Industrial Materials has announced his intention to
retire from the Company in July next year.

Mr Lewis joined BHP in 1972 and has held a wide range of senior business and
corporate management positions throughout his career with the Company,
including Executive General Manager Corporate Planning and Administration 1993
to 1996.  He was appointed President Non-Ferrous and Industrial Materials
earlier this year and previously held the position of Executive General
Manager & Chief Executive Officer BHP Copper from 1997 to 1999.

BHP Managing Director and CEO Paul Anderson paid tribute to Mr Lewis'
contribution to the Company and thanked him for his efforts throughout his
long career with BHP.  'Jim has made a significant contribution in a number of
corporate roles, including strategic planning. His management expertise has
also been put to good advantage in a number of operating businesses including
Coal, Steel, Services and more recently Minerals,' Mr Anderson said. 'We are
pleased that Jim has agreed to continue with the Company for several months
and we wish him and his family well for the future.'


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Media Relations:       Mandy Frostick
                       Manager Media Relations
                       BHP Group - Melbourne
                       Tel:  [phone]

Investor Relations:    Dr Robert Porter
                       Vice President Investor Relations - Melbourne
                       Tel:  [phone]