BHP today launched the "Think Big" campaign, which aims to educate Australians on the role the company plays in the national economy.

"We fundamentally believe that as society changes it is up to us to make the case - more confidently and effectively - for the positive role that well-run and responsible companies play in society," BHP chief external affairs officer Geoff Healy said.

"The advertisements will talk about the importance of our Australian heritage, our contribution and our commitment to communities where we operate. The campaign will focus on what people can and should expect of us."

The initial campaign comprises two 30-second television commercials, which will be accompanied by print and online advertisements, and promoted via social media.

The campaign will remind viewers of BHP's Broken Hill roots and its former reputation as the "Big Australian".

BHP will also drop the Billiton part of its name it picked up in 2001 via the merger with South Africa's Billiton.

The miner has largely shed the Billiton assets since.

"In launching Think Big, we will take the opportunity to change our logo and move to a brand that Australians have known us by for generations - BHP," Healy said.

"This abbreviated simple expression of our organisation is used colloquially around the world."

Think Big will also be launched globally in a phased approach into other markets where BHP is located.

It comes after a tough few years for the company, with the Samarco disaster in Brazil, accusations from government that it doesn't pay its fair share, and more recently, an ongoing battle with activist hedge fund Elliott.

A key part of Elliott's plan is to move BHP to London, a move Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison said he would not allow.