The firm co-hosted a lunch, which was attended by about 120 businesswomen, to raise money for Opportunity International Australia, an organisation which provides small loans to people in developing countries to help them start small business and earn income to support their families.

The lunch, held in Minter's Brisbane office, raised $140,000, which was matched dollar-for-dollar by BHP Billiton, taking the total to near on $300,000. Guests at the event heard from KC Ranjani, managing director of Dia Vikas Capital, a microfinance specialist with more than 20 years' experience in the field.

The event co-ordinators were Minter Ellison special counsel Ilenna Copley and Sharna Glover from BHP Billiton's metallurgical coal office.