Strong performance in copper and iron ore for BHP

(Posted on 23/04/26)

BHP have released their Operational Review for the nine months ended 31 March 2026.

BHP is the world’s largest mining company by market capitalisation. They produce essential commodities through assets, including iron ore, metallurgical coal and copper, and are moving into potash. Operated assets are wholly owned and operated by BHP or owned as a joint venture and operated by BHP. They also hold interests in assets that are owned as a joint venture but are not operated by BHP.

Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry said, “BHP has delivered strong performance over the past nine months, including record material mined and concentrator throughput at Escondida and record production at WAIO. These results reflect the consistency of our operations and the strength of our high margin diversified portfolio in an evolving operating environment.

In copper, strong performance at Escondida and Antamina supports our expectation of delivering production in the upper half of FY26 Group copper guidance. We continue to make steady progress across our copper growth program, consistent with our focus on long-life, high-quality copper supply and disciplined capital allocation. During the quarter we submitted a permit application for Escondida’s new concentrator, and Resolution Copper achieved a key milestone, allowing the project to progress drilling required to complete its mine design and feasibility study.

Our balance sheet remains strong, and in the last month we have realised ~US$4.8 bn by completing the Antamina silver streaming transaction and finalising the divestment of Carajás, as well as cash received in relation to the earlier divestment of Blackwater and Daunia.

Our centralised procurement capability and our low-cost operations have positioned us advantageously in the face of industry wide pressure on the cost of energy and consumables as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

From 1 July 2026, Brandon Craig will assume the role of CEO, taking BHP forward from a strong position with reliable operations and a significant pipeline of copper and potash growth projects, to deliver long term value through the cycle.”

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