BHP reports strong performance with record copper and iron ore production.

BHP Group is showing strong operating momentum, with investment being made for growth plans decades ahead, CEO Mike Henry said Tuesday.

- EDWARD WEST

The investment plans for the diversified mining and resources group include a "significant copper growth pipeline" and a pathway to 2 million tons of attributable copper production in the 2030s, he said. Global miners are focusing on copper because it has become the critical metal for the energy transition, electrification, and digital infrastructure.

"BHP delivered another half of very strong performance with operational records at our copper and iron ore assets. This was... in a positive commodity price environment, with copper prices up 32% and iron ore prices 4% higher year-on-year," he said.

Copper production guidance for the full 2026 financial year had been increased to between 1 200kt and 1 275kt, compared with 1 150kt and 1 250kt previously.

"Our flagship copper operation, Escondida, achieved record concentrator throughput and we have increased the 2026 financial year production guidance range. Antamina has also lifted its production guidance, and Spence and Copper SA are tracking to plan, with Copper SA achieving record refined gold output," said Henry.