BHP reports strong first quarter performance with increased copper production

BHP gathered strong momentum through its first quarter to end-September and is on track to deliver on full-year guidance and further progress its growth pipeline across Australia and the Americas, CEO Mike Henry said Tuesday.

- EDWARD WEST

BHP headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. The diversified mining commodities group, which is listed on the JSE, London, the US and in Australia, reported a strong first quarter performance to the end of September 30, 2025, with overall copper production up 4% and growth projects on track.

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In an operational review released Tuesday, BHP said group copper production increased 4% to 494 000 tons, driven by record concentrator throughput at its flagship Escondida mine in Chile. Performance at Copper SA was strong, and major planned maintenance was safely executed. Copper production guidance for the 2026 financial year was unchanged at between 1 800 000 and 2 000 000 tons.

"We've made a strong start to the year, highlighted by disciplined operating performance and execution of scheduled maintenance,” said Henry.