Global Copper Expansion: Eco-friendly Mining Operations Scaling to Match Increasing Worldwide Demand by BHP
BHP's Copper Production Hits Record High, Aiming for a Greener Future
BHP, one of the world's largest mining companies, has achieved a record-breaking copper production in the financial year 2025 (FY25), marking an 8% increase year-on-year and a 28% rise since FY22.
The boost in production is primarily attributed to strong output from BHP's Chilean assets, particularly the Escondida mine, which reported a 16% production increase to its highest level in 17 years. This growth was supported by improved ore grades, recovery rates, and the ramp-up of the Full SaL leaching project. Other assets like Copper South Australia and the Spence mine in Chile also delivered record production.
BHP's success is not limited to increased production. The company is also making significant strides in sustainability. It is integrating water recycling technology into its Chilean operations to reduce drought risks, investing in automation and digital technologies to improve productivity with a likely lower environmental impact, and building climate considerations into growth planning to reduce the carbon intensity of mining activities while meeting rising demand for transition metals like copper.
Looking ahead, BHP projects flat to stable copper production guidance for FY26, targeting between 1.8 and 2 million tonnes. The company remains confident in copper’s role as a key growth pillar beyond 2030, driven by structural demand from energy transition efforts globally. Growth plans include the continued optimization and expansion of the Escondida copper operation, exploration and development of new copper projects, enhancing operational resilience and efficiency, and addressing climate risks proactively.
In a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, BHP aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by at least 30% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The company has already reduced its operational emissions by 32%, lowering them to 9.2 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent as of 2024.
To further reduce emissions, BHP has signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd. for two ammonia dual-fuel Newcastlemax bulk carriers, aiming for a 50 to 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per voyage. The change will replace around 13 million kilometers of road travel, reducing congestion and improving road safety.
The company's logistics overhaul in Copper South Australia, worth A$1.5 billion over ten years, is another step towards reducing emissions. This partnership with Australian freight operator Aurizon will shift copper concentrate and cathode transport from road to rail, removing over 11,000 truck movements from South Australian roads each year and significantly reducing emissions.
BHP's freight between Pimba and Port Adelaide will now be handled by a local transport partner. This change is projected to result in significant emissions cuts and improved efficiency.
In Brazil, Carajás contributed 9.4 kt of copper in FY25, while the Antamina mine in Peru produced 119 kt of copper, down 17% due to lower feed grades and throughput, but expects to produce 120 to 140 kt of copper in FY26.
With BHP's robust copper production, strategic green initiatives, and long-term growth outlook, the company is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for copper, a critical metal for the global energy transition. As of writing, BHP shares are trading at $55.305 on the New York Stock Exchange. The company expects global copper demand to rise by about 70% by 2050, reaching over 50 million tonnes per year.
- BHP's record-breaking copper production in FY25 is the result of investments in digital technologies, aiming to enhance productivity and lower environmental impact within the environmental-science industry.
- As part of its sustainability strategy, BHP is integrating science-backed water recycling technology into its Chilean operations, aiming to reduce drought risks and preserve the environment.
- Looking at the finance and business aspects, BHP remains confident in copper's key role as a growth pillar beyond 2030, driven by investments in energy transition efforts across the globe.
- To fight climate-change, BHP aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, with a focus on technology and investing in solutions that lower emissions.
- In the sports world, BHP's logistics overhaul in Copper South Australia will remove over 11,000 truck movements from South Australian roads each year, improving road safety and reducing congestion, much like a well-executed football strategy on the field.
- In terms of investments and the future of the industry, BHP expects global copper demand to rise by about 70% by 2050, turning the mining company into an essential partner for the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies, transforming the way footballs are made and other aspects of modern life.
