TOP NEWS: BHP boosts copper production in second quarter

(Alliance News) - BHP Group Ltd on Monday said it is on track to deliver strong operational ...

Alliance News 21 January, 2025 | 12:59AM
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(Alliance News) - BHP Group Ltd on Monday said it is on track to deliver strong operational performance in the second half of the financial year as copper production sees a significant increase in the second quarter.

The Melbourne, Australia-based mining company said copper production increased 17% to 510,700 tonnes in the second quarter that ended December 31 from 437,400 tonnes a year prior. Production rose 7.2% quarter-on-quarter from 476,300 tonnes.

Iron ore production increased 0.7% to 66.2 million tonnes from 65.8 million tonnes year-on-year. Production was up 2.4% quarter-on-quarter from 64.6 million tonnes.

In contrast, steel-making coal production fell 23% to 4.4 million tonnes from 5.7 million tonnes year-on-year and reduced by 1.9% quarter-on-quarter from 4.5 million tonnes.

Gold production reduced by 8.4% to 137,946 troy ounces from 150,596 troy ounces a year earlier, and 12% from 123,053 troy ounces in the first quarter.

BHP reported that its Escondida project in Chile was a driving force behind greater copper production, with the site delivering a 22% increase to achieve a ten-year production record.

This was primarily due to higher a concentrator feed grade as well as higher recoveries as mining work advanced into areas of higher-grade ore as planned by the company.

Chief Executive Office Mike Henry said: We made further progress on our growth pathways in future facing commodities. In January, we completed the formation of Vicuna Corpwith Lundin Mining to advance the Filo del Sol and Josemaria projects in Argentina, which we consider to be one of the most significant global copper discoveries in decades. In Canada, our Jansen Stage 1 potash project is now 63% complete, with first production scheduled for late 2026, and we continue to execute Stage 2 in parallel.

"In Brazil, Samarco [SA], BHP Brasil and Vale [SA] signed a comprehensive settlement agreement with the Brazilian government and public authorities for the Samarco Fundao dam failure, reflecting BHP Brasil’s commitment to support the people, communities and environment affected by the tragedy."

BHP has revised guidance for its Copper South Australia operations due to a weather-related power outage, lowering it to a range between 300,000 to 325,000 tonnes from 310,000 to 340,000 tonnes previously.

The outage is expected to have a USD150 million half year impact on BHP's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. Meanwhile, a USD300 million impact is also expected from WA Nickel following a period of temporary suspension.

All other guidance remains unchanged with the company stating it is on track to deliver production in the upper half of its financial 2025 range at WAIO, BMA and NSWEC.

"We are well positioned to continue strong momentum into the second half with a number of assets now expected to deliver production in the upper half of their respective ranges, while maintaining tight cost control. BHP is in good shape and we have a clear pathway for growth," CEO Mike Henry added.

BHP shares closed 1.1% higher at 2,086.00 pence each in London on Monday. Shares were up 1.6% at AUD40.88 in Sydney on Tuesday morning.

By Elijah Dale, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
BHP Group Ltd 2,086.00 GBX 1.07
BHP Group Ltd 40.61 AUD 0.92

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